Many people have asked us why we would bother to provide so much information about the process of brick and stone paving. The reason is that we feel the customer should be well informed and understand precisely what they're getting for their money.

Some of the most common questions that customers ask are answered below. If you have any questions that aren't addressed here then feel free to drop us an email or give us a call.

The first question that most people ask is "what exactly is an interlocking paver? ". Replies vary slightly, but the general principle is simple. An interlocking paver is a paving unit that utilizes the versatility of concrete and the benefits of brick paving. It looks a lot like a traditional clay brick and if you didn't know any better you'd think it was a brick.

The difference is that interlocking pavers are made of concrete, while traditional bricks are made of clay. Concrete can also be incredibly versatile in designing modular paving systems by utilizing several unit shapes (brick shape). In addition, the term "interlocking" refers to the method in which the bricks interlock through friction.

A patio is only as good as it's foundation. Our base is comprised of two layers of compacted stone. The sub-base provides the rigid foundation that is needed to support the load of the traffic while the paver bed provides a layer for the pavers to 'seat' themselves in. Without the proper base, the patio will not stay flat for longer than a few months. Neither screening, sand, soil nor clay provide enough uniform support to effectively be used as a base material, especially in wet areas. With the composite stone base, the patio will stay flat and level for many, many years. There should always be a stone sub-base, regardless of what other sources say. Without it, the installation is doomed to sinking and puddling.

This is a question that we are asked more and more each year. Stamped concrete has become very popular in recent years and is very competetive in terms of cost. The disadvantage to stamped concrete (in our opinion) is the introduction of expansion joints due to our temperate climate. Pavements expand and contract through the course of the changing seasons. Brick pavers can withstand these temperature changes easily since they are independent of each other. Concrete will crack under the same conditions, which is why expansion joints are used to control where the pavement cracks. It's these "seams' that seriously detract from the appearance of stamped concrete installations. While we understand the issues of cost versus appearance, the end result just isn't worth the money saved. The old adage goes "the sincerest form of flattery is imitation".

Decks can be a great place to relax after work, just like a patio. Ironically we also build decks and in some instances, incorporate them into patio designs where elevations and budget constraints demand an alternative solution to stone.

There are some pros/cons to decks versus stone but they're more personal preference than (dis)advantages. Wood does require significantly more maintenance to keep it in top condition. It's also just as expensive as stone which is a common misconception. A wood deck can be just as beautiful and timeless as a stone installation, the real choice is whether or not it fits into the lifestyle of you and your home.

Yes, you can. Many homeowners do install their own brick patios. In fact, nearly all paver manufacturers publish "how-to" guides for the installation of pavers and many stone suppliers can give you advice on the types of stone to use. Ironically, these "how-to" guides are almost identical to our installation procedures.

Laying pavers isn't terribly difficult, however, it does require patience and skill. The most difficult part is cutting the edge so that the curves are smooth and not 'kinked'. The grade and pitch are also imperative. Remember this though, building materials are expensive and working with stone can be a back-breaking experience. Nothing is more discouraging than to have spent weekend after weekend constructing a patio that in the end looks mediocre or unprofessional. We have worked for several years to hone our skills in laying brick pavers, we do it well. With each job we gain more experience and learn more about our trade. While we don't discourage do-it-yourselfers, we do ask you to give us the opportunity to show you what we can do for you. You'll find several examples of our work in the gallery . If you have any further questions feel free to give us a call or drop us an email .