Expert Hardscape Contractors Explain Paver Installation
If you’re looking for an easy way to add some hardscape to your property, pavers might be the perfect solution for you. Pavers come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. They are a great choice for patios, walkways, driveways, and more. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the hardscape installation process for pavers and provide some tips on how to prepare the ground beforehand.
paver walkway
What are Pavers?
Pavers are a hardscape material that is made up of concrete and poured in many shapes and sizes. Pavers are designed to fit together snugly, which helps to keep weeds from growing in between them. Pavers can also be textured, which provides slip resistance around pools or on hardscape structures that see a lot of rain, like a walkway in Nashville, Tennessee.
While more expensive than installing a concrete pad, there are a lot of advantages to paver installation. For one thing, there are many different varieties and brands of pavers available. The pavers come in many colors, shapes, and sizes, which allow you to create unique hardscape designs. You can also find special graded pavers specifically designed for high-traffic areas such as driveways or commercial walkways.
Paver Uses
The installation process will look a little different depending on the type of hardscape you plan on building with pavers. Here are some common uses for concrete pavers in residential landscaping.
Paver uses
Patios
If you’re considering installing a patio, concrete pavers are a fantastic option for bringing functionality and design to your patio. You may use pavers to create the ideal outdoor space for your house in a variety of ways. Some could include a mixture of different style pavers to outline different areas in your outdoor living space or to simply add a border or more color to a design.
Walkways
While concrete may be the more traditional choice for walkways, pavers have a number of advantages. For one, pavers are much easier to install than concrete. In addition, pavers do not crack, as concrete often does, and can be reset if settling occurs, meaning your walkway will last longer.
Driveways
If you’re looking for a hardscape installation that will hold up under the weight of a truck without cracking, look no further than driveway-grade pavers. These products are made to last and can withstand even the heaviest traffic. Permeable pavers can be an eco-friendly choice since it allows rainwater to flow through the joints of the pavers. This helps water to dissipate through the gravel cavity and prevents excessive runoff and erosion caused by most hardscape installations. Not only will your driveway look great, but you’ll also be doing your part to help the environment.
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Paver Installation Tips
paver installation tips
Plan Ahead
In the state of Tennessee, it is a legal requirement to inform the state of your intentions to excavate before breaking ground so they can check to ensure no wires, pipes, or other underground systems could be damaged. You can do this by calling 811 and explaining your intentions a few days before you begin so the right people have enough time to make sure there’s nothing at risk in the area.
If you live in an area with a homeowner’s association (HOA), you may need to check with it before breaking ground as well. Some HOAs have rules about excavation and require you to get approval before beginning. Let your homeowner’s association know about your plans and the visual appeal it will add to your property — and the neighborhood as a whole — to encourage them to approve.
Prepare the Ground
First, excavate the area where the patio, walkway, or driveway will be installed. Next, mark the perimeter of the excavation with string or stakes so you know where to build the foundation.
For walkways and driveways, create a 3% grade so there’s a gradual slope for water to slide down. This will help with drainage and prevent standing water on your new paver surface. After excavation (and grading for walkways and driveways) you’ll need to lay a compact gravel bed.
Depending on what type of pavers and installation design you choose, you may need to install the pavers at an angle rather than in line with the edges of the excavated area. For more detailed installation instructions, you can consult the brand of paver used and request an installation guide.
Allow for Extra Time
Hardscape installation is a tricky business and one that requires a lot of time, patience, and precision. If you’re planning on installing a hardscape for the first time, make sure you allow for extra time to get the job done right. The last thing you want is for your hardscape installation to be faulty and cause you problems down the road because you hurried to get it done before an event at your home.
If you’d rather get it done faster and with little to no risk of having to redo anything done incorrectly, consider hiring a professional hardscape contractor who has experience installing pavers. They’ll be able to get the job done quickly and efficiently so you can enjoy your new hardscape as soon as possible and then for years to come.
Get Paver Installation Help From Experienced Hardscape Contractors
If you’re looking to install pavers on your property, hiring a professional contractor is the best way to ensure the job gets done quickly and efficiently. Our team of Nashville-based hardscape contractors are experts in installing pavers, so you can be sure that the project will be completed with high-quality standards. Contact us today to take the first step toward the hardscape feature(s) you want in your yard.
