Brick Pavers and Steps Create Usable Space

Interlocking Pavers & Modular Retaining Wall Steps improve Landscape

Unsightly areas of your Landscape can be transformed to a beautiful & functional space. This client in Ypsilanti had a unsavory area that grass would not grow. They needed access to their garage side door and as you can see, their existing RR Tie Steps had deteriorated and where unsafe. The client contacted us for an economical & appealing solution to the problem.

We designed this space using Fendt Holland Paver laid in a simple basket weave pattern and framed with a soldier course row of pavers. The client wanted a "traditional" laying pattern and for them, the herringbone pattern was a bit too busy. Though I am an advocate of selecting a blended color, this client wanted a solid "Copper" color of paving stones that matched the clay pavers in the front walkway.

The Steps leading into the garage side door where replaced using Fendt Country Manor wall & cap system. Steps are the biggest challenge for brick paver contractors and nothing can replace experience & knowledge.  Often the cost of constructing Paver Steps is more because of the due diligence and time required to construct them properly. Steps are the biggest failure of inexperienced landscape contractors.

I often receive calls from potential clients who "can not grow grass" in a area and want to have brick pavers installed.  Unless you are going to functionally use this newly created paver patio or walkway area, it does not make financial sense to use brick pavers.  Mulch or creating a landscape bed would be a more reasonable economical solution.  Using a simple "Cost / Benefit" analysis should be considered before selecting paving stones for unsightly & un-kept spaces in your yard.

Brick Paver Raised Patio Restored in Canton

Paver Patio Walls and Paving Stones repaired & cleaned for new life!

After 15 years, this Raised Brick Paver Patio in Canton was in much need of restoration. The homeowner was not the original owner but the need for using their paver patio became a priority when they began to work out of their home.  With some aggressive repair techniques & surface cleaning of the wall blocks, caps, and paving stones, my crew and I where able to renew this homeowner's passion for morning breakfast on the patio.

In so many reconstructions of raised paver patios, the wall blocks & caps needed stretches rebuilt to retain the pavers properly.  The wall caps were removed, cleaned of glue & dirt, and re-adhered after we completely re-leveled the wall blocks that had dipped and leaned out. 

We removed all the paving stones, removed any contaminated base, re-compacted the existing base material, and added additional base as needed.  We relaid the pavers in the same herringbone pattern and then power wash cleaned them.  We finished as always by sweeping in paver joint sand, compacting, and then sweeping again.

The new homeowners were amazed by the transformation.  They had just avoided using this raised paver patio for the last couple of years due to its state of distress.  Embarrassed to have family or friends over, it was time for them to take action.
There is no reason to be discouraged, embarrassed, or scared to use your brick paver patio.  There is no reason you can't enjoy morning coffee on a pristine pavers patio that can be newly restored.

Raised Pavers Patio Reconstructed

Elevated Brick Pavers Patio is Restored, Redesigned, and Upgraded from ground up to its original beauty

Recently in Ann Arbor, my crew and I were confronted with a collapsed & dilapidated Raised Paver Patio that was installed by a landscape contractor 8 years ago. The quality of work & design was inferior and poorly executed.  This multi-level pavers patio became unusable & unsafe to use, and unsightly to look at. This homeowner desperately needed help and we were here to help.
                                                    Here are some BEFORE pics:

 We started by totally tearing down this raised paver patio to the ground, removing & disposing of the paving stones & wall caps. The modular retaining walls blocks were in perfect structural condition and just needed to be power wash cleaned and reused for the patio walls. Any contaminated base was removed and additional base material was added as needed.
                                      Here are some TEAR DOWN pics

 

During this brick paver patio reconstruction, the homeowner took advantage of the opportunity to redesign the overall layout.  I recommended we make the raised patio all one level to increase the usable & functional space. We bumped the patio walls out and softened the sharp curves that served no purpose.  We created a functional landing & paver step out the doorwall and installed a curved paver step off the patio to the yard.

The homeowner also wanted to replace the original paving stones with a tighter fitting paver. I recommended a Holland paver laid in a herringbone pattern and bordered with a soldier course row. It is always a good idea to lay a full paving stone behind wall caps and not small cut pieces.  I then recommended we replace the old weathered wall caps so the total surface of this raised paver patio would be new.

