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It’s that time of year! Homeowners have started making plans for outdoor projects as we anticipate warmer weather, and our phones have begun ringing to schedule projects. Top of the list for many people is a new patio. If you’re considering your options, here’s what to know about the pros and cons of paver patios in northern Nevada.

Pros of Paver Patios

• Durability and lifespan. Pavers are generally stones made from concrete, but they can also be made from clay brick or natural stone. They come in varying colors and textures, and they can be installed in many beautiful patterns for modern to traditional aesthetics. When they’re installed properly, individual paving stones interlock, creating flexible but very strong patio system. All those joints reduces the risk of breaking or cracking, something that can be an issue with traditional concrete patios. Pavers are so strong that many manufacturers offer lifetime warranties. They’re typically manufactured with aggregates and pigments that run throughout the individual stones, which means that even if a paver does chip, it’s not particularly noticeable. Compare that to colored concrete patios which tend to fade quickly here in northern Nevada and require reapplication every year or two.
• Season-proof. Northern Nevada is prone to freeze-thaw cycles, which can wreak havoc on outdoor spaces. As moisture in the ground freezes and thaws, the ground can shift, which means patios are particularly susceptible to damage. The seams in a paver patio means individual pavers can flex and settle back into place, especially when they were installed correctly, with proper construction practices. A concrete patio, on the other hand, is a solid surface and more likely to crack in its weakest areas.
• Low maintenance. As long as they get occasional applications of protective sealants, pavers are quite low maintenance. Simply sweep or blow off any debris as needed, and that’s largely the extent of maintenance requirements. To keep pavers looking like new, re-sand to fill joints every few years.

Cons of Paver Patios

• Risk of weeds. A potential side effect of individual paver is weeds. While the joints must be filled with sand when they’re first installed, it can wash away over time, which creates space for weeds. Polymer sand is a workaround. It hardens in the joints and prevents weeds from taking root. If you’re staring in dismay at a weedy paver patio, contact Harris Landscape Construction for an estimate to clean, re-sand, and seal your patio today.
• Longer installation time. It should take an experienced team between three and five days to complete average-sized paver patio. Once the pavers are installed, the patio is immediately ready for use. A concrete patio can be poured in just a few hours, but curing time is one to three days and can’t be stepped on during that time. Installing pavers is more involved, and includes prepping the area requires clearing the installation site, leveling the subsoil, pouring and leveling the gravel, installing bedding sand, installing the actual pavers, setting the edging, filling the joints, and then cleaning and sealing.
• Price tag. This is both a pro and a con. You’ll spend more initially on a paver patio, but it can be more cost-effective in the long run. That’s because the ongoing maintenance of a stamped concrete patio often costs more than the paver version would have, nor does it include expenses to repair cracks.

Is A Paver Patio Right For You?

But understanding the pros and cons can help you decide if a paver patio is right for you. If you want prices for a new patio, or you need recommendations for the best kind for you outdoor space, contact Harris Landscape Construction today.