Pavers & Hardscape (D08)
Pavers create stunning outdoor spaces with superior durability and flexibility compared to poured concrete – but installation quality determines longevity in Utah’s freeze-thaw environment.
This BidScope guides you through paver types: concrete pavers (most popular, wide color and shape selection, economical), brick pavers (classic appearance, traditional sizing, premium look), natural stone pavers (granite, bluestone, flagstone for high-end projects), and permeable pavers (allow water infiltration, help with drainage and runoff).
Learn paver patterns: herringbone for maximum interlock and driveway strength, running bond for simple installation, basket weave for traditional appearance, circular and fan patterns for focal points.
Understand base preparation – the foundation of paver success: excavation depth (typically 10-12 inches total for patios, 12-14 inches for driveways), aggregate base layer (6-8 inches compacted crushed rock), bedding sand (1 inch screeded perfectly level), edge restraint to prevent spreading.
Master drainage planning with proper slope (1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot minimum).
Navigate joint sand options: regular polymeric sand for most applications (binds when activated with water, resists weeds and ants), non-polymeric for permeable systems.
Know compaction requirements – plate compactor essential for proper installation.
Understand when geotextile fabric is needed (soft soils, high clay).
Learn sealing pros and cons (enhances color, easier cleaning, but requires maintenance).
Calculate quantities with 5% waste factor.
Budget realistically – pavers cost more than concrete upfront but offer repairability and flexibility.
This tool ensures your paver installation is built on solid foundation and will perform beautifully for decades.
What’s Included:
- Paver types (concrete pavers, brick pavers, natural stone pavers, permeable pavers)
- Concrete paver options (colors, shapes, sizes, textures)
- Brick paver characteristics (traditional, classic, premium)
- Natural stone pavers (granite, bluestone, travertine, flagstone)
- Permeable pavers for drainage and stormwater management
- Paver patterns (herringbone, running bond, basket weave, circular, random)
- Herringbone pattern (maximum interlock, best for driveways, 45-degree or 90-degree)
- Running bond pattern (simple, economical installation)
- Basket weave pattern (traditional appearance)
- Circular and fan patterns for focal areas
- Base preparation depth (10-12 inches patios, 12-14 inches driveways)
- Excavation and grading
- Aggregate base layer (6-8 inches compacted 3/4-inch crushed rock)
- Base compaction requirements (95% Proctor density)
- Bedding sand layer (1 inch coarse sand, screeded level)
- Sand specifications (concrete sand, sharp edges)
- Edge restraint systems (plastic edge, metal edge, concrete curb)
- Edge restraint importance (prevents paver spreading)
- Slope for drainage (1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot minimum)
- Geotextile fabric under base (soft soils, separation from clay)
- Paver installation and screeding
- Joint sand options (polymeric vs non-polymeric)
- Polymeric sand activation and benefits (weed/ant resistance, binding)
- Joint sand installation techniques
- Plate compactor for final seating
- Compaction patterns and technique
- Sealing pavers (pros: color enhancement, stain resistance
- cons: maintenance, cost)
- Sealer types (film-forming vs penetrating)
- Freeze-thaw durability in Utah
- Snow removal considerations (avoid metal shovels, use plastic)
- Salt and deicer effects on pavers
- Repair and replacement (individual pavers can be replaced)
- Quantity calculations (add 5% waste)
- Cost comparison (pavers vs concrete vs natural stone)
- Installation cost factors
- Finding qualified paver installers
- Portfolio review importance
