Paver contractors in NYC should understand more than how to install patios and driveways. The best results come from proper base depth, drainage planning, edge restraints, and materials that can handle New York’s climate and building conditions.
The exterior of a paver patio or driveway is simple. The quality of the material, the amount of base depth, and the drainage plan determine how long it will last, either 25 years or until the second winter. The following tips will help you locate a contractor who understands that.
To See Quality Paver Installation in NYC, Simply Look Around
If you want to see quality paver installation in NYC, you just need to look around. Experienced paver contractors in NYC know that the preparation under the surface matters just as much as the finished patio or driveway design.
There’s more involved in paving in NYC than you think and it’s in the preparation that most homeowners find the difference between a successful job and one that will need to be redone in 3 years.
Excavation Depth
Excavation depth. Patios will need to be excavated to be at least 4 to 6 inches deep with 1 inch of bedding sand and the thickness of the pavers (usually 10 to 12 inches). Driveways are deeper (12-14” deep) to accommodate vehicle loading and freeze-thaw. The contractors who start to dig 3 or 4 inches and begin to install pavers are creating a job that will never be successful before it is two years old.
Compacted Gravel Base
Compacted gravel base (layers). The base is not simply dumped in, it is spread in layers (3-4″) and compacted between each layer. This compaction will result in a firm, load-bearing surface that will not be prone to the freeze-thaw heaving that can cause problems on the surface of paver roads presented to the property owner in the five boroughs during the winter months.
Drainage Planning
Drainage planning. The movement of water must have an established route clear of the structure before any paver is placed. The patio which is not graded properly will cause water to flow into the base of the house. During installation, if there is a mistake in the drainage system, the results will be noticeable only after several months of operation, in NYC’s compact urban plots.
Quality Pavers
Quality pavers are rated for the NYC climate, while low density budget pavers take in much more water. The water that is absorbed in the paver with freeze-thaw creates spalling on the surface. This is one of the most frequent causes for the poor appearance of paver surfaces in NYC after only a few years of their low cost installation.
Edge Restraints and Polymeric Jointing Sand
Edge restraints and polymeric jointing sand. It secure the perimeter and keep pavers from migrating outwards over time and polymeric jointing sand is used to seal the joints. Polymeric jointing sand sets and cures in the joints, preventing weed growth and washout. These are both standard on good installations, and omitted from cheap installations.
Common Paver Projects in NYC and Their Costs
Backyard patio, concrete pavers:
200 to 300 sq ft: $3,000 to $6,500
400 to 500 sq ft: $5,500 to $10,000
Front entry and walkway:
Standard walkway (100 to 150 sq ft): $1,800 to $4,000
With landing and steps: $4,000 to $8,500
Driveway, concrete pavers:
Single car (~400 sq ft): $5,500 to $9,000
Two car (~650 sq ft): $8,500 to $14,000
Premium materials such as porcelain, bluestone and Belgian block:
Concrete Pavers: Add $6 – $15 per sq ft to the price of concrete pavers.
These are inclusive of excavation, base preparation, drainage grading, installation, edge restraints and jointing sand. Work projects near a driveway or sidewalk will require an additional permit.
How to Assess Any Paver Contractor in NYC
Check the depth of the bases and the type of compaction used. A contractor that responds right away and straight to the point knows what’s up. Speaking in a language that’s not specific, such as “just do right,” is a risk. Reliable paver contractors in NYC should clearly explain base depth, compaction, drainage, paver materials, edge restraints, and jointing sand before work begins.
Ask about the paver product. All of the following can be answered by a professional: Ask what paver product they’re using and why, brand, density rating, water absorption specification. If the contractor doesn’t specify what they are purchasing, he or she is probably buying the cheapest product on the market at that time.
Edge restraints and jointing sand. They should be built-in and not extras you will come to know are missing when your quote is accepted.
Drainage planning. See if there is any drainage planning. Specifically request how the water will be channeled off the finished surface and where it will go. This should be a planned element rather than an afterthought.
Written documentation. Documentation of scope of work, materials, base depth, pattern, timeline and overall cost, prior to work commencing.
Verify license and insurance. Current New York State Contractor License, Liability insurance, Workers compensation. Ask for documentation.
Certain Signs Should Signal That You’re Not Compatible as Partners
There are some red flags that should put a lid on the conversation.
A dramatic lower quote, compared with all other bids. Answers to questions that are evasive in terms of base depth or materials. An unconfirmed number, just verbally given. Pressures of the commitment on the same day. Over 30-40% asked for in advance prior to the commencement of work. There is no project history for NYC.
Paver Work NYC Is a Service That Is Provided by Gushi Construction
Gushi Construction is a company that provides Paver Work NYC.
Gushi Construction has been doing paver patios, driveways and walkways since 1993 in Brooklyn and NYC. More than 30 years of experience applying different paver materials (concrete, natural stone, Belgian block, porcelain) to residential and commercial properties, in Brooklyn for its unique lot size and accessibility.
All projects feature correct base preparation to the correct depth, drainage planning prior to installation and a written estimate without obligation. 7 days a week, licensed and insured. Gushi Construction is one of the trusted paver contractors in NYC for patios, driveways, walkways, and exterior paver installations.
Get free quotes for all paver patio and driveway jobs in Brooklyn and NYC.
Since 1993, Gushi Construction has been the trusted paver contractor for NYC. Give us a call at (718) 259-7503 or visit gushiconstruction.com so we can give you a free quote!
