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10095 Rickreall Rd
Rickreall OR 97371 (503) 623-9084
9145 Fassett St SW
Olympia WA 98512 (360) 878-9301
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Get a personalized paver recommendation

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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Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips for Organic Debris on Pavers

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Understanding Organic Debris and Its Impact on Pavers

If you have lived in the Pacific Northwest for any length of time, you know an abundance of organic material builds up on any open surface. Whether it is leaves from surrounding trees or moss and algae that result from the damp climate, it is rare to find any stone surface that is totally bare.

You may enjoy the variety of specimens that accumulate on your property and pavers. What you should be aware of, however, is that as pretty as the leaves and moss are, they can end up damaging your hardscape. If you do not properly remove organic debris, it can stain and damage your pavers.

The Advantages of Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Why should you use eco-friendly methods to clean your hardsape? Unlike harsh chemicals, using simple household items to clean your pavers will cause minimal damage to the environment. Eco-friendly cleaning also ensures that your pets and children do not come in contact with anything that could harm them.

Using eco-friendly cleaning techniques is easy and less dangerous for your family. It is also much more cost-effective than buying complicated products.

Preparing Your Pavers for Winter

One of the most important times to clean and be aware of debris buildup on your pavers is soon before winter. Your pavers should be prepared and maintained through the chilly months so that the extra moisture and freeze/thaw cycles do not lead to paver damage.

To prepare your pavers for winter, clear them of any organic debris while the weather is still nice. Remove any weeds and either sweep or spray away any dirt. Keep an eye out for debris build-up during the winter and remove it as soon as possible. You can read our entire blog post about preparing your pavers for winter here.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions

For the most thorough cleaning of your pavers, you can use a homemade mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and water to clean your pavers. You can also pour boiling water on weeds and moss growing through your pavers to kill and remove them.

Another way to remove debris without chemicals is by using a stiff brush and elbow grease on your hardscape to scrape and clean away any unwanted material or dirt accumulation.

Protecting Your Pavers Post-Cleaning

After you have cleaned your pavers, you should seal them for added protection. Many eco-friendly sealer options are available that will enhance the durability of your pavers and their resistance to debris with little impact on the environment.

Explore our Resources and Download the Project Planning Guide

Are you looking for more resources on how to install and maintain quality hardscape in your yard? Check out our DIY with WI page for more, or download our free Project Planning Guide to get started on installation. 

How to Repair and Maintain Your Paver Joints

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Assess the sand loss

Before you simply dump more sand into your paver joints, make sure you examine them to make sure there are no major problems that will result in future sand loss.

It isn’t unusual to have some sand loss—especially if your pavers have a steep natural grade. Wherever moisture gets in and creates a run, you will inevitably lose a little bit of sand from your paver joints. In those situations, you just need to top off the sand and move on.

However, if you have an area with low spots or poor drainage, you will want to take the time to try and pick up those paving stones. Then, put down new bedding material and make the area flat again. Make sure that it has the proper grade so that the sand doesn’t disappear again in another year.

Resolve the issue

Picture a driveway where the pavers are installed against the garage floor slab. This is very common! It is also common for the garage floor slab to cause some settling in the pavers and to receive a large amount of moisture since the gutter is likely to be directly in line with the driveway (and likely to clog).

In this example, it is common for pooling water from the gutter to wash away the joint sand.

So, how can you fix this example area? The best option is to pull up the paving stones, replace the bedding material, re-lay the paving stones, and then add the joint sand on top.

Top off the joint sand

Once you have replaced the bedding material underneath the pavers, you can move on to the joint sand. We recommend you use a fine, dry bagged sand. This type of sand will easily and quickly smooth into the joints.

Once you have filled the joints with paving sand, use a hand tamper (or a compactor, if it is in a large area) to compact the sand in the joints. This will prevent as much sand loss in the future.

