Hardscaping & Paver Patios

Why Choose Hardscaping Over Wood Decks

When it comes to outdoor living spaces, you have options. Wood decks were once the standard choice, but hardscaping with pavers has become increasingly popular for good reasons. Pavers offer durability, versatility, and lower long-term maintenance compared to traditional wood construction.

Unlike wood that needs annual staining or sealing, paver patios maintain their appearance with minimal care. They don't rot, splinter, or attract termites. You won't spend weekends sanding rough spots or replacing damaged boards. A simple sweep and occasional pressure washing keeps pavers looking great for decades.

Durability That Lasts Generations

Quality paver installations can last 25 to 50 years or more when properly installed. The pavers themselves are incredibly strong, withstanding heavy furniture, foot traffic, and Portsmouth's weather extremes without cracking or deteriorating. If one paver does get damaged, you can replace individual pieces without tearing up the entire patio.

Hardscaping also handles freeze-thaw cycles better than concrete slabs. The joints between pavers allow for natural expansion and contraction, preventing the cracking problems common with solid concrete. This makes pavers ideal for our climate where temperatures fluctuate throughout the year. When combined with proper landscape design, hardscaping creates cohesive outdoor spaces that blend beauty with functionality.

The Installation Process That Ensures Longevity

A beautiful paver patio is only as good as what's underneath it. Proper installation makes the difference between a project that lasts decades and one that fails within a few years. We never cut corners on the foundation work that ensures your hardscaping performs as expected.

Excavation and Base Preparation

Installation starts with excavation to the proper depth. We remove existing sod and soil, creating a stable base for your hardscape feature. The excavated area is then graded to ensure proper drainage away from buildings and toward appropriate outlets.

Next comes the base layer, typically crushed stone compacted in lifts. This provides stable support and prevents settling. We use mechanical compactors to achieve the right density. A proper base is crucial in Portsmouth's clay soils, which can expand and contract with moisture changes.

Paver Installation and Finishing

Once the base is ready, we install edge restraints to keep pavers from shifting over time. Then comes the sand bedding layer and paver placement. Each paver is set by hand, following the design pattern and maintaining consistent spacing.

After all pavers are placed, we sweep polymeric sand into the joints. This special sand hardens when wet, locking pavers in place and preventing weed growth between joints. A final compaction and cleanup completes the installation. The entire process takes several days depending on project size, but the result is a hardscape feature built to last. For properties needing water management, we often coordinate paver installation with irrigation system work to ensure all underground utilities are properly located and protected.