Excel Landscaping & Lawn Sprinkler Systems offers design and installation of all types and styles of brick paver and flagstone walkways, patios, steps and driveways. These services are performed by Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute certified installers.
Why do pavers make a better pavement than asphalt or concrete?
Properly installed paver stones provide a superior pavement to asphalt and concrete in a freeze/thaw environment. Paving stones provide a rigid yet flexible pavement that will expand and contract with the freeze/thaw cycles. Each paving stone provides an expansion joint to allow this movement, unlike concrete slabs that have expansion joints formed and cut into them. Paving stones can also be easily dismantled to make repairs to utilities Patterned concrete pavements are merely slabs of concrete that are embossed with a pattern. Therefore, they are prone to the same problems with freeze/thaw cycles, namely cracking and palling.
that may be underneath the surface, and then repaired without a path quilt look to the pavement.

How long do concrete pavers last?


Our concrete pavers last over 30 years. This is much longer than other pavements under normal residential use.
How do pavers compare with patterned or stamped concrete?

Are all paving stones interlocking?

Some paving stones interlock based on their shape. Others achieve interlock by the laying pattern. When installed on a proper base with 1" of sand as a setting bed, and proper joint sand placed between the paving stones, all paving stones achieve interlock.
I have an existing concrete walkway that's in pretty good shape. Can I lay down pavers over it?
While not the preferred method, pavers can be laid on top of existing concrete walkways. Two issues must be addressed. First, the grade will be raised by about 3" (the thickness of the pavers plus the bedding sand). This is particularly critical if any doorways are involved. Second, if the existing concrete slab should raise or drop with freeze/thaw conditions, then the pavers will do the same.

Can I use pavers on my pool deck?

Not only do pavers make an attractive pool deck, but they also provide a slip-resistant walking surface. Pavers actually are better than poured concrete around pools from the standpoint that the joints will take on moisture and leave the pavement cooler under foot. Like all products that are used outdoors, lighter colors will tend to stay cooler as they reflect the sunlight. Furthermore, bull-nose pavers make a nice pool coping. Safety covers can also be installed over pavers with the use of special anchors.

Does the color fade over time?

No, color in concrete paving stones does not fade. Dirt, dust and other inert matter can mask the color in the paving stones.
How do I remove snow from my paving stone driveway or walkway?
Paving stones can be shoveled and plowed the same as a concrete or asphalt pavement. The chamfered edges around the paving stone help to prevent the edges of the plow from hitting the corners of the stones. A plow with a rubber edge is preferred.

Can dirty or broken pavers be replaced?

Yes, you can be assured of replacement pavers by keeping extras from the job. When replacing a paver, scrape out the sand in the joints from those surrounding the paver to be removed. Use two screwdrivers to wiggle it out. Others can be removed by hand. Insert the new paver, replace the joint sand, and compact the paver into place with a rubber mallet.

Will freezing and thawing damage pavers?

No, damage from ice is virtually non-existent. The joints allow the pavers to move without cracking in freeze and thaw cycles.
If pavers need to be removed for below-grade repairs, can I replace them afterwards?
Yes, unlike other pavements, concrete pavers can be easily removed and reinstated without any visual or functional changes.

Will the aggregate area absorb or hold water?


No, when compacted properly, its density will minimize deformation and/or heaving of the paved surface during freezing or thawing.
Will the bedding sand be loosely screened to a depth of 1", but no thicker than 1½" thick?
Yes, the loosely placed, even layer of washed, coarse sand of the setting bed is compacted, and the sand moves up into the joints. This causes the pavers to interlock and become level after compaction.

Are the joints filled between the pavers?

Yes, with clean fine polymeric sand. The sand should be dry so it will flow freely into the joints. The pavers are compacted during and after filling to begin interlock of the units and prevent sand from washing from the joints.

Do I need to seal the pavers?


No, pavers are extremely durable. Sealing, however, may enhance the colors and may prevent staining. Sealing will also help to bind the sand in place and prevent germination of weed seeds that may collect at the surface of joint sand. One disadvantage to sealing paving stones is that they would need to be sealed every couple of years. Allow a minimum of 60 to 90 days after completion of the installation before sealing. Consult your supplier for recommendations on cleaning and sealing.

Will weeds grow up from my paving stones?

The growth of weeds or grass can result from seeds blowing and lodging in the joint sand. Weeds do not grow up from the bottom through the quarry process. Controlling these weeds is a simple solution. Mix a pre-emergent weed killer into the joint sand. Should weeds germinate over time, the use of a post-emergent weed killer, such as Round-up, can be spot sprayed to control the problem.

Paver Stone Q & A