Once the joint sand is completely inside each joint, double-check to see if it is at the proper depth, at least ⅛ inch below the top of the pavers.

Finally, use a blower to remove excess sand and complete the repair project.

On-going maintenance

If the example area is properly fixed or if you have an area that only experienced minimal sand loss, the process for replacing joint sand is not quite as complicated. In these cases, just take a bag of fresh, fine, dry joint sand and fill those joints until they overflow a bit. You should then take a hand tamper to make sure the sand wiggles down into each joint so you have less sand loss later.

Finally, use a blower to get rid of any excess sand and get back to enjoying your hardscape.

Explore additional resources

Maintaining your joint sand is one of the most important things you can do if you want to ensure your pavers last for a long time. If you want more help maintaining your pavers, check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more. If you’re ready to get started installing your hardscape, click here to check out our paving stone selection and install the patio or driveway of your dreams.

Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Sand Application for Pavers

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Understanding the Basics

Why is joint sand necessary for your pavers? Without sand in your paver joints, your hardscape will not drain properly and is much more likely to shift over time. Having sand installed in your paver joints will also help prevent the inevitable weed growth that comes with living in the damp Pacific Northwest.

Materials Needed

Before applying joint sand to your pavers, make sure you have the necessary tools. You will certainly need your choice of joint sand (click here to explore our options), a large broom, a blower, and a hose or sprayer.

Preparation of the Pavers

Of course, before applying sand, you will need to follow the basic steps for installing your pavers. You must prepare your area by excavating, grading, and laying and compacting the base layer.

Once you have prepared your area, lay your pavers according to your chosen pattern.

Applying the Sand

Once you have installed your pavers, you are ready to apply joint sand. Pour sand over your pavers, then sweep it evenly into the joints using your large broom. Compact the pavers down once more using a hand tamper. Once you have made sure every paver joint is full of sand, use your blower to get rid of any excess.

If you are installing polymeric sand, you will want to wet down the joint sand to make sure the sand and pavers lock together.

Seal the Pavers

Finally, make sure you seal the pavers several months after installation. This will add additional protection to your hardscape, as well as help them maintain their original color.

Maintain Your Hardscape

Even once you have applied sand to your pavers and completed the process, you need to stay on top of paver maintenance. Check out our article Preventative Measures to Keep Your Pavers Looking New to learn more.

Contact Western Interlock for More

If you’re ready to start a paver project or need assistance with details like applying joint sand to pavers that you’re currently installing, 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.

Preventative Measures to Keep Your Pavers Looking New

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1. Routine Cleaning and Maintenance

The first one may be obvious: clean your pavers often. Regularly sweep and rinse them off to remove dirt and debris and prevent stains. You will see benefits immediately every time you clean and in the long term as you maintain the appearance of your pavers.

2. Sealing Pavers for Protection

If you haven’t already, coat your pavers with a sealant. Sealing your pavers makes them much more stain-resistant and will preserve the natural color you so carefully selected. Pavers should be re-sealed every few years, and you should use a sealer that is ideal for your climate.

3. Weed and Moss Prevention

The third way to maintain your pavers is to prevent weed and moss growth between them. Invasive weeds grow quickly in the damp PNW climate, so either weed frequently by hand or spray and remove the weeds occasionally.

4. Immediate Attention to Repairs

If you notice any cracks, pavers shifting, or joint sand eroding, address each issue promptly. The faster you repair any damage, the less likely the pavers will decline further. 

You can easily fix most issues if you catch them early. Inspect your pavers routinely to address any potential problems.

5. Avoiding Common Mistakes

Finally, make sure to maintain your pavers carefully. Avoid using harsh chemicals or pressure washing them incorrectly so that your attempts at maintenance do not accidentally damage the pavers.

Congratulations! If you take proactive steps to maintain your pavers, you will successfully maximize the life and beauty of your hardscape.

