Interlocking paver pavements, brick and concrete paver stone, are flexible. Interlocking paver pavements, brick and concrete paver stone, spread loads across an aggregate base and can move with small movements in the base without cracking. This is a huge advantage over concrete and asphalt in our part of the country because of our freeze/thaw cycles.

After the area to be paved is determined, Carlson Hardscape Inc. (your paver contractor or paver installer) will arrange for public utilities located in the area to be marked. Any private utilities such as irrigation lines, invisible fence etc is the responsibility of the homeowner to locate.

The depth of the excavation depends on the project and type of soil at your site. The base under the pavers must be thick enough to support loads to avoid rutting over time. Granular soil is best for drainage and strength, whereas clay soils require a thicker base. The excavated and based area will extend beyond the paved area approximately the thickness of the base. (Usually 6 to 12 inches).

The key to a successful paver surface is the base installation. After excavation, the exposed soil is compacted and the base material is installed. A Geotextile fabric may be used under the base in areas of unstable soil such as heavy clay soils or areas to be exposed to heavy traffic. In addition to the proper thickness, the base must be compacted thoroughly or settlement may occur. The base layer is also sloped to allow for water drainage away from buildings.

Unless pavers are up against an existing curb or foundation an edge restraint is required. Restraints hold the pavers

tightly together preventing spreading due to horizontal forces on the surface. Carlson Hardscape Inc. uses Pave Tec edging which is installed directly over the compacted base.

Before the pavers can be laid, a bed of washed sand one inch thick is installed and leveled. This same sand is used to sweep and fill the joints of the pavers after installation is completed.