If there is something as perfect as the other in terms of outdoor elegance it has to be a good patio. Regardless of whether you are in need of a perfect place for your guests to hang out while you entertain them or simply need a comfortable spot for you after work, proper selection of the patio pavers Omaha is critical. However, selecting pavers can be such a daunting task due to the many varieties available in the market.
This is the most extensive guide you will ever read on tricks people often use when choosing patio pavers in Omaha, and ensure you end up with the durable and low-maintenance outdoor space you love.
Deciding on Paver Type and Style
The first step is deciding what type and style of pavers you want based on the look and function you envision. Some popular patio pavers omaha styles to consider include:
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers like Belgard pavers are incredibly durable and come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and finishes. They are excellent for high-traffic areas but can be more costly than other materials.
Natural Stone Pavers
Natural stone options like limestone, granite, and slate add timeless elegance. Though beautiful, natural stone may require more maintenance over time due to staining or cracking.
Interlocking Concrete Pavers
Interlocking concrete pavers like Unilock pavers and walls lock together easily for simple installation. They provide a finished look while allowing for flexibility in design.
Decide whether you want a traditional rectangular or natural look before contacting installers for recommendations. Choosing the right paver type sets the foundation for an outdoor space that beautifully complements your home and lifestyle.
Determining the Project Scope
After selecting pavers, clearly define the project scope to get accurate estimates. Common mistakes include:
- Not measuring the area correctly. Take accurate measurements of the space and include hard-to-measure areas.
- Failing to check site conditions. Note that any drainage issues, ground compaction needs, and elevation changes should be addressed during design.
- Overlooking accessory items. Remember to account for gravel, sand, edging, and outdoor structures like a fire pit in your scope.
Provide installers with a detailed scope of work and budget to ensure you get apples-to-apples quotes. An experienced professional like Ground Builders Landscaping Co. can also offer value-engineering suggestions to fit your budget. Clearly establishing expectations upfront prevents costly scope creep.
Choosing the Wrong Installer
Hiring an experienced, reputable installer is crucial, but some mistakes include:
- Picking is based mainly on price. While cost is important, experience, warranty, and attention to detail are worth paying a bit more for. Research reviews thoroughly.
- Not verifying licenses and insurance. Confirm installers carry proper licensing and insurance to cover liability risks. Reputable companies like Ground Builders are fully licensed and insured.
- Assuming all contractors are alike. Landscape designers and masons specialize in hardscapes like patios. Make sure installers have specific pavers experience for top-quality results.
Take time to review portfolios of past projects, check references, and feel confident an installer understands your design vision before signing a contract. A skilled pro can transform your backyard and ensure patio pavers are laid correctly from the start.
Installing Without a Proper Base
Perhaps the biggest mistake with patio pavers in Omaha is neglecting the footprint’s base, which patio pavers will be laid atop. The base provides a stable foundation and needs:
- Adequate compaction. The soil must be thoroughly compacted to 95% density to prevent settling.
- Proper drainage. A gravel base with a 2% slope allows water to flow away.
- Suitable material. Typically, a 4-6″ layer of compactible gravel is used, though sandy soils need geotextile fabric below.
Skipping these base-laying fundamentals leads to sinking, cracking, and unevenness over time. Reputable installers like Ground Builders take the time to properly prepare the base for a lifetime of enjoyment.
Forgetting Edging or Containment
Edging is a necessary yet often overlooked part of patio installation. Without proper containment:
- Pavers can shift over winter seasons from frost heaving.
- Gravel may creep beyond the patio border over time.
- Grasses and weeds can infiltrate the patio space unrestricted.
Consider your edging options like concrete, stone, or aluminum based on design and budget. Make sure to extend below the frost line for stability. Reliable companies ensure long-lasting results with contained edging.
Overlooking Proper Spacing and Jointing
Another common error involves improper spacing of pavers during installation. Proper jointing techniques like:
- Leaving 1/2-1″ spacing between pavers for flexibility and drainage.
- Filling joints with polymeric sand instead of mortar allows for slight movement.
- Cutting edge pieces with a masonry saw to fit tightly against walls.
help prevent shifting, buckling, and cracking later on. Reputable installers take care with consistent spacing and jointing for longevity.
Ignoring Sealing and Maintenance Needs
While they add natural beauty, some paver types require ongoing sealing and maintenance to withstand Nebraska’s freeze-thaw cycles. Mistakes include:
- Not sealing new concrete or natural stone pavers. This allows stains, algae growth, and faster degradation from weathering.
- Postponing routine power washing, resealing, and weed control. These low-effort tasks protect major repairs down the line.
Work with an installer experienced in your area, like Ground Builders, to understand paver-specific care needs. Budget for routine maintenance as part of your long-term costs to keep pavers in top condition for years.
Closing out:
When installed properly and with the right planning, patio pavers Omaha can produce several years of use in beautifying any backyard in Omaha. In order not to wake up with a myriad of mistakes, choose the design and budget requirements, shortlist quality installers, guarantee preparation and installation precautions, and care for pavers as required.
Seasoned patio professionals such as Ground Builders Landscaping Co. help guide the concerned homeowner from start to finish with pavers. For example, from the concept development of the landscape to its maintenance. For more information on how to create this season’s perfect oasis for your backyard, contact Ground Builders for a no-obligation quote on your backyard and lifestyle.