Contact Western Interlock for More

If you’re ready to get going on a project—or if you need assistance with pavers that you’re currently installing—explore our range of products and resources. Check out our free Project Planning Guide to get started.

Effective Water Cleaning Solutions for Stubborn Stains on Pavers

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How to Remove Leaf Stains

Why do leaves stain pavers?

The stains that come from leaves are present because of the tannins in those leaves. Without getting too scientific, tannins are stringent molecules that bond at a molecular level with the alkaloids in your concrete pavers. For us, that simply means that leaf stains are difficult to remove.

Remove using bleach and water

We recommend removing leaf stains from your pavers using a mixture of bleach and water, with one part bleach to four parts water.  If the stains seem especially intense, you can use a little higher concentration of bleach. 

Remove using boiling water

If the bleach doesn’t work, use a hot water pressure washer or boiling water above 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat of the water makes it easy to remove the organic stains that come from sitting leaves.

How to Remove Sap from Pavers

What can you do if a tree drops sap onto your pavers? Of course, this is frustrating when it happens. However, sap is removable, and you do not need to be afraid that the sap has irreparably damaged your hardscape.

Step #1: Scrape off sap

If you have sap on your pavers, the first thing to do is to use a plastic putty knife or tool and gently scrape away the sap. You will not be able to remove quite all the sap with a putty knife, but make sure it is down to a thin layer. 

Step #2: Use an acetone chemical

The next step is to use an acetone-based product, such as nail polish remover, pure acetone, or GoofOff. Put the product on a cotton ball, paper towel, or shop rag, and gently work at the remaining layer of tree sap until it begins to wear away. 

Step #3: Use xylene

If the nail polish remover or other acetone-based products are not doing the trick, move on to xylene. Follow the same process as you did for the acetone product, using a cotton ball, paper towel, or shop rag to apply the product and scrub at the sap on your pavers until it is gone.

Acetone and xylene are great products to use on some of these tougher stains. They will remove the stains without damaging your pavers and evaporate once they have cleaned the hardscape.

Check out our other resources 

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

How to Protect Your Pavers During Winter Weather

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As a homeowner in the Pacific Northwest, you are most likely quite acquainted with the diversity that the winter months bring. From mild temperatures to sudden freezes, as well as snow, hail, and rain, it can keep you guessing what might be coming next.

If you have a hardscape installed in your yard, you also know that it can be challenging to know what to do in the various types of weather that come through the winter. In this blog post, we will look at things you can do to ensure your pavers are well-protected through the chilly months.

Pre-Winter Preparation

The first thing to do is prepare your pavers well before winter arrives.

Assess your pavers

As the days begin to cool, take the time to thoroughly inspect your pavers. Check for cracks, unevenness, and other signs of wear and tear so that you can address them while you have time.

Clean and seal your pavers

Do the work to remove all the dirt and debris from your pavers before it has a chance to freeze. Address any stains with a stain remover such as Surebond Oil Extractor so that they do not worsen in the winter weather.

Once your pavers are clean, apply a paver sealant. Sealing your pavers protects against the increased moisture and any freeze-thaw cycles or potential salt damage.

Maintaining Pavers in Winter

Now that your pavers are ready for the winter, how can you maintain them once the cold weather arrives?

Snow and ice removal

The most obvious thing you should prioritize after the onset of winter is removing the snow and ice that builds up. If you use a snow shovel, try to avoid a metal one as it can damage the pavers. At the least, only use a metal shovel to break up ice and then scoop it off with a regular snow shovel. You can also safely use a snow blower if you have one.

Other options for removing ice from your pavers include using a liquid or granule de-icing material. Make sure to use a product that does not contain sodium chloride, calcium chloride, or Magnesium Acetate, as these ingredients can be harmful to you and your pets and potentially damage the pavers themselves.

Another option for ice removal is to prevent it from building up completely by installing heated pavers. You can use electric matting or PEX pipes underneath your pavers. Click here to read our blog post and learn more about safely de-icing your pavers.

