For a private space where you can sit alongside a flower bed or that large area you would like for entertaining and grilling, pavers are ideal for a solid, durable patio that looks great and works hard. Available in a wide variety of sizes and colors, pavers allow you to design exactly the look you want for your outdoor space.

Your patio project should start with dimensions and a design. You may want to tackle this project yourself, but the professionals at Ohio Beauty Cut Stone are available to help with ideas and guidance on what materials you will need. Whether you decide on standard pavers, bricks, or flagstone, your prep work is crucial to building a paver patio in Akron that will give you years of enjoyment.

What you will need

The right materials and equipment make all the difference when you start building your patio. Keep the following in mind:

• Determine how much gravel and sand you need for your base by calculating the width, length, and depth of the area you plan to pave.
• You may need additional pavers to accommodate more intricate designs. Ask our experts for guidance.
• Use a hand tamp or plate compactor machine to pack and set your base materials.
• A rubber mallet is best to set your pavers.
• Landscaping fabric and plastic edging provide a clean finish for your patio and prevent weeds and erosion.

Tips for the perfect paver patio

Experts agree that pavers are only as good as the base upon which they are set. Therefore, preparing the ground carefully is time well spent. Build your perfect patio by following these tips:

• Dig out your patio area to a depth of 6 to 7 inches, remove rocks, roots, and other debris, and tamp down to firmly pack and level.
• Don’t skimp on landscaping fabric – two layers is a good idea.
• Install several inches of gravel in layers, tamping between each layer, and following with a tamped layer of sand.
• Ensure a stable patio that is weed free by using polymeric sand in the joints. Once this sand is hosed down, it hardens to a mortar-like consistency.
• Protect your pavers from chips and stains by applying a good quality penetrating sealant.
• Allow your patio to set for 24 hours before use.

Ohio Beauty has all the supplies and guidance you need to design and build a patio, driveway or garden walkway using bricks, pavers, or cut flagstone. If you have questions about design, materials needed for your project, or how to arrange professional installation, call today.