Award-Winning Paver Contractors in Jacksonville, FL & Surroundings

Installing pavers in Florida requires careful attention to detail due to the state’s unique climate and soil conditions. Florida is known for its humid, subtropical climate, and varying soil types, including sandy soils, which can affect how pavers should be installed to ensure long-lasting durability. Here’s the process overview for paver installations:

1. Planning and Design

• Site Assessment: Evaluate the area where pavers will be installed. Consider drainage, sun exposure, and soil conditions (especially the sandy soils common in Florida). Ensure proper water flow and slope (typically a 1-2% slope away from structures).
• Permits: Check if a permit is needed, especially for larger or more complex installations such as driveways.
• Paver Selection: Choose pavers that are rated for outdoor use and can withstand the heat, moisture, and occasional heavy rain of Florida. Mega Cambridge pavers, for example, are great options due to their durability and aesthetic variety.

2. Preparation of the Base

• Excavation: Excavate the area to the proper depth, which is typically 6-8 inches for pedestrian walkways, and 8-10 inches for driveways. The depth will depend on the type of traffic the paver surface will receive.
  • Driveways: Excavation should be deeper to accommodate a thicker base and ensure the pavers can withstand heavy loads.
• Sub-Base Material: Use crushed concrete, limestone, or ABC (Aggregate Base Course) for the sub-base. Florida’s sandy soil often requires additional stabilization to prevent shifting. The base material should be compacted to a depth of about 4-6 inches for pedestrian areas, and 6-8 inches for heavy-duty areas like driveways.
• Compaction: Compact the sub-base using a plate compactor to ensure a solid, stable foundation. This is critical to avoid settling or shifting over time.
• Edging: Install edging material to define the boundaries of the paver area and prevent the pavers from shifting. Concrete or plastic edging can be used, with care taken to secure the edging properly.

3. Sand Layer

• Bedding Sand: Spread a layer of 1/4-inch concrete sand (also called leveling sand) over the compacted base. This sand layer should be about 1 inch deep and evenly distributed.
• Screeding: Use a screed board (a long, straight board) to level the sand. Make sure the sand layer is smooth and has a consistent depth. The bedding sand should be slightly sloped to help with drainage.

4. Paver Installation

• Dry Lay: Begin by dry laying the pavers in your desired pattern (e.g., herringbone, running bond, or basketweave). This allows you to visualize the pattern and make adjustments before setting the pavers.
• Placement: Start at one corner and work your way across the area. Ensure the pavers fit snugly together, but avoid forcing them. Leave a small gap between each paver (usually 1/8 inch) for joint sand to be applied later.
• Cutting Pavers: If needed, use a paver splitter or a wet saw to cut pavers to fit along the edges or around obstacles.

5. Compaction and Joint Sand

• Initial Compaction: Once all the pavers are laid, use a plate compactor with a rubber mat to gently compact the pavers into the bedding sand. Make several passes to ensure the pavers settle properly into place.
• Joint Sand: Spread polymeric sand (a sand that hardens when wet) over the surface of the pavers. Polymeric sand helps lock the pavers in place and reduces weed growth and ant hills in the joints. Alternatively, if polymeric sand is not preferred, you can use regular joint sand.
• Sanding: Sweep the sand into the joints between the pavers using a broom. Make sure the joints are completely filled.
• Final Compaction: Compact the pavers again with the plate compactor to ensure the sand fills the joints and the pavers are firmly set. Make sure you do this in multiple directions to help the pavers settle evenly.
• Cleaning: Sweep away any excess sand from the surface of the pavers. You can lightly mist the surface with water to activate polymeric sand if used, allowing it to harden.

6. Final Adjustments and Sealing

• Edge Restraints: Ensure that the edge restraints (such as plastic or concrete edging) are properly installed and secure to hold the pavers in place over time.
• Sealing: Apply a paver sealer if desired. A high-quality sealer will protect the pavers from UV damage, stains, and moisture. This is especially important in Florida’s sunny climate. Sealing will also enhance the color of the pavers and make the surface easier to maintain.