                                 Here are some RECONSTRUCTION pics

Design & compaction are the biggest keys to a successful raised paver patio performance.  Constructing strong bonds, installing geo-textile blankets, and filling gaps tight will help insure long-term success.  By installing level walls & caps, performing quality cuts, and paying attention to detail, this brick paver raised patio turned out spectacular.  Our homeowner was so thankful and their Summer enjoyment began as soon as we packed up the trucks and left. 

                                 Here are some FINISHED PAVER PATIO pics

Brick Paver Walkway Restored in Ann Arbor

Even after 15 years of neglect, Brick Pavers Walkway looks like new again!

When I first approached this brick paver walkway in Ann Arbor, I knew my team and I could bring it back to life.  The homeowner believed she had to replace the paving stones with a new paver. I assured her that I could make her walkway look new again!  She trusted my recommendations and we began the transformation.

We started by lifting up the entire Holland paver walk since it had dips, gaps, and uneven lines throughout the entire length. We cleaned off the top layer of base that had been contaminated with soils & silt and re-compacted the rest with a plate compactor. We added new additional base as needed and began re-installing this paver walkway in like size, dimensions, and shape.

Upon completing the re-installation of paving stones, we replaced the old PVC edge restraint that had severely lifted with a hidden cement bead. We cleaned the surface of the paving stones with a power washer & mild general cleaner. After this paver walkway was dry enough, we swept in paver joint sand, compacted with a plate compactor, and then finished with another sweeping of paver joint sand.

A couple days later after everything was dry, we touched up the paver joints with sand, blew off all excess with a blower, and then applied an approved brick paver sealant. We instructed the homeowner to block off and stay off the paver walkway for at least 24 hours and then enjoy! This once eye sore has now brightened the view & curb appeal of this home.


 The results were dramatic and this homeowner saved over $1,000 by not replacing the paving stones. Not all cases of paver restorations will get the same results, but the majority of our projects do.  It takes time, experience, and detailed knowledge to get this type of repair, cleaning, and sealing results. It is usually best to let your brick paver specialist perform these services for your brick paver patio, walkway, driveway, and more.

Paver Patio Steps Repair in Belleville

Raised Paver Patio Steps needed to be reconstructed to be functional & safe to use

My team and I reconstructed some poorly designed & executed Paver Patio Steps leading into this bay doorwall this past week.  An inexperienced landscape contractor originally installed these paver steps so poorly, they had almost completely collapsed. Not only where these paver steps unsightly, but became dangerously unsafe to use. This has been an ongoing issue in the brick paver industry for over 25 years.

When it comes to bay (overhang) doorwalls, Paver Steps need a "back wall" constructed with the same blocks & caps to support the structure.  For many years now, unqualified & inexperienced contractors attempt to "box in" the bay doorwall overhang.  This is a recipe for failure. It is not only impossible to properly compact the base under this "overhang", it is not advised to close in this area from airflow. There can be long term problems with flooring inside the house that is directly above this overhang due to moisture & rotting wood.

Landscapers & inexperienced brick paver contractors usually do not have the expertise or knowledge to tackle these challenges.  Some will be reading this blog to finally gain some insight. Last week alone I had 2 calls from Landsapers who wanted to pay me for an on-sight visit to instruct them how to install some paver steps. Boy, if only their customers knew they hired someone who was "learning" on their job. 

This homeowner's paver steps not only where designed wrong, but the contractor used some cap units (not blocks) as riser units within the structure. Also, this modular retaining wall & cap system, Fendt Country Manor, requires fiberglass pins to lock them together. There were no pins any where throughout the structure. They just glued the block units together.

The biggest issue facing these block steps & caps was the collaspe under the bay doorwall which compromised the entire step system.  There was NO back wall to support these paver steps and therefore they were doomed to fail. It took 6 years before they were completely unusable, but signs of failure where evident to the homeowner after the first year.

