Everyone loves to save a dollar but sometimes, the savings does not outweigh the risk. That’s why you should probably leave your paver patio installation to the experts.
We get it, you’ve seen all of the Do-It-Yourself shows and they make it look so easy! Why should you pay someone to do what you definitely can do yourself? Well, those are experts that have had lots and lots of training in order to make it look easy. Also, they’re cramming a lot into a 30 minute (or maybe an hour) long segment so why would they show the intensive labor portion? BORING. Time is so very valuable and the last thing we’d want to see anyone do is waste it. Not to mention the money that you think you’ll be saving could also be spent and then some on repairs from your DIY. Your project could end in damage to your property or, even worse, an injury to yourself. Still think you’re up for it? That’s totally fine! Just read on for some of the common complications encountered and mistakes made by the common person when doing a paver patio installation.
Don’t let this be your paver patio! Leave your installation to the experts!
You Don’t Have a Patio without a Base:
Without the proper base, you have no patio. We so often talk to people that encounter weeds and grass growing through their patio space. This won’t happen with the proper compacted base and the proper material used. That’s a common misconception when you say a paver patio because there are so many botched jobs throughout the country. That’s why we have ICPI certified installers that know how to properly install base. Sorry in advance for getting this stuck in your head, I can’t resist, it’s “all about that base, about that base, no treble”. Seriously though, your project is doomed from the start without the proper base installation.
A properly installed patio can be enjoyed for years to come!
Don’t Say Nope to the Proper Slope:
When installing the base and then in turn your pavers, you have to make sure that you have the proper slope. You should also slope AWAY from your home or structure so that you don’t end up with a swimming pool in your living room or basement. This is huge. In addition to the proper sloping, you need to account for the drainage by installing drains when needed (they aren’t always necessary). You also have to keep in mind the grade of the rest of the yard or landscaping beds and make sure that you’re not going to have a huge puddle of water somewhere in your yard. You might also have a need for proper permits and be within regulations for not affecting storm water management. As a professional landscaping company, we have to deal with the bigger picture all the time and truly understand all of the facets it takes to install a paver patio or other hardscape project. We have learned from experience and education and know what to do and what not to do.
Low maintenance and beautiful, you just can’t beat a properly installed patio!
Cheap Materials Aren’t so Cheap:
You may think you’re getting a great deal but they will probably end up costing you in the long run. There’s a reason that professional landscapers use materials such as Belgard, they have been tested again and again in all types of settings, both residential and commercial. They have been used again and again without issue. Using an inferior product will leave you more of a headache in the long run and will probably end up costing you more in repair costs.
There are so many options when it comes to patios, why not leave it to the professionals?
There is literature upon literature and class upon class that our installers take part in. There are times to hire an expert and times to do it yourself. If you still feel up to the challenge of installing your own paver patio, go for it, we wish you the best of luck. We just ask that, please, continue to do your research and make sure that you know what you’re up against before starting. If after reading this, you realize you need to find a local landscaping company that has experience in designing and installing paver patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, paver walkways, etc., we are here to help. We would be thrilled to hear more about your project so please don’t hesitate to contact us.
