After this exercise, I'd like to retract a statement I made during my presentation at the UNH Home Show "Installing an Interlocking Paver Patio the Right Way!” I stated it was my belief that approximately only 40% of all concrete paving stone (or natural stone for that matter) walkways and patios are installed correctly. This unofficial number was based on my travels and observations of installations by other contractors or homeowners at existing and potential clients.
After my trip through this waterfront neighborhood today I would like to adjust that number to a modest 1%-2%. No. I’m not kidding. Now, I've known for quite some time that there are a lot of bad paver installations out there. But to walk from door to door today and come across a failing walkway at nearly EVERY SINGLE HOME, even I was astounded. What astounds me even more is the number of homeowners that are willing to accept this level of workmanship.
What was so bad about these installations? Where would you like me to start? I’m quite sure I saw at least one example of every taboo paver sin known to man. Not to mention a few new design disasters I haven’t seen before. I wish I had snapped pictures as I went from door to door, but first of all I thought it to be a bit rude, not to mention the memory stick in my camera likely would have filled up before I made it through the neighborhood.
I’m not going to go on and on with this blog post, but if you are giving any thought to a paver walkway, patio or driveway (or any hardscape installation for that matter), consider these few pointers:
Paver walkways are a system. They consist of an aggregate base, a bedding layer, the pavers, the edge restraint, and joint sand. Each and every component of the system needs to be installed correctly and to certain specification for the system to last. It requires special knowledge and special equipment to be performed correctly. A properly installed paver walkway should last for decades.
ANYONE can come to your yard and install a paver walkway, but not everyone can or will do it right. In NH, no licensing or training is required. As a consumer, you must do your homework and make sure you are hiring a reputable and competent contractor. There are far more contractors without the proper knowledge.
You will not save money by hiring the cheapest contractor. Period. Based on some of the prices that I see being offered, it is impossible to build a paver system that will last as it should. And when it comes time to rebuild it, it is not going to be cheaper because you already have the pavers. It is going to cost more, because now we have to pick those pavers up.
Insist on a minimum 5 year warranty and insist that your contractor provide you with complete specifications on how it will be built. Make sure you understand these specifications and make sure that they are correct.
If you want to know more about how these systems should be built, feel free to call me or email me. I’m always happy to talk hardscape and provide advice.
If you don’t follow these suggestions, well then….. watch YOUR step. It might be your front walkway you’re tripping over next spring.
