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Choosing a paver can sure feel overwhelming. You have to consider size, style, thickness, color, and more. That’s why we made a short and simple quiz that asks a few questions about what you’re looking for and, at the end, provides a recommendation, or two, you can start with.

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Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for Permeable Pavers

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Are you a homeowner who has installed or will soon install permeable pavers in your yard? If you have any experience with hardscape or landscape, you know that you need to maintain it once it has been installed.

At Western Interlock, we are committed to providing PNW homeowners with the resources to design, install, and maintain beautiful pavers. If you’re looking for a way to ensure that your permeable pavers are well maintained through every season of the year, this is the blog post for you.

Spring Maintenance

When spring arrives with its warmer days and blossoming trees, it’s time to clean up your pavers from the winter months and address any new issues that arise with the spring weather.

1. Clear debris

First, clear any debris or organic matter from the surface of your hardscape and the paver joints. Winter can build up an assortment of dead leaves and other organic materials that can stain your pavers if they are not eliminated.

2. Address damage

Inspect your hardscape for any signs of shifting or damage to the pavers. If you find that the hardscape has displaced in any way, address it as soon as possible by reinforcing or replacing the paver before it causes further damage.

3. Check joints

Check the joints once you have cleaned your pavers and inspected them for damage. If needed, reapply joint sand or aggregate so the hardscape stays stable and permeable.

4. Pressure wash

Finally, pressure wash your pavers to get rid of any extra dirt and grime that has built up.

Summer Maintenance

The summer months bring hot temperatures and growth to the PNW—and the conditions can affect your pavers if you don’t stay aware.

1. Remove weeds

Check your pavers frequently during the summer to see if any weeds have sprouted up in the joints. If weeds have grown in your pavers, remove them as soon as possible so they do not spread further and take over your hardscape.

2. Identify erosion

As you move through the summer, you should inspect your pavers to see any signs of erosion or settling. These paver issues can especially be a problem in high-traffic areas, so if you have a frequently used driveway or walkway, pay special attention there. 

3. Check joints

You also should routinely replenish the joint sand and aggregate if you need to so that the pavers are consistently able to drain properly.

Fall Maintenance

When autumn arrives with cooler temperatures and falling leaves, do not ignore your pavers in favor of cozying up inside.

1. Remove leaves

You should routinely clean the fallen leaves from the surface of your hardscape. Pay particular attention to the paver joints, so that accumulating leaves do not end up clogging the area.

2. Check and seal

You should also inspect your hardscape during the course of the fall months to see if there is any damage or shifting caused by changing weather conditions. This time of year is also when you should consider applying sealant to your hardscape to protect it from the coming cold and moisture.

Winter Maintenance

It can be challenging to maintain your pavers during the winter, but it is one of the most important times to be aware and prevent damage. 

1. Remove ice

During the winter, you should routinely clear the snow and ice from the hardscape surface so that no one slips as they walk in and out. However, avoid using any type of de-icing agents that could accidentally damage the pavers or compromise their permeability.

2. Check for damage

As the cold months progress, keep an eye out for any signs of frost heave or other cold-related damage to your pavers. Address it promptly so that it does not grow any worse.

Explore Additional Resources

Pavers need to be maintained all year long if you want them to stay attractive and functional. If you want to get started installing a hardscape, click here to check out our paving stone selection, or check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more that can help with your installation and maintenance process.

Designing a Water Feature: Adding Elegance to Retaining Walls

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Are you ready to enhance your yard’s aesthetic appeal? Building a water feature into a retaining wall can be the ideal way to add ambiance and beauty to your outdoor living spaces.

Here at Western Interlock, we’re committed to providing PNW homeowners with the resources they need to create welcoming environments with paving stones.

In this blog post, we dive into some of the benefits of installing a water feature and how to properly execute the process. Let’s get started.

Benefits of Home Water Features in Retaining Walls

Why should you consider adding a water feature to your yard? If you have ever been in a yard that included a water feature, you likely can recall the atmosphere it created. The sight, sound, and smell of water trickling can suddenly transform your yard into a beautiful and restful place for you and anyone else who comes into your yard.