When this landscape contractor returned for warranty work, they simply and wrongfully plugged gaps & holes with caulk and plastic bags!  Yes, they stuffed plastic bags in gaps & holes!  Due to the failure of this contractor performing professional work, this homeowner had to spend $1,150 to completely rebuild these Patio Paver Steps.

My team and I not only constructed the proper "back wall", but we used the required fiberglass pins for this wall & cap system, wrapped the interior with a geo-textile fabric, and installed the proper corner units to solidify this step structure.  We also increased the foot tread to 12" wide to allow for more safety by using a better cap unit then the previous installation.

The one area that separates the good brick paver contractors from the bad is the capability to design & install quality paver steps.  Paver steps are never really cheap because they require expertise, time, and attention to detail to give long-term success.  Paver Steps are always custom designed & installed.  Make sure your contractor can handle the challenge when it comes to patio, walkway, or porch steps.

Polymeric Sand....Oversold?

Being touted as the "savior" for Brick Pavers is not true

The marketing machine for Polymeric Sand for brick pavers is in full force. Homeowners are embracing  the use of polymeric sand as the savior of brick pavers. Though there are some very good benefits, Polymeric Sand is NOT going to eliminate or prevent the need for ongoing paver maintenance.

Back 25+ years ago, I was frustrated with the perception that unqualified contractors gave homeowners...."Brick Pavers are NO maintenance !".  This could not be further from the truth and I had to spend needless appointment time explaining the myths these contractors created.

Polymeric Sand touting is the new frustrating "myth" that I have to spend countless time explaining the benefits and limitations.  Just this past week, I was frustrated with a customer who repeatedly said she wanted polymeric sand in the paver joints ..."so her bricks will never move!".

If she wanted to greatly reduce the chance of weeds or grass growing in the paver joints, if she wanted to reduce the chance of tracking any joint sand into the house, if she wanted to reduce the amount of sand sweeping each Spring of the paver joints, if she wanted to greatly reduce the erosion of any base material from rains, snow, & ice, then Polymeric Sand is a viable solution. In cases of extreme slope or water run off requires the use of bonding sand or permeable pavers.

But to keep your brick pavers in place for all time to come, well you are greatly misinformed. If that were true, we would fill all our road cracks & potholes in Michigan with Polymeric Sand and you would have a smooth ride from Detroit to Sault St. Marie.

Polymeric Sand is definitely beneficial in reducing the negative aspects of paving stones but you need to weigh the cost & benefits of it's use. If you can spend a half hour each Spring sweeping paver joint sand into open joints of your patio & walk, then Polymeric Sand is not necessary. Keeping paver joints filled already reduces weed & grass growth, loose pavers, and erosion damage.

Polymeric Sand requires patience and in most cases should be installed by a qualified brick paver contractor. Done wrong or sloppy, polymeric sand repair or removal can become a costly & tedious experience. Once winter frost goes through your brick paver paito, walk, driveway, porch, etc.. you will still need to touch-up areas each Spring.

Brick Pavers Restored in Ann Arbor

Paver Patio, Steps, and Front Walk repair, cleaning, & sealing

If your brick paver patio, steps, or walk is in much need of attention, do not fret, a qualified brick paver contractor can restore them to their original beauty.  This past week my team and I had a challenging paver restoration project in Ann Arbor. Their paver patio was covered in mildew & moss. The front paver walk had alot of gapping & settling. The front walk steps where improperly installed and deteriorating. See this transformation!

Assessing the time & cost of restoring brick pavers can only come from years of experience.  I often work with customers that want to perform the cleaning process and that is fine. Repairs & sealing should be handled by the brick paver specialist to insure long term success & performance.


The pavers patio had never been cleaned or sanded since it was installed. Moss had taken over most of the paver joints and dirt & mildew diminished the color & texture of the paving stones.  By aggressively power washing & scrubbing with a general cleanser, we were able to prep this brick patio for a coat of paver sealant.  After we completed the sealing, this brick paver patio was anew & vibrant.

Look to the right here at the "before" and "after" pics to give you an idea of the magic that can be done to give you the confidence to have family and friends over again!

