Remember the first time you bought something big without doing much research or fully understanding what you were getting yourself into? It could be your first used car, a tech gadget, or a pair of shoes that looked better online than in real life. You learned an important lesson with that purchase. When it comes to hiring a contractor to design and build you a paver patio, that same kind of rushed decision-making or price-based bias can turn into a costly lesson.

A paver patio isn’t just a backyard project. It’s a long-term investment into the look, feel, and value of your home. Whether you’re imagining summer dinners, weekend barbecues, or just a quiet morning coffee outside, the contractor you choose can make or break the experience.

So, let’s discuss how to do it correctly.

Paver Patios Are Systems

Paver patios operate as an ecosystem consisting of interdependent parts that work together to strengthen the integrity of the whole. Paver patios consist of the obvious – concrete pavers, edging, and polymeric sand for the jointing. However, there are things you don’t see, and those components are what make or break your patio or walkway. 

The base installation and drainage considerations (including pitch) – if those aren’t accurate, your patio won’t last long. It’s possible that the pavers could shift, sink, or allow water to pool, potentially directing it towards your house. These are only a few of the potential issues. The list of problems continues, and repairs are typically not inexpensive. That’s why choosing a contractor isn’t just about finding the best budget option, it’s about hiring someone who is proven to understand the entire system, not just the surface aesthetics.

 

The Basics of Paver Installations

You’d be surprised how many homeowners hire contractors without asking the questions that matter. Here’s a short list to keep in your back pocket:

It’s like dating. If they can’t prove to you they’re reliable, respectful, and experienced, it’s probably not the right fit.

 

Good Paver Contractors Talk About What’s Underneath the Surface

Sleek Tip: The best patio contractors won’t spend all their time discussing how pretty your patio will look. They’ll walk you through the excavation depth, how they compact the base, the materials used under the surface, and how they handle drainage. Honestly, that’s what keeps your investment from being destroyed after one bad winter or turning into a puddle after a few big rain storms. You don’t need to become an expert in patio engineering, but you want to hire someone who is.

 

Which Should I Choose: Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers

This one comes up frequently. Stamped concrete is cheaper upfront. Pavers are usually more expensive.

So what’s the difference?

Stamped concrete is akin to fast fashion. It catches your eye, looks good at first glance, and offers an affordable way to achieve a high-end look. However, over time, the quality becomes evident. The colors fade, cracks develop, and what once looked sharp starts to feel cheap and worn. This is especially true in climates with freeze-thaw cycles, such as the Warwick, NY area. Temperatures regularly reach freezing, which can be harsh on poured concrete applications.  

It’s not that it doesn’t serve a purpose. It just doesn’t age gracefully.

If you’re building something meant to last, it’s worth investing in materials that hold their value and appearance over time. Just like a well-made suit outlasts a trendy bargain, a quality patio or walkway should be built to last, not just for its current appeal.

Returning to the fashion analogy, pavers are akin to a pair of timeless, luxury cap-toe oxfords; they’ll never go out of style and are built to last. Pavers are also easier to repair if something does go wrong – you can easily lift, level, and re-sand the joints. By contrast, if concrete heaves and cracks, sure, you can grind and repair it, but it will never look seamless again. Another advantage of pavers is that if a paver (or an area of pavers) gets damaged or stained, you can easily replace the individual paver (s) instead of tearing out the entire installation. If the budget is tight, consider asking your contractor about options that utilize fewer pavers or simpler designs. You can get a great paver patio without burning a hole through your pocket.

 

A Good Portfolio Is Worth a Thousand Words

You don’t have to be a design expert to look at past work and notice the difference between “good enough” and “wow, that’s solid.” Scroll through a contractor’s project gallery or social media feed for a few minutes. Bonus points if they have before-and-after photos or if you can visit a past job in person. That’ll tell you more than any pitch ever could.

 

What Paver Reviews Won’t Tell You

Most people only read reviews. However, the gold lies in asking one or two genuine questions.

Like:

You’re not looking for fancy answers. You’re looking for someone thoughtful, prepared, and clear. If they rush through the conversation or avoid details, that’s a red flag.


The Bottom Line

There’s no need to overcomplicate it. Choosing a paver patio contractor comes down to three key factors: trust, clarity, and proof. You’re in good hands if they communicate well, answer your questions directly, and have a track record of quality work. And if something feels off, don’t ignore it. That gut feeling is often smarter than we give it credit for.

The new paver patio creates a stunning place for homeowners to lounge with drinks in hand. But months or years have passed, and the patio no longer looks as inviting as it initially did. Pesky weeds have sprouted, necessitating these five prevention tips to keep the pavers weed-free and beautiful.

