Paver Patios and Walkways
Creative By Design is a Nanaimo paver patio contractor specializing in custom paver patio installation, walkways and paver driveway. With over 20 years of specialized hardscaping experience, we focus on proper base preparation and durable construction methods.
20+ years of installing upscale, quality paver patios, walkways and driveway, and we have never had to go back and do a repair!!
Careful grading and base prep is the key to one of our long lasting paver patio’s. To achieve a practical paver patio that is built to last, here are the simple steps we follow, to provide you with a surface that will last you 10 to 30 years. In the last 2 decades, we have made it our mission to become your local trusted residential paving contractor around Nanaimo and its communities.
STEP 1: Excavate the patio area to an adequate depth, to allow for at least 4″ compacted road base, approximately 1″ of sand and the thickness of the pavers (typically 2 3/8″). If you are working on less stable ground then more base may be required for your patio, and especially if you are building paver driveway. Nanaimo terrain can often make work difficult and a good base is crucial especially with the amount of rain we have
STEP 2: Our team will then spread out crushed road base and compact in layers for optimum strength, while paying attention to the correct grade for drainage. Any hardscape should have a gradual slope away from your home, generally dropping approximately 1/8″ per foot. Pedestrain Walkways typically require a minimum compacted base of 4 inches, while a driveway which is holding more weight, require a minimum base depth of 10″ to support vehicles.
All paver contractors throughout Nanaimo will have a slightly different technique, but these general details should always be a standard.
STEP 3: After the base is prepared, spread 1″ of masonry sand. Screed/level sand with metal rails and lay the pavers in the desired pattern, then we use a wet saw to make the cuts on any curves or gaps. This can be a time consuming task.
STEP 4: The pavers will then be compacted before joint sand is spread and swept into the cracks of the pavers, then compacting one final time. A light mist is applied to the pavers if using polymeric sand.
STEP 5: Concrete edge on the perimeter to keep the pavers in place, the edging can then be covered up with soil, enabling grass or gardens to be right next to the pavers.
