Its that time of year again & outdoor projects become our main focus for a while. The weather finally allows us out of the house & turns us out into a growing, breathing empty canvas. As with any other project, our excitement & expectations sometimes lead us to start a project without having all the information we need to make the finish product a success. At Stovers Liquidation, we are offering a 15% OFF ALL IN-STOCK LANDSCAPING STONES throughout the month of April & that means you will save a lot of money. We pride ourselves on being a resource for our customers, so we want to provide you with a Patio Paver Education before you shop & before you start. Here is what you need to know!

1. Reasonable Cost, Limited Maintenance

A patio can be created with many materials, but it’s hard to beat one made from concrete pavers for ease of installation and low maintenance. The initial cost may be higher than other options, but you’ll save in the long run by not having to stain or seal it continuously. Plus, modular repairs are easier, one paver at a time.

2. Dig Deep & Make a solid Starting Base For Best Results

Before you prep your patio area, call your local utilities or 811 to have any plumbing, cable or electrical lines marked. Then dig down below the root level of vegetation in the area, a good six inches or so. For dry soil, try watering the area the night before you plan to dig to dampen and soften the area for easier digging.

3. Start Out & Stay Weed Free

Use landscaping cloth to create a barrier between the old soil and the new base of sand you’ll be using. Avoiding this common mistake will minimize the efforts of weeds and other unwanted vegetation to encroach upon your patio from underneath. Calculate the square footage of your patio space by multiplying the length by the width and add 10 percent.

4. Create a Solid Base

Pack in the paver base and/or sand using a tamper. You need a solid, level and smooth base upon which to lay pavers. This can make or break the entire installation, especially with Retaining Wall Block. Remember to repack each subsequent layer of material.

5. Plan For Drainage & Slope Properly

While it’s important to have a level patio, you need to make sure it does slope away from your home’s foundation and toward an area that can either handle additional moisture or is an existing drainage area. Plan for a quarter inch drop in elevation for every two feet of distance. Absolute necessity!!!

6. Keep A Tight Edge with an edge retainer.

Movement contributes to many of the most common problems with a paver installation. To help minimize the effect of movement of your pavers, be sure to plan for a good solid edge by using additional pavers, a solid cement lip, or metal or vinyl edging. In addition to stability, this will also help minimize creeping weeds.

7. Use the natural color variation to your advantage.

You’ll run into slight to heavy color variations in your pavers, just like you would with different lots of natural wood flooring or tile. Blend varying piles of stones or bricks together to create a natural look, so you’ll avoid a patchwork or blotchy appearance.

8. Take The Time To Make Nice Cuts For A Perfect Fit

If you create any sort of pattern with your pavers, you’ll need to cut some of the stones or bricks at some point. You can use a cold chisel to do this, or you can save your hands and rent a wet saw from your local home center.

9. Use A Sand Filler In The Cracks

Set your pavers in place by applying a layer of sand over and between them until the cracks are completely full. This will help keep them set in place, minimize weeds and allow for drainage. Over time yellow masonry sand will harden to concrete consistency. This material can be found at your local stone yard very inexpensively by the scoop if you have the means to haul it home.

10. Keep Pavers On Hand For Replacements & Breakage. Buy A Little Extra

Keep a few extra stones or bricks on hand to make repairs easier (you never know when your particular paver may be discontinued). Broken pavers can be removed by prying them out with a couple of screwdrivers or a thin pry bar. If the paver needs to be cut to fit, be sure to cut it slightly smaller than the length of the opening to allow for sand to be repacked around it.