Why do weeds grow between pavers?

Weeds are a nuisance, taking root in a variety of inhospitable conditions. All these plants require sunlight, water, air, and a suitable growing environment. Opportunistic weeds thrive in organic materials, such as those that may accumulate between pavers. As long as they receive sunlight and water, weeds flourish. Adaptable and persistent, weeds can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, including varying temperatures and light levels. Since they produce many seeds, weeds spread rapidly through wind and animal dispersal.

One HUGE misconception about weeds and pavers

A common misconception among paver patio owners and those considering installing pavers is that weeds grow up from beneath the pavers. In reality, when a patio is installed correctly, there are at least 5 inches of crushed gravel beneath the pavers, and sometimes even more, depending on the application (such as a driveway) or the local climate. In some regions, landscape fabric is also placed before the gravel for added protection.

The pavers themselves are set on top of this gravel, and the joints are filled with polymeric sand, which hardens to form a solid barrier. As a result, weeds have a very tough time growing up from below a properly installed patio.

Most often, when you see weeds on a patio, they’re growing from organic material such as leaves, grass, or debris that has collected on top of the sand between the pavers. The good news is that with some regular maintenance to keep your patio clear of debris, you can easily prevent weed growth in and around pavers. And if they’ve already appeared, a little extra effort can get rid of them. With that being said, how do we prevent weed growth BETWEEN pavers? There are two ways to prevent weed growth between pavers.

How can I prevent weed growth between pavers?

1. Clean Your Patio

This is especially true for newly installed pavers, allowing you to get ahead of weeds from the start. Give the pavers a soft pressure wash a couple of times a year. Pro-tip: A soft pressure wash will not remove polymeric sand. If you find yourself eliminating sand, you are likely using too much pressure. Washing your pavers is particularly important during the Fall season in colder climates, as fallen leaves are a major contributor to organic buildup in paver joints.

2. Seal Your Pavers

It is recommended that the sealer be applied to new installations or once existing weeds are removed from paver joints and the joints are refilled with polymeric sand. The task of sealing is best left to professionals with the proper equipment and skill to prevent the sealer from flaking, discoloring, or sealing in debris. Even with a sealer, debris can still accumulate over time; however, it can certainly serve as an additional layer of defense. Nevertheless, it does require reapplication every 2-3 years on average.

What should I do if my pavers already have weeds?

1. Install a new patio
Just kidding! This is totally and completely unnecessary. 

2. Give it a wash

Pressure washing isn’t just preventive, it can also be the cure to get your patio back in good health. Turbo nozzles are especially effective for cleaning pavers with significant organic buildup. Depending on the extent of the build-up and the age of the joint sand, you may want to pressure wash the joints to allow new polymeric sand to be applied, providing your patio with the best possible defense against weeds. This can be an extremely tedious and messy undertaking that some homeowners may not want to tackle themselves. For this reason, Sleek Scapes offers a paver restoration service that revitalizes old and overgrown pavers. 

3. Less Permanent Treatments (Proceed with Caution)

Both herbicides and weedicides are chemical solutions that deter weed growth at any stage of germination, such as pre- or post-emergence. The weedicides prevent new weeds from sprouting for up to one year. Pro-tip: Before spraying chemicals on your beautiful pavers, ensure the product is rated explicitly for pavers and test it in an inconspicuous area to check for any adverse effects (e.g., discoloration). Herbicides are available as non-selective, which means they kill any plant, including useful ones like grass. Contact-poison herbicides kill weeds immediately, so they should be used cautiously in residential areas. Systemic poison herbicides kill weeds gradually, dispersing from the root to the leaves, and are safe.

There are natural solutions as well. Diluting horticultural vinegar, which delivers a higher acetic acid content than household vinegar, with water can act as a natural herbicide. Spray on the weeds to burn and dehydrate them. Within two days, the weeds should perish. Again, test in a hidden area before you go and spray vinegar all over your patio.

Salt is another household staple that can be used to eliminate weeds. The granules work by dehydrating the weeds. Mix three parts salt with one part water. Apply the homemade solution to the existing weeds and repeat the process monthly until new weed growth stops.

Sprinkle baking soda, which also acts as a dehydrator, over the spaces between the brick pavers. Sweep in the baking soda, which draws out the moisture from the weeds’ cells, causing them to dry up. Baking soda is especially effective for the cracks between the brick pavers.

Boiling water, another natural weed deterrent, kills the plants on contact. It’s a safe and accessible route to eliminate weeds without harming other plants. This solution is most effective on young weeds, however. However, it can be used in tight spaces, such as between pavers.

