Technical Aspects of a Paver Installation

SANTA ROSA — When installing a concrete paver driveway or patio, it’s easy to get preoccupied with the aesthetic design, but it’s also important to consider the technical aspects. After all, while thinking about soil compaction may not be as fun as choosing colors, it’s crucial to the installation’s long-term integrity. Here are a few technical aspects to consider:

Soil
Determine what type of soil you’re working with and what level of compaction is needed.

Base rock

Determine how much base rock is needed to provide an adequate foundation for your installation.
Drainage

Make sure your installation is properly graded to avoid drainage issues. Also, determine whether you should install permeable or non-permeable pavers.
Retaining edges

Paver installations often require retaining edges to keep gravel, wood chips and dirt along the perimeter from spilling over onto the paver surface.
Your contractor should be familiar with all of these aspects and help you determine the right choices for your installation. Remember, if these aspects aren’t handled correctly, the installation may look nice when your contractor leaves the jobsite, but it won’t be long until you start to notice deficiencies, so be sure to get it done right the first time.