🌿Top Reasons Why Your Paver Installation Fails

Example of Failed Paver Installation - Joints are separating, allowing weeds to germinate in between the cracks.

🌿Top Reasons Why Your Paver Installation Fails

A paver patio, driveway, or walkway can add beauty, value, and functionality to your home. Poor planning, shortcuts, or lack of expertise often lead to paver projects that don’t last—and fixing them can be costly. At IGL, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to share the top reasons why paver installations fail—so you can avoid these mistakes and enjoy a space built to last a lifetime.

1. Poor or No Base Preparation

The base is the foundation of your pavers. Skipping excavation, not removing enough soil, or failing to compact the base properly leads to sinking and uneven surfaces.

2. Inadequate Drainage

Without proper drainage, water will pool under your pavers, causing shifting, erosion, and weeds. Sometimes with inadequate grading, the water can pool towards your house (instead of daylight away from your property). Hiring an experienced, licensed contractor can help you to avoid this mistake.

3. Lack of Edge Restraints

Without proper edge restraints, pavers slowly spread and separate, ruining the clean look of your project. It is also common for the edge restraints to be installed incorrectly. Incorrect installation can also lead to pavers failing.

4. Uneven or Insufficient Compaction

Improper compaction during installation leads to settling and trip hazards. Compact each lift to 95% compaction rate to avoid pavers creating sink holes or improper drainage.

5. Incorrect Sand Use

Using construction or beach sand instead of proper bedding or polymeric sand causes pavers to shift and joints to wash out. Using the proper materials is essential for a long-lasting paver installation.

6. Ignoring Load Requirements

Driveways, patios, and walkways all require different base depths depending on expected weight. If these aren’t considered, pavers will crack or shift.

7. Poor Cutting and Layout

Sloppy cuts or failing to plan the pattern properly leave uneven gaps, weak spots, and a less professional look. Cutting the pavers too small can also lead to a paver system failing.

8. Hiring the Wrong Contractor

Many failures come down to poor workmanship or cutting corners to save time and money. Hire a licensed, experienced paver installer like IGL Pavers to ensure your pavers will last a lifetime.

✨ Thinking about a new paver project? Let’s do it right the first time—contact IGL today to start your outdoor transformation.

Remember…

Hiring a licensed contractor in California isn’t just about following the law—it’s about protecting your home, your money, and your peace of mind. Take the time to research, verify, and sign a solid contract before any work begins.

Contact IGL Pavers - a licensed Class A and C27 Contractor in SLO County.

📞(805) 225-5111
🌐 www.IGLPavers.com

✨ This is how a finished paver installation should look. Clean joints, no weeds.