Paver Patio Project

Researching a paver patio. I’m trying to understand if the interlocking plastic bases are better than the traditional method of placing them over the gravel, then sand base.
With both methods, I need the gravel/sand base.
So I guess what I’m trying to understand is the plastic interlocking base something marketed through the big box store for easier paver placement for simpler DIY projects?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

There's a hardscape supplier close to you. Go there...

 

Do they have a better, different product then the big box stores?

 

I've never used the plastic mainly because FUCK- it's expensive... and I'd bet that you'd still need to do just as much prep underneath it. I'm sure it would slow the effects of settling but it's not going to stop it.

I'll add one piece of advice- do NOT use the polymeric "locking sand"- it will look great for a short while but eventually will crumble, and it's also pretty spendy and not foolproof to apply.

 

I saw the price of the plastic base AND still have to do same amount of prep work. It appears that it’s assist the DIY’er with paver placement.

Or am I wrong?

 

Three words.....Colored Stamped Concrete

 

I’m considering that as well. How much do I have to concern myself with cracking, provided that I have a good foundation?

 

Concrete cracks. Period.

 

Get a lawn chair and some beer and hire a couple Messicans to do it.

 

I have two solid concrete projects under my belt.

With the stamped concrete, how do I add the control cracks/cuts?

 

You can make more cuts than required. Like a 4' or 5' pattern. It will look like 5' square chunks of stone or granite. Looks even better on a 45 degree angle.

It will crack, just make it crack where you want it to.

 

I haven't places a stamped slab. I would think some of it would depend on the pattern and size of the slab.

 

I have the urge to tackle this project. I also don’t wanna pay for a project that I can do myself. I also will be building a deck along side the patio. The patio is so that I can enjoy a fire pit.
I’m in the planning stage now.

 

Both my front and back paver patios have a poured concrete base under them and then the paver bricks installed on top.

 

Pavers or concrete both have advantages.
Pavers can be pulled up, replaced, added, moved. But they can sink, wash away from erosion, have grass grow through them.

Concrete will last MUCH longer, but it's permanent, probably cheaper than pavers.

 

I used these hoping that it would help with the settling.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Brock-24-in-W-36-in-L-Polypropylene-Paver-Base-Panel/3609858
Been in place for 3 years. I dug down, somewhat leveled the dirt, tamped it, then tamped/skreeted the paver base. I had a little bit of settling in one spot. Most people probably would have lived with it, but, I'm a little particular. The settling was at a joint in the panels. Pulled up the pavers, pulled up the panels, added a bag of base and reskreeted. Pretty easy fix.
I did use the polymeric sand and didn't have any major issues. Was a little bit of a pain to get the polymeric sand off of the pavers that I pulled up to do the fix. I laid the pavers out and powerwashed it all off. I then did a fresh coat of polymeric over the entire patio for a fresh clean look.
If possible, design in a grade for runoff. Wasn't possible for my installation, so, I have a little bit of puddling which probably caused the little bit of settling.
In hindsight, I kinda wish I would have poured out a concrete base to compensate for any ground settling under the stone base.

 

Im planning my final dimensions now.

Was it a renovation project to clean vet up the poured concrete?

 

I pour concrete slabs for a paving contractor friend of mine. We pour them about 2.5"-3" thick, then he places the pavers on top, he glues down the edge pavers, that holds the others in place. It's a huge time saver for him, I believe the cost is about the same as a packed gravel base.

 

I’ve seen some stamped concrete illustrations and I like the end result. I’m now considering stamped concrete. Im now trying to determine which look to go with.

 

My thinking is if I’m pouring concrete I might as well color & stamp it.