Pavers or poured concrete?
Poured concrete costs less up front but can crack as soil moves, and repairs are visible. Pavers flex with small movement, can be lifted and relaid for repairs or utility access, and come in far more colors and textures.
The base is everything
- Excavation deep enough for a compacted aggregate base, which varies with soil type and use.
- Compaction in layers, not all at once.
- A leveling layer of bedding sand under the pavers.
- Edge restraints to stop pavers from spreading.
- Polymeric sand in the joints to lock pavers and resist weeds.
Plan for drainage
Patios should slope away from the house so water does not pool against the foundation. On sloped lots or clay soils, drains, permeable pavers or a retaining wall may be needed. Getting this right at the start prevents water damage indoors later.
Design ideas that work in San Diego
- Combine the patio with a shade structure or pergola for summer use.
- Add a seat wall, fire feature or outdoor kitchen area.
- Use lighter colors in full sun to keep the surface cooler.
- Mix borders and inlays to define dining and lounge zones.
Choosing pavers
- Concrete pavers: wide range of colors and shapes, durable and cost-effective.
- Porcelain pavers: very low maintenance and stain resistant, with a contemporary look.
- Natural stone such as travertine: stays relatively cool underfoot and suits Mediterranean-style homes.
- Permeable pavers: let water drain through joints, useful where runoff is a concern.
How the installation runs
A typical project starts with layout and grade checks, then excavation, base installation and compaction, edge restraint, paver installation and joint sand. Lighting conduit, irrigation sleeves and gas lines for fire features should be placed before the base goes down, so plan those extras at the start.