At Sleek Scapes, we offer comprehensive preventive maintenance and restoration services. We provide ongoing pressure wash services as well as the aforementioned restoration services, which include pressure washing, lifting and leveling sunken pavers, and installing new edging and polymeric sand.

If you’re planning to build a new patio, we’ll work with you to design the patio you’ve envisioned. Our expert contractors then undertake the professional installation. We offer a wide range of paver options in various sizes, shapes, and textures to meet your aesthetic needs.

Call us today to discuss your patio installation or maintenance needs in Warwick, NY.

 

 

Old pavers can be frustrating to look at and embarrassing, especially when your friends are over for that summer BBQ. If you’ve ever thought, “I paid good money for this patio; why do they look so worn?” You’re not alone. There are a variety of reasons why they dont look their best. We have discussed the most common issues people have seen with their paver patios. However, the most common solution to paver issues is to have them restored to their former glory. But what is paver restoration, and what does it entail? 

What is Paver Restoration?

Paver restoration is the multi-step process to rejuvenate, restore, and protect damaged pavers used in outdoor spaces such as patios, driveways, entryways, walkways, and pool decks. Weather, frequent usage, and poor installments can lead to pavers fading, cracking, shifting, or sinking. Restoration aims to restore their appearance as well as their structural integrity. Paver Restoration usually involves stripping off the old sealer, deep cleaning the surface, repairing any problem areas, and sealing it properly.

Should I Repair or Restore My Pavers?

First, you’ll have to evaluate the severity of your paver issues. Below is a list of problems that call for either a replacement or restoration.
  • Shifted, sinking, loose, or protruding pavers
  • Weeds growing between pavers
  • Crumbled, cracked, or chipped pavers
  • Pavers with faded coloring
  • Significant gaps between pavers
  • Uneven areas of paver installation
  • Missing joint sand (empty gaps between pavers)
  • Stains and discoloration
  • Water pooling in joints
  • Weed or grass growth between joints
  • Mold or algae growth (green, black, or slippery surface)
  • Efflorescence (white powdery substance on paver surface)
Power washing and resealing are all that’s needed in many cases. Power washing is effective in removing weeds and debris in between the pavers, while resealing helps restore any faded color. However, cracked, crumbled, or sunken pavers may signal that it’s time for a restoration project. A properly installed paver patio can last for decades, only requiring basic maintenance. However, improper installation, excessive weather conditions, flooding, or water erosion can cause your paver surface to deform in a number of ways. Restoration is oftentimes the best solution since replacing individual pavers or repairing subsurface damage can be costly and ineffective at addressing root problems. That’s why it’s important to have a professional inspect your paver patio to determine whether repair or restoration is needed. Additionally, spot releveling isn’t recommended since unleveled pavers are an indication of issues affecting the entire installation. 

What Does The Process of Restoring Pavers Look Like?

Paver restoration can be broken down into the steps below.
  1. Inspection: The process starts with a thorough inspection of your pavers to identify any damaged or loose pavers, which are then repaired or replaced as needed. 
  2. Cleaning and Clearing: We start by cleaning the pavers with a pressure washer within a suitable PSI range (typically between 1,500 to 3,000 PSI) once the examination is complete and restoration is needed. This cleaning removes dirt, grime, and other debris without damaging the surface of your pavers. Some pavers may be made out of sensitive materials like natural stone. With natural stone, a gentler approach using mild detergents may be necessary. Tougher stains are scrubbed. 
  3. Repairs and Re-sanding: The repairs needed depend upon the unique damage that needs to be repaired. Repairs could include repairing cracked pavers, repairing the base layer, replacing the actual pavers, ensuring proper compaction and sand, or adding polymeric sand. These are only a few of the most common repairs we’ve seen over the years. Any old coatings are removed to ensure a clean surface for new treatments with cleaning. 
  4. Apply Sealer: After re-sanding, the last step is to apply a high-quality, breathable paver sealer to enhance the appearance of your pavers, protect them from future damage, and extend their life. 
Throughout the process, we pay close attention to safety, follow manufacturer guidelines, and allow adequate time for each stage to ensure a successful restoration. If your pavers are looking rough, don’t assume they need to be replaced. More often than not, they dont need to be replaced. They need the right attention from someone who understands what went wrong and how to fix it. Ask questions. Ask who’s done their sealing. Ask about the sealer itself. If someone’s charging half of what everyone else is, there’s usually a reason, and it’s not because they’re just “more affordable.” It’s often because corners are being cut. Paver restoration isn’t about making things look new for a week. It’s about fixing a problem properly so you don’t have to deal with it again in six months.