The front paver walk had several areas of settling and the soldier course row on both sides was gapping. Not only did the gaps present a tripping hazzard, the "opened wound" allows for erosion of the under base and breeds weeds & grass growth.  The paver repairs were performed first, the entire walk was cleaned & re-sanded, and then completed with an application of brick paver sealant. Repair of paving stones are not as easy as the original installation. Re-installing the pavers require attention to detail and foreseeing issues.  Often we find ourselves just relaying stretches of the paver installation because the frustration level will be greatly reduced.

The existing front walk paver steps were improperly installed by mortaring the paving stones together. After years of touch-up and frustrating repairs, the homeowner wanted another solution. In frost States like Michigan, mortared high density concrete pavers will NOT last long as steps. Our solution was to install a modular retaining wall block & cap system for the new steps. If there are any future need for repair, they can easily be repaired at a very low cost and no unsightly patched mortar.

If the brick pavers around your house have been neglected, it is not too late to restore & enhance the beauty and function they once served.  The cost is always determined by the severity of the neglect and the labor time it will take to restore.  The good news is we usually can reuse the paving stones and wall blocks & caps to keep the cost reasonable.  With a little tender loving care, you can avoid the high costs associated with extreme make overs.

TAKE A VIDEO TOUR BELOW OF THE FINISHED RESTORATION !

Raised Paver Patio is Restored after 17 Years

Multi-Level Brick Paver Patio in Canton restored back to original beauty and function!

After 17 years since being installed, this elevated or raised brick paver patio needed some immediate attention to restore the enjoyment the homeowner experienced for so many years.  Brick paver repair, cleaning, and sealing can restore outdoor living spaces like patios, walks, driveways, etc.. to their original beauty & function.

The homeowner admittedly ignored the need for repair, cleaning, and sealing of this raised paver patio for many years.  The result was added settling of the patio retaining walls and paving stones.  As dirt & silt , moss, weeds, and grass flourished due to the lack of paver joint sand & seasonal maintenance, this raised paver patio slowly deteriorated in structure & appearance.


My team and I began by completely removing all the paving stones from the top of the elevated paver patio.  The patio retaining walls areas that had settled were torn down and rebuilt using the same blocks & caps.  The existing base material was re-compacted and additional base was added as needed.

The most difficult task was to recreate the same layout of design in the pavings stones. This particular product, Unilock's Classico St Clair color has been discontinued, so we needed to pull up an area off the raised patio at ground level that did not serve any purpose.  In large brick paver projects that have a creative design, not all the little pieces fit exactly back together. So, additional matching or similar paving stones are needed to complete the restoration.

The homeowner also took advantage of a design change while we were reconstructing this pavers patio. There was a sunken 8ft X 8ft pad within the patio structure that allowed for a Hot Tub. The customer no longer had the Hot Tub and this area was not functional.  We reconfigured the patio walls & caps, filled the area with added base material, and installed the paving stones to the same height as the lower raised patio area.  This is the beauty & flexibility of what interlocking brick pavers and modular retaining walls allows.

After re-installing all the paving stones to the original design & layout, resetting some of the wall block & caps, and redesigning the Hot Tub area, the multi-level raised paver patio was given a general power wash cleaning and re-sanded.  Later this Summer or Fall we will return to apply a  brick paver sealant after we touch up the paver joints with additional joint sand as needed.


Upon completion, the homeowner was ecstatic!  The total cost for this restoration, not including sealing, was about $2,800.  It sounds like alot but over 17 years it is an average of $165. I explained to the homeowner that the extent & cost of these paver repairs could have been alot less or totally avoided if addressed early on.  The homeowner has guaranteed me they will NOT let their brick paver investment plummet again.

From my 28 years of brick paver experience, I believe the average maintenance cost over time is $75-$100/ year for paver patios that are properly maintained with Spring sanding of the joints. You can expect to have touch-up paver repairs done within 5 years that can cost you $350-$500.  If you let the patio walls & caps deteriorate, you can expect double or triple this average repair cost.

This raised or elevated brick paver patio was at an extreme state of despair. The biggest advantage of interlocking brick pavers, paver steps, & modular patio retaining wall block & caps is the cost advantage of long-term maintenance cost & appearance over wooden decks and stamped concrete.  This paver project is living proof it can be done!

