Hardscape
We install, repair, and restore brick and paver walks, patios, and drives, each built on a properly compacted base so the finish holds through the seasons.
Power Washing
Algae, moss, and built-up grime make concrete and pavers look older than they are. We wash driveways, walks, patios, and steps with pressure matched to each surface, enough to lift staining without etching the concrete or pulling sand from paver joints. Organic staining is pre-treated where it helps, and overlapping passes give an even finish. Nearby beds and walls are rinsed afterward, so the job finishes clean.
- Pressure and nozzle chosen for concrete, pavers, or stone
- Pre-treatment of algae, moss, and organic staining
- Even, overlapping passes for a uniform finish
- Attention to joints, stair treads, and shaded areas
- Rinse-down of nearby plantings, siding, and fixtures
- Paver re-sanding available on the same visit
- A final walk-through to review any remaining oil or rust marks
Will power washing damage my pavers or concrete?
Not when the pressure, nozzle, and distance suit the surface. Too much pressure can empty paver joints, wear down edges, or pit older concrete, so we adjust our equipment to each material rather than running it at full power.
Will the stains come out completely?
Algae, moss, and general grime usually come off well. Deep oil, rust, and old paint tend to lighten rather than disappear. We'll point out stubborn marks before we begin, so you know what to expect.
Will my pavers need re-sanding afterward?
Often, yes. Washing removes some of the joint sand, and loose joints allow pavers to shift. We can re-sand on the same visit when the weather is dry, or schedule it shortly after.
Can you wash near plantings without harming them?
Yes. We direct runoff away from delicate plants and rinse any foliage that catches spray. If you have new plantings near the work area, let us know beforehand.
Brick Installations
A patio or walk that stays level for years is built from the base up. We excavate to the proper depth, compact the gravel base in layers, set a smooth bedding layer, and lay the pavers to pattern with secure edging and joint sand. Each surface is sloped to carry water away from the house. The pavers are what you see, but the base beneath them is what carries the surface through years of freeze and thaw.
- Excavation to a depth suited to the soil and the intended use
- Fabric over clay soil where it adds stability
- Gravel base compacted in layers
- A smooth, level bedding layer
- Pavers laid to pattern with clean edge cuts
- Edge restraint and polymeric joint sand installed
- Excess soil hauled away and the site left clean
Why do some patios sink while others stay level?
It nearly always comes down to the base and the drainage. A thin or poorly compacted base will settle no matter how good the surface looks at first, especially on clay soil through freeze and thaw. We give the base the time it needs.
How long does a project take?
Most residential patios and walks take several days, weather permitting. Excavation and base work take longer than most people expect, and your estimate will include a realistic timeline.
Will weeds grow between the pavers?
Some seed can eventually settle in the joints. Polymeric sand and tight joints greatly reduce this, and periodic re-sanding keeps it in check.
Do you handle permits or HOA approvals?
Requirements vary by village and association. We'll let you know when a project is likely to need approval and provide the drawings or specifications that help the process along.
Brick Repair
Sunken, lifted, or rocking pavers usually point to a problem with the base or the drainage in one area, which rarely calls for replacing the whole surface. We lift the affected pavers, correct what is happening underneath, reset them to the proper level, and re-sand the joints so the repair blends with the surrounding pattern. Your existing pavers are reused wherever possible, and if replacements are needed, we review the options with you first.
- Diagnosis of settling, washout, or root damage
- Pavers lifted carefully for reuse
- Base rebuilt and compacted, with drainage corrected
- Pavers reset to level, with the pattern intact
- Fresh joint sand across the repaired area
- Edging checked and secured where needed
- Advice on keeping spare pavers for future repairs
Can you match my existing pavers?
Reusing your own pavers gives the best match in color and texture. If some are broken and the style has been discontinued, we'll show you the closest options before ordering.
Why did it sink in the first place?
The usual causes are a thin base, water washing material out from below, or tree roots lifting a section. Resetting the pavers without fixing the cause leads to the same problem, so we always look beneath the surface.
Is it better to repair or replace?
When most of the surface is sound, repair is usually the right choice. If the base has failed across a wide area, rebuilding that section will last longer. We'll tell you which applies once we've looked.
Will the repaired area stand out?
A well-matched repair should blend with the rest of the surface. New joint sand can look slightly darker at first, then weathers to match.
Paver Re-Sanding
Joint sand locks individual pavers together into one stable surface. Over time, rain, washing, and foot traffic wear it away, allowing pavers to shift and weeds to take root. We clean out the joints, install fresh polymeric sand, compact the surface to settle it, and activate the sand as the manufacturer directs. The work is scheduled for a dry stretch of weather, since the sand needs time to cure.
- Old sand and debris cleaned out of the joints
- Weeds and moss removed before new sand goes in
- Polymeric sand swept into every joint
- Surface compacted to settle the sand and lock the pavers
- Sand activated and any haze cleaned from the surface
- Extra attention to edges and high-traffic areas
- Guidance on keeping the surface dry while the sand cures
How often should joints be re-sanded?
Every few years for most residential surfaces. Sooner if weeds appear in the joints, if pavers feel loose underfoot, or after a thorough power washing.
What is polymeric sand?
Joint sand mixed with a binder that hardens once it is wetted. It resists washout and weeds much better than plain sand. It holds the joints together, but it cannot correct a weak base underneath.
Can it rain right after?
Not right away. Polymeric sand needs a dry period to cure, so we watch the forecast and reschedule if rain is coming. Sprinklers should also stay off the surface during that time.
Do I need re-sanding if the patio still looks fine?
Possibly. Joints can be half empty while the surface still looks good from a distance. A quick check tells us whether the pavers are still locked together.