If you're thinking of renovating your patio, paver stones are the perfect choice. However, you do need to consider carefully how you are going to approach this job in order to come up with a perfect result at the minimal amount of hassle. What do you need to consider?
Saving in Maintenance
Firstly, consider the flexibility. You can create a patio using a variety of different materials but if you're really looking for a low maintenance option and a fairly easy way to achieve your desired result, pavers take some beating. You may expect to invest a little bit more than some of the other options such as a gravel bed, for example, but you save in maintenance. For example, you won't have to seal or stain pavers continuously like you may have with some other hard surfaces. You'll find it easier to conduct repairs as well, with one paver at a time.
How to Prepare
Ensure that you dig down far enough when you are preparing the area in order to get the best result. Go down below the root level of the grass or vegetation in the area. You may find it advantageous to dampen this surface the night before you start in order to make the digging easier.
Keep the Weeds out
Next, put down a landscaping cloth in order to keep weeds at bay.
Solid Base
Once you've laid the sand on top of the landscaping cloth, you will need a compacting machine to ensure that it is solid and consistent. This base must be as flat as possible before you start to lay the pavers. Compact each layer of sand or base that you put down, before you put another layer on top of it.
Allow for Drainage
Don't make the mistake of thinking that your patio must be completely level and flat. You have to allow for natural drainage, so ensure that your patio is sloping slightly away from the foundation of your home. Determine the natural drainage area around your property and lay down the pavers with that in mind.
Edging for Stability
You have to have a solid edge around your paving project in order to ensure stability over time. You should use metal, or even create a solid cement edge in order to contain everything. In addition, this edging will help to deter any weeds from creeping in from the adjacent area.
Setting
Once you have laid the pavers you will need to pack in the cracks in between. Put as many layers of sand on top as you need to and leave this in place until the pavers have set properly.
Plan for the Future
Finally, don't forget to keep extra pavers in your garden shed so that it will be relatively easy for you to make repairs using that particular style and type of paver. Don't rely on them being available commercially as and when you may need to buy some more in the future. If you do come across a broken paver it is fairly easy to pry out using a thin bar.