Another reason to add a water feature to your yard is that it can majorly enhance what would otherwise be a regular retaining wall. Water features add visual interest and ambiance to retaining walls, and can transform a wall that is otherwise boring. 

Finally, water features offer the benefit of masking sounds and attracting wildlife. If you live in a noisy area, water can help lessen the clamor and maybe even invite some interesting animals to wander into your yard.

Select Suitable Fountain Materials

As you prepare to install your water feature, make sure you select the appropriate materials. You should pick out basin liners, pumps for the water, and decorative elements that are appealing to you.

The materials you choose should be durable and weather-resistant while complimenting the retaining wall design. Be selective in curating your materials so your water feature will be completed cohesively with the rest of your landscape.

Design and Install the Water Feature

As you begin the installation process, plan carefully so that the water feature fits seamlessly into the retaining wall. Consider the size and placement of your water feature so that it can fit into your yard in the aesthetically pleasing way that you prefer.

You will need to excavate and plumb the backyard area where the water feature will be.

Consult experts or hire help if you are not sure of yourself. Once the feature is installed, seal it carefully to protect it from any damage to the stones.

Finally, you must keep the waterfeature clean and maintained to function well and last for many years.

Explore Additional Resources

Adding a water feature to your retaining wall is a beautiful way to complete your yard with ambiance and aesthetic appeal. Be careful as you select, design, and install your water feature, and be sure to contact us at WI if you need support in the process. For more help with installing hardscape and water features, click here to check out our paving stone selection and get started, or check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more.

How to Install Perma Paver Edging for Driveways and Garages

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Are you getting ready to install a new driveway or garage floor out of pavers? You may be wondering what edging material you can use to maximize the strength and longevity of your paver installation. We highly recommend using PermaEdge for its quality and ease of application.

Here at WI, we are committed to equipping you with the products and resources you need to install beautiful pavers. In this blog post, we look at the steps to installing PermaEdge as an edge restraint for your paver project.

1. Lay biaxial geogrid

Typically, in a pedestrian application, PermaEdge is just troweled on the outside edge of your paving stones. However, in an area that will receive vehicular traffic, the process should actually start at the gravel base.

Once your gravel base is completed, you should lay down two feet of biaxial geogrid before you bring in your bedding material. This will help reinforce the entire area where you are laying hardscape. With the tensile strength and extra interlock the geogrid provides, pulling a vehicle along the edge of your paver driveway will pull the edge of strength toward the vehicle and make the entire driveway or area much stronger.

You need two feet of biaxial geogrid. You should have 18 inches underneath the field and edge of your paving stones, and six inches beyond the outside edge so that your PermaEdge can be troweled on top.

2. Lay your pavers

Once you have laid the biaxial geogrid, go ahead and lay and level your bedding. After your bedding is evenly laid, carefully lay your pavers and tamp them down as you typically would with any other paver installation.

3. Remove excess bedding

After the entire field has been laid and cut in, you are ready to move to the next step of installing PermaEdge as your paver edge restraint.

First, remove your excess bedding material. One of the most common mistakes we see with any paver project is that people fail to remove their excess bedding material and put their edge restraint right on top. When this happens, you will likely have issues with your pavers moving and bedding washing out.

To prevent problems with excess bedding, scrape away the excess bedding with a trowel or flat shovel. Whether it is concrete sand bedding or quarter ten crushed stone, you need to expose the gravel and the geogrid to apply PermaEdge.

4. Mix your PermaEdge

Once your excess bedding material has been removed, you can mix your PermaEdge. 

Dump the material from the PermaEdge bucket into your wheelbarrow. Combine one bucket of PermaEdge mix with one gallon of water. Mix it until you don’t see any more dry parts, and then you can move on to troweling that PermaEdge.