Paver Patio Step & Soldier Course Repair in Canton

Common Elevated Brick Paver Patio Repairs

Elevated or raised paver patios in Canton usually require some touch-up repair to Steps and the soldier course row of pavers along the back of the Wall caps.  This job in Canton was no exception and our experienced & qualified crew was able to bring this elevated patio back to life!

The Paver Step was completely disassemble and rebuilt to its original height & dimensions. After 5 years of settling, this paver step became unsafe and unsightly. We were able to totally reconstruct this brick pavers step using the same blocks, caps, & paving stones.

The Elevated Patio needed a few minor repairs. There were some sunken areas along the house and most noticeably, the soldier course row of pavers immediately behind the wall caps had settled.  We removed about 2-3 rows of pavers behind the caps, re-compacted the base, added more base, reset the paving stones, compacted, and finished with joint sand.


The total cost of labor & materials was $900 and this paver patio repair had restored its original appearance and our client was ecstatic. The original pavers contractor did not educate this client about the need to sweep in paver joint sand each Spring and the need to report any major settling to avoid extensive added settling.

Our customer followed up with an email that evening ...

         Brick Doctor Bill,

Great Job!  Thanks for the quality work and staying in touch with me during the entire process.  I didn't have to call you once to ask what the status of my job was.  You gave me a time frame and contacted me as the date approached.  I can't tell you how refreshing it is to work with a company who understands customers just want to know what the status of their job is and don't want to be the one chasing down their contractor.  I will certainly recommend you to all me neighbors and will use you in the future.

Roger Runyan

 Good Brick Paver Contractors not only perform professional & quality brick paver installaitons & repair, they are honest, timely, and communicative. In times of uncertainty, it is important for homeowners to receive the "full" package of quality service & performance.

Elevated Patio Repair and New Extension in Canton

Many Elevated or Raised Pavers Patios in Canton need attention

This homeowner in Canton purchased this home a couple of years ago and inherited this elevated paver patio that needed immediate repairs. The paving stone surface and outside retaining wall & caps pitched back to the house, causing puddling and water in the basement.  The flexibility of interlocking pavers & modular retaining wall systems allow for the reuse of products to keep the overall repair cost affordable.

This raised paver patio had been in for over 10 years and it was obvious from the consistent settling that the original builders backfill along the foundation had settled.  Knowing the history of Canton through the building boom 10 years ago, I am sure this paver patio & landscaping was installed that Summer and the backfill was not allowed to go through a winter frost for proper settling.

While repair to the paver patio was going to be performed, the homeowner also wanted to expand the usable patio space to allow for a fire pit & sitting area.  After deliberating some options I supplied, the homeowner decided to save on the cost of us installing a block fire pit and use this cost to make the paver sitting area larger.  Today there are many creative & functional options for buying pre-made fire pits & chimineas.

We began by "shooting" the level of the brick patio with a transit so we could determine the exact spot where the brick pavers & walls and caps pitched back to the house.  We removed the pavers and wall blocks carefully, compacted the existing base materials, and added additional base so we could set the proper heights. Meeting 2 set points and making them appear natural is always a challenge with repair work.

The wall blocks & caps were installed first and feathered into the remaining walls and then the paving stones were reinstalled.  The sunken paver step at the doorwall was also re-installed for added safety and appearance.  We were able to achieve a positive pitch away from the house while giving the overall paver patio appearance its original natural look. The brick paver walk leading from the driveway to the patio needed some dips reset too.

After completing the patio repair, we then began the installation of the new fire pit sitting area. We located the same paving stones & colors at Fendt so we could best match the existing paver patio & walk.  The new fire pit sitting area will stand out from the new color but the layout facilitated this look.

The homeowner was ecstatic to regain the usable, functional, and beautiful appearance of their pavers patio while gaining some additional outdoor living space to enjoy a weekend fire & marshmallows. 

Interlocking pavers & modular retaining walls & caps are versatile and if serviced by an experienced brick paver contractor, it can be achieved at an affordable price.