Are you looking to improve your patio or walkway? Pavers are a great addition to your backyard; they’re aesthetically pleasing, help direct water away from your home’s foundation, and hold up against Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles when installed correctly.
Paver patio installation in Calgary can be tricky to manage on your own. Consider hiring a professional to avoid issues down the road.
Why Calgary Homeowners Choose Paver Patios
Paver patios are a great substitute for poured concrete, adding texture, colour, and personality to your outdoor space. Along with a great aesthetic, paver patios can be part of a renovation project or an individual plan for your backyard oasis.
Ultimately, Calgary homeowners choose interlocking paver patios over standard poured-in-place concrete or grass for durability, design flexibility, and eye-catching appeal.
Paver Patio Design Options
Patios with custom configurations (curved or attached to a walkway) can work well with the other yard features, including fire pits and nearby retaining walls, for a backyard oasis where you can entertain or enjoy solo time.
Pick a layout and pattern for your patio to create a unique look for your surroundings: contemporary rustic or tumbled textures with a wide array of colours and patterns to mix with your home’s architecture. Choose a herringbone pattern or a random layout for originality.
Pavers can also be used for walkways, front entrance steps, driveways, and pool decks on your property.
What to Consider Before Installation Begins
There are several things to decide on before installation begins. From colours and textures to materials and cost – here is a quick breakdown:
- Size and layout of your yard
- Drainage
- Installation costs
- Check grading for safety.
- How the patio connects to the rest of your yard
- Paver styles: interlocking, geometric, large
- Patterns: herringbone, basketweave, cobblestone, pinwheel
- Paver material: stone, concrete, aggregate. Choose a material that suits the foot traffic in your yard.
Installation Process
Each stage of the installation process is just as important as the material and design used for long-term use and safety of your residential patio or walkway.
Planning, Layout, Drainage
Planning your layout and drainage requirements are two important steps that will impact the finished project. Plan the layout using string lines or paint. Drainage considerations are important at this stage, as you must mark the slope direction from your property and determine the water flow before you start digging.
Prepare the Soil
Dig out the soil to the required depth to accommodate the gravel base, concrete sand, and pavers – proper depth and compaction help prevent settling, wobbling, or structural instability later.
Subgrade Prep: Grade and compact the native soil (subgrade) to stabilize the area.
Building the Base
Install the gravel base over the compacted base. In cold climates, an additional layer (2” to 4”) may be required. Ensure the base is flat and firm by using a plate compactor. For the amount of gravel base, use a paver calculator to determine how many inches of gravel base are required.
Add the concrete sand levelling layer. This step helps the stone to stay in place. This is the screeding process, where sand is laid and levelled so it’s smooth. Keep the screed surface untouched before laying pavers.
Installing the Pavers
The pavers are the top layer that are placed from a corner or a straight edge. Place one paver at a time, avoiding long linear lines. Never stomp a paver into place.
Add Edges and Joints
Install edge restraints or edging stones along the outside edges to prevent lateral movement and weed growth. Check alignment regularly for consistent joint spacing.
Spread a light layer of paver sand over the pavers to fill the gaps, then run a plate compactor over the surface. Compact again, ensuring the sand has filled the joints adequately. Lightly mist the sand with water but do not saturate or add too much water.
Final Inspection and Cleanup
Do a final inspection, looking for proper slope, level, and tight joints. Ensure edge restraints are secure.
Why Work with a Local Landscaper in Calgary?
Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles make it important to work with a local landscaper. Primrose Landscaping understands the climate conditions and the materials and conditions required for a successful paver installation. Contact us today for a free quote.
FAQs
How much does a paver patio cost in Calgary?
The cost of a paver patio varies considerably due to the different choices for layout, size, colour, material, and more. Contact Primrose Landscaping for a free consultation.
How does Calgary’s climate affect the material type used?
Calgary’s fluctuating weather – including Chinooks and extreme temperatures – means the best choice for paver material is interlocking, concrete pavers (CSA-approved). Always consult with a professional to make sure you’re using the proper material for your yard.
Why do pavers need edge restraints?
Pavers require edge restraints to lock the stone or concrete to prevent shifting.
How do I choose the right paver pattern or style?
Choosing the right paver pattern and style will depend on your preference, your home’s exterior colour and style, and your budget.