5. Apply the PermaEdge

Once the mixture is ready, use your trowel to apply the PermaEdge to the edge of your project. Depending on the size of the paving stone, you always want to apply the mix about one-third of the thickness of the paving stone and four inches wide. If you go too long or too high with the PermaEdge, it will not perform the same—so stick to about four inches wide and a third of the way up on the paving stone for the best performance possible.

Use a trowel to press the PermaEdge mix neatly and tightly against the pavers.

6. Compact the pavers

PermaEdge is designed to be compacted as soon as it is troweled. As soon as you have applied it, move on to compaction. We recommend using a vibratory roller because it reduces damage to paving stones but gives us the best compaction possible. 

If you see any separating or cracking of the PermaEdge while it is still wet, simply take a trowel and touch it up after the compaction.

7. Explore additional resources

Check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more. If you’re ready to get started today with the hardscape process, click here to check out our selection of paving stones. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or personalized advice you need for your edging or any other part of your project.

Designing Durable Walkways for Light Vehicles: Materials and Techniques

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Do you have an area that you would love to install paving stones in… but are a little nervous, knowing that it receives a lot of light vehicle traffic? You don’t need to worry. Pavers can withstand vehicle traffic if they are installed correctly.

In this blog post, we dive into what materials to choose and design techniques to implement if you want your paver walkways to withstand light vehicle traffic.

At Western Interlock, we are committed to providing you with high-quality paving stones and the resources you need to install them. Let’s get started.

Select Suitable Materials

First, select a durable material for a paver walkway that will withstand light vehicle traffic. Regular concrete pavers, interlocking stones, or permeable pavers are all good options for you. Each will be strong, last a long time, and give you an attractive curb appeal to your property.

You also need to consider where you will be installing your pavers. What is your climate like? What is your soil like? Think carefully through what type of pavers will work best with the elements you already have in place.

Understand Proper Installation Techniques

If you want your pavers to stand up to the traffic they receive, they also must be installed correctly. Otherwise, mistakes in the installation process might result in uneven and unstable pavers that will not last and end up causing you problems down the road.

What are the most essential steps in installing a paver walkway that will stand up to light vehicle traffic? First, you must excavate the area where you will install them. Level your base, use aggregate, and compact the ground as much as you can. This will ensure your pavers will have a solid foundation and will not eventually start to settle in at different heights. Use edge restraint to keep the pavers where you want them. Finish with the proper joint material and sealer to increase the paver’s durability and prevent weeds from sprouting up between the stones. 

Enhance Durability with Maintenance

Once your paver walkway is installed, you need to focus on maintaining it. Keep a close eye out for any damage so that you can address it immediately and prevent your pavers from deteriorating. You should also routinely clean and seal your pavers to protect them from the natural stains and wear that come from regular outdoor use.

Explore Additional Resources

Making lovely paver walkways that can withstand light vehicle traffic can be simple if you select the right materials, install them correctly, and stay on top of maintenance. Click here to check out our paving stone selection and get started, or check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more.

The Importance of Strong Edging in Vehicular Paver Applications

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Did you know that something as simple as edging can make a world of difference in your new hardscape? Particularly if you are installing pavers that will receive much vehicle traffic, edging can be the one factor that determines how long the pavers will hold up. If you want to create durable driveways, it is crucial that you understand the importance of paver edging and also install it correctly.

If you haven’t met Western Interlock yet, we are committed to providing the PNW with high-quality pavers and paving stone supplies, including paver edging. Keep reading for the details you need to make sure your new driveway has the proper edge that will last for years to come.

Understand the Role of Edging

What is the point of having a paver edge installed in your driveway? A solid paver edge has a variety of purposes, but the most important is the structural integrity of your pavers. Without edging, the paving stones quickly shift and spread around, leaving gaps between the stones and, eventually, something that doesn’t look very much like a driveway. Edging contains and supports the pavers to last a long time.

Paver edge is always important, but it becomes even more so when you know your pavers will receive regular vehicle traffic. The weight of vehicles could damage your pavers much more quickly if they don’t have solid edges.

