Gardenscape changed to Paver Patio

Interlocking Pavers show versatility

Recently I was hired to modify an existing brick paver Gardenscape into a fully functional Pavers Patio in Saline. This interlocking paver gardenscape design was very creative but really not functional for entertaining or casual use. This wheel & spoke design with a small inner hub did not allow enough room to be functional or allow for patio furniture. Properly designed paver patio projects will not only give years of beauty but ease of use .

I suggested that we remove the existing periwinkle ground cover and fill in the quarter circles with additional paving stones. I also suggested we use a different shape & color paving stone to achieve "paver quilting" design. Paver quilting is an brick paver industry term for mixing paving stone textures, shapes, colors, and laying patterns to achieve a quilt like design.  I also suggested we lay them in an opposite direction so they would stand out and give some additional contrast.

I also suggested we remove the center brick paver wheel & spoke design and install a fully functional Firepit made from Fendt's Fire Block kit.  These brick paver patio modifications will create a large back yard patio that will give years of enjoyment for entertaining, sun bathing, and roasting marshmallows! The homeowner wanted to have a large patio table & umbrella, multiple patio chairs, and loungers.

This brick paver project took 2 days to complete and the end result was spectacular. The beauty of interlocking pavers is that the homeowner could use their new paver patio and firepit immediately. Brick pavers do not require any dry setting so they become fully functional upon completion. That very evening our customer entertained guests and had  an attractive fire that all enjoyed making smores. This paver project serves as another brick paver installation that meets the needs of the customer! Always keep in mind that brick pavers allow for easy modifications to meet your ever changing needs or wants. Adding on or relaying pavers is one of the many advantages that interlocking pavers offer.

Brick Paver Repairs for Spring

Brick Pavers

In the Midwest, the ground is beginning to freeze and Brick Paver Repairs will have to wait until Spring. I have put away my tools and will concentrate now on marketing my brick paver repair services for the Ann Arbor area. I will also spend my time analyzing the reasons for brick paver repairs and the best solutions for avoiding future repairs costs to clients. Not only at my own home, but at other clients paver installations I will observe the effects of winter freeze thaw cycles and erosion from Spring rains. This physical feedback will allow me to recommend brick paver and modular retaining wall design and installation techniques that will reduce the need for repairs.

After 28 years of designing, installing, repairing, and cleaning & sealing, interlocking brick pavers and modular retaining wall systems, I am always learning new ideas, products, and techniques that will improve the performance of brick paver patios, sidewalks, and driveways. I have spent over 2/3rds of my life in the brick paver industry and I am always challenged by the improving products and paver installation techniques. Only historical performance of paving stones and landscape blocks can be used to set the standards for brick paver design & paver installation methods.

I will continue my posts on the Steps of Installing Brick Pavers in the coming months. The next post will be on the "Bedding Course & Screeding" step of installing brick pavers. Think Spring! and I will post soon after the holidays!

Brick Pavers Installation : Step 3 Base Material Installation

After you properly prep & excavate for your brick paver installation or paver patio, the next step is to properly install base materials to insure long term success of your interlocking brick paver project.
In Michigan, you should use a gravel base that is compacted in lifts of no more than 4" thick to insure proper density. We have always compacted the subsoil (dirt) with a plate compacter or hand tamper prior to installing the paver base. We also like to take the extra step of installing a geotextile fabric material between the subsoil & gravel base material as a seperator. This will insure that during freeze thaw cycles, the gravel paver base will not be compromised over the years from the "churning" action of frost. This way your paver base will not be "polluted" from dirt below, thus allowing for proper drainage under your brick pavers.
Always rake out your paver base material close to the final contour of your finished brick pavers before compacting. Make sure your finished grade of paver base slopes away from your house or follows closely the same pitches you want to achieve with your pavers. The height of your paver gravel base should be approx. 3.5" below your desired brick paver height. This will allow for your 1" bedding course and the thickness of the brick paver. If your paver base material is really dry, wet it gently prior to compacting so that the fines (dust particles) will settle and bond during compaction.

Small or tight areas can be compacted with a plate hand tamper but for large areas like a paver patio or paver driveway, a gas powered plate compactor should be used. Rake out any humps or depressions and recompact before installing your bedding course (1" sand layer) over the top of the compacted gravel paver base. Keep in mind that your paver base is the foundation for your brick paver installation and the top (surface) will mimic the foundation (gravel base) over time.
Please consult with your local brick paver dealer or brick paver manufacturer in your area to advise on the proper or acceptable base materials to use in your interlocking brick paver installation. Proper drainage below your brick pavers will insure long-term success and functionality.