Pattern
Herringbone, running bond, basketweave, stack bond and ashlar all change the look and how the surface behaves. Try them in our paver design studio.
Paver patios
Paver patios in Menlo Park and across the Bay Area.
A paver patio gives you a flat, tough spot for dining, grilling and hanging out. We lay out the shape, build a compacted base, set the pavers and lock them in, so it looks right and stays put.
Layout and design Compacted base Free estimate
Built from the ground up
Most of a paver patio is underneath it.
Before a single paver goes down, we dig out the area, build a compacted rock base and set the grade so rainwater runs away from your house. The pavers sit on a thin layer of bedding sand and are locked together by sand in the joints and a solid edge around the outside.
The surface can be a simple rectangle off the back door or a curved shape that wraps around a fire pit. We'll help you pick a size, a laying pattern and a color that suit the house and the way you actually use the yard.
- A layout and shape that fit your yard
- Excavation and a compacted base
- Pavers set in the pattern you choose
- Edge restraints and joint sand
- Drainage planned from the start
Paver PatiosMenlo Park, CA · Bay Area wide
How it is built
How we build a paver patio.
Five steps, and the first four happen before you see a finished surface.
- Step 1
Plan and mark it out
We measure the space, agree on the shape and pattern, and mark it on the ground. We also work out where water will go. CMHA calls for a surface slope of at least 1.5%, roughly 3/16 inch per foot, so the patio sheds water instead of holding it.
- Step 2
Dig out and prepare
We excavate to the depth needed for the base, bedding sand and paver, and take out sod and any soft soil that would settle later.
- Step 3
Build the base
The base is crushed rock, compacted in layers with a plate compactor. For a patio on well-drained soil the CMHA minimum is 4 inches. Clay, soft or wet ground calls for more.
- Step 4
Set the pavers
A layer of bedding sand about 1 inch thick is screeded flat. The pavers go down in your pattern, and we cut the ones at the edges to fit.
- Step 5
Edge, compact and fill the joints
Edge restraints hold the perimeter in place. The pavers are compacted into the sand, joint sand is swept in, and the surface is compacted again until the joints are full.
The details
The numbers behind a good patio.
Paver figures follow guidance from the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA, formerly ICPI). Your yard may need more than the minimums.
Base4 in. minimumCompacted crushed rock under a patio on well-drained soil.
Bedding sandAbout 1 in.A thin, screeded layer the pavers settle into.
Joints1/16 to 3/16 in.Narrow joints filled with sand lock the pavers together.
Slope1.5% or moreEnough pitch to move water off the surface.
Make it yours
Pattern, color and finish.
Color
Charcoal and slate look modern and hide dirt. Sandstone and terracotta feel warm and earthy. We bring samples so you can see them in your own light.
Border and details
A contrasting border frames the patio and gives the edge a clean finish. A fire pit, seating wall area or path can tie into the same surface.
Photos
Paver patios, for ideas.
Stock photos for inspiration. Tap one to see it larger, then ask us what is possible in your yard.
Afterward
Looking after your patio.
Keep the joints full
Joint sand is part of what holds pavers together. If it washes out over the years, sweeping in fresh sand keeps the surface tight.
White haze is normal
A whitish powder called efflorescence can show up on new pavers. CMHA says it does not affect strength or durability, can peak as early as 60 days after installation and may linger for months.
Sealing is optional
A sealer can deepen color and help resist stains. Types differ in finish and how long they last, so we will talk through whether it makes sense for your patio.
Related services
Often built together.
Most yards need more than one trade. These pair well with this one.
PaversPaver walkways and steps
Walkways and steps that feel good underfoot and stay easy to keep clean. Straight, curved or stepped to follow the lay of your yard.
See details
PaversFire pits and outdoor living
Add a fire pit, seating area or a bigger patio footprint, so the yard works after dark too.
See details
ConcreteConcrete patios and walkways
Flat, smooth and built to last. Concrete patios, walkways, pads and slabs poured and finished to the shape you need.
See detailsWhere we work
We build paver patios across the Bay Area.
Based in Menlo Park, working in 20 Bay Area cities. Pick yours to see what we build there.
Questions
Paver patios: questions, answered.
How thick should the base be under a paver patio?
CMHA calls for at least 4 inches of compacted base under a patio on well-drained soil. Soft, clay or wet ground needs more, and we check the ground at your free estimate before we talk about depth.
Do pavers need to be sealed?
Not always. Sealing can deepen the color and help resist stains, but it is optional. If you want it, we'll go over the finish and what upkeep it needs.
Why is there white powder on my new pavers?
That is usually efflorescence, a natural mineral deposit. CMHA says it does not affect how strong the pavers are, and it often fades with time and weather.
Do I need a permit for a paver patio?
A patio at ground level often doesn't need a building permit, but cities can have rules about how much of a lot can be paved and how water drains. We'll point out what to check for your address, and it is always worth confirming with your city.
Pavers or poured concrete for a patio?
Pavers cost more up front, offer more patterns and colors, and can be repaired one section at a time. Concrete usually costs less up front and takes little upkeep, but it can crack as the ground moves. We'll go over both at your free estimate.
Let's talk
Ready for a yard you'll love?
Call, text, email or send a request. Tell us what you want to build and we'll set up a free estimate.
Free estimates for pavers, concrete and fences, from Menlo Park to the whole Bay Area.
Call or text today(650) 334-6529
Menlo Park, CA · Serving the whole Bay Area · Estimates are free