Benefits of Strong Edging

Of course, the most obvious benefit of having strong edging is that it will help keep your driveway strong and stable over time. Structural integrity is a benefit that is hard to replace. 

Driveway longevity is a major benefit. Additionally, having a well-defined edge to your hardscape does wonders for making your driveway look appealing. A solid paver edge makes your yard and driveway look much more neat and tidy. Eliminating the paver edge would not only damage the structure of your driveway, but would also give you a sloppy look that would be hard to fix and also damage your curb appeal.

Edging Installation

To install a strong edge on your pavers, select an edge material based on your driveway design and how heavily you will use it. We recommend using a very sturdy edging material such as concrete or metal. 

Once you have selected your edge material, install it as you are installing your pavers. Make sure that the area is well excavated and the edge material is placed carefully along the edge of the pavers. Secure it with metal spikes so it can stay strong even as vehicles drive over the pavers every day. For more details on installing paver edging, check out this blog post.

Explore Additional Resources

Understanding the role of proper edge restraint in making long-lasting paver driveways is the first step in installing a hardscape that you will use for years to come. Choose a solid edge restraint if you want a paver hardscape that will last. For more help with installing pavers, click here to check out our paving stone selection and get started, or check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more.

Tools and Techniques for Precise Paver Installation

· ·

At Western Interlock, we are committed to making hardscape installation easy and approachable. In this blog post, we look at two simple techniques for you to implement no matter the grade of your project so that you are completely happy with the final result.

So, your project area is not completely even. What can you do?

Use a String Line

If you are working with minor inconsistencies in your project area, a string line is the easiest and most common way to make a reference point for your project. 

To do this easily, simply tie a string line between two stakes to mark where you want the top of your paving stones to be. Make sure that it is set to exactly where you want your project to end up. It should not be stuck on anything or pulled down by unevenness in the ground underneath. This is especially important if you are working with inconsistencies in your grade—even minor inconsistencies.

Once you set up your string line, shave away any dirt underneath that you need to so your final grade is perfectly flat. If you do the work upfront to make sure your grade is consistent, you will have the ideal end result of evenly laid paving stones.

Measure for Consistency

What about the times you might not want to use a string line at all? This typically happens if you’re installing pavers on a very sloped grade. A sloped grade might show up on a paving stone driveway, a walkway down a hillside, or just any slope in your grade that is gradual and consistent.

A string line is not very helpful in these situations with a sloped grade. If you stretch a string line to make it flat across the dip and contour of the ground, you will end up bottoming out where the ground begins to slope.

Instead of using a string line, you will need to measure as you excavate to ensure that your paving stones will be laid consistently.

Use the top of your ground as a reference point, and dig along with the contour so you can round your paving stones to match the ground where needed.

As you excavate, you may want to leave an inch or so of paving stone above the ground so that it can drain well. Simply measure from the top of the ground as you’re excavating so that it can be consistent throughout the whole project.

Explore WI Resources

Whether you are working with minor inconsistencies or a significant slope in your grade, it is possible to lay your hardscape precisely. If you want more tips for installing and maintaining your pavers, check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more. If you’re ready to get started today with installing your hardscape, click here to check out our paving stone selection and install the patio or driveway of your dreams.

Ensuring Straight Lines in Paver Projects Without String Lines

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Have a plan

The first step to ensuring straight lines on your pavers is establishing a plan and design before you begin installation. Sketch out your design on paper, and carefully mark a guide on the ground with chalk before you begin. Make sure you have calculated and measured as accurately as you can.

Choose the right pavers

As you go through the planning process, make sure the pavers you decide to use are high quality and from a reliable company. Low-quality pavers may have some variation or unevenness and can negatively impact your final result.

The shape and size of your pavers can also impact the straightness of your paving lines. Make sure to factor in the dimensions of your particular pavers as you calculate before you begin installation.

Set a solid foundation

Once you begin installing your pavers, make sure that the base you prepare underneath them is conducive to straight lines. Level and compact your base so that the pavers on top can be straight and even.

You should also implement some kind of edge restraint to keep your pavers in place and prevent wobbling or shifting. Click here to read about how to make a proper base for your pavers.

Align each paver carefully

Once you begin installing the paving stones, establish fixed points to judge how straight your pavers are. As you lay down each new block, look carefully at the pavers you have installed already.

We also recommend that you use spacers to make sure that the pavers are uniformly spaced and straight. 

Correct as you go

Check paver alignment regularly as you install. If necessary, adjust the pavers as you go to have a consistent final result.

Joint sand and seal to finish

Finally, as you wrap up your paver project, make sure that you follow the necessary finishing touches so that your hardscape will last a long time and maintain its original shape and charm. 

Fill each joint with a joint sand, and then seal the pavers once you have finished to lock in the straight lines that you have worked hard to establish. 

Check out our website for more resources

You can easily install a beautiful, high-quality hardscape in your yard. Download our free Project Planning Guide, or check out our DIY With WI resources for more information on installing pavers.

Seasonal Paver Cleaning: A Comprehensive Guide

· ·

With the changes in seasons comes the time to clean up your yard. How do you transition your pavers from winter to spring or autumn to winter? One of the most important things to do is to clean off any accumulated dirt or debris that builds up on your pavers so that the coming months do not damage your beautiful hardscape.

In this blog post, we will look at how you can clean your pavers for a new season and remove the dirt, mud, and rust that may have built up over the months.

Remove dirt

Sweep or blow off your pavers

Maybe a pot fell and broke on your pavers, or someone cleaned off their muddy boots on the paver edge. However it happened, you should remove the dirt as soon as you can. Sweep or blow off that dirt before it sinks into the crevices. 

Spray it off with a hose

If dirt has gotten into the crevices, use a garden hose and maybe a stiff-bristled brush to agitate and remove the dirt.

Remove mud

If the dirt has a high iron content or has had some water mixed in, it might be a bit tougher to remove. Mud can damage your pavers if left untouched, so make sure to remove it as soon as you can.

Use a nylon brush and garden hose

If mud dries on your hardscape, try removing it using a simple nylon brush and a garden hose. Spray the affected area with water, scrub it with a brush, and rinse the mud off.

Try a paver detergent 

If the mud is stubborn and doesn’t want to be removed, you can use a detergent to help break it down. SureBond SureClean is a great detergent option for removing mud from concrete pavers. Dilute the detergent with water, scrub it on with a brush, and rinse it off until you no longer see mud. 

If you still see small traces of mud, you probably have a soil with high iron content, and it’s time to move to the next option.

Clean with hot water and pressure

If you have tried a broom, a hose, and a paver detergent but are still dealing with mud dried to your pavers, it’s time to move to boiling water. It gets the surface of the concrete hot and helps separate the mud off the surface. A boiling hot water pressure washer is an effective option as it simultaneously rinses your hardscape with both water and pressure.

Remove rust

Do you have rust on your hardscape? It may come from a rusty hitch left on your driveway or a high iron content in your soil. Rust stains are difficult to remove because iron oxide bonds with the concrete at a molecular level. 

Use a rust cleaner

Don’t be too worried—rust is actually simple to remove. Use SureBond S.R.B. Stain and Rust Buster to eliminate rust from your pavers. Dilute the solution with water, scrub with a brush, and then rinse off your hardscape.

Replace the paving stone

You should note that the Rust Buster is an acid-based product, which can cause slight damage to your pavers. To avoid damage, simply replace the paving stone with a new, undamaged paver (especially if your hardscape is very new).

Check out our other resources 

If you’re ready to start a paver project or need more assistance with details like paver maintenance or a brand-new hardscape installation, explore our range of products and resources. We have installation guides and personalized support services for your paver needs. Click here to get in touch with our experts.

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Since 1990 Western Interlock has been manufacturing high-quality paving stone supply. We carry pavers, patio pavers, driveway pavers, landscape pavers, retaining wall design, fire pit kits, fireplace kits, and a huge selection of Installation guides. We strive to provide high-quality products with excellent service.

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