Regular checks and quick repairs

Along with regularly removing the snow and ice that builds up on your hardscape, routinely inspecting it can prevent long-term damage. If you do find any damage to your pavers, quickly address it to prevent ongoing problems.

Long-Term Paver Protection

Quality materials and installation

One of the best ways to protect your pavers is to think long-term and initially invest in high-quality pavers. Well-crafted pavers last longer and more easily resist the extreme elements of winter weather.

The installation can also impact the longevity of your hardscape. Implementing techniques like installing a proper paver base and using polymeric sand in the paver joints can go a long way in making sure your pavers last.

Professional maintenance and repair

Consider hiring a professional maintenance service to care for your pavers. Professionals often have the expertise and skill to ensure your hardscape is cared for and lasts as long as possible.

Download our Project Planning Guide

With careful preparation, it is more than possible to have a hardscape that looks beautiful and lasts even through the winter months. If you want expert help planning your paver project, download our Project Planning Guide.

Safe De-icing Solutions for Paving Stones

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If you live in the Pacific Northwest or another northern area, it can be a challenge to deal with the excess snow and ice that can come with it. How can you prepare for and care for your hardscape in below-freezing temperatures? The solutions are simple but take some forethought and preparation.

This blog post will discuss a few techniques for removing snow or ice from your pavers without accidentally damaging them.

Snow Shovel

One of the easiest ways to remove snow and ice from your hardscape is with a shovel. However, do not use a metal shovel, as it can scrape up and scratch your paving stones.

If there is an accumulation of ice on your pavers that seems impossible to remove with a plastic snow shovel, you can break up the surface of the ice with a metal shovel. Use a snow shovel to break up the ice and scrape it off to avoid damaging your surface.

Snow Blower

The second way to remove snow and ice from your hardscape is with a snow blower. As with a shovel, you need to be careful to avoid damage to your pavers. We recommend using a snow blower with a rubber guard instead of a metal one to avoid gouges or scrapes on your hardscape.

Liquid or Granule De-icing Material 

Are you looking for a less labor-intensive way to remove snow and ice from your hardscape? Consider using a liquid or granule de-icing material.

The most common de-icing material is sodium chloride. It is usually cost-effective and removes any frozen buildup on your pavers.

However, using sodium chloride can be problematic. If you use it too frequently, it can eventually begin to harm your pavers. The high amount of salt in the product can eat away at your hardscape.

To avoid damaging your pavers, try a sodium-free de-icing product. Although they may be a little more expensive, they will protect your hardscape investment.

Install a Heating Element 

If you are in the planning phase of paver installation and know that they will have a lot of snow and ice build up on them, you can plan ahead by installing a heating element underneath your hardscape. 

One option for heating elements is installing electric mats with wire that will heat up and keep your hardscape slightly above the freezing temperatures around it.

You can also keep your hardscape heated using a boiler attached to some PEX PVC pipe that runs under your hardscape and prevents snow and ice build-up. An electronic sensor helps promote efficiency and makes the installation as cost-effective as possible.

Heating elements can add to the cost of your project—but they are also a great way to prevent the build-up of snow and ice during the long winters.

Check Out More Paver Resources

If you need more resources for paver maintenance or assistance with details like choosing heating elements for pavers you’re currently installing, explore our range of products and resources. We have a free planning guide, installation guides and personalized support services for your paver needs. Click here to get in touch with our experts.

Alternatives to Pressure Washing for Paver Maintenance

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If you have a hardscape installed in your yard, you know how important it is to maintain the pavers. Not only does maintenance make them look better and make you more able to enjoy them, but it also makes them last longer.

Pressure washing is one of the most common ways of maintaining and cleaning your pavers. However, some concerns come with pressure washing. Not only do you want to avoid damaging your pavers, but you also have the landscaping surrounding them to consider. 

In this blog post, we look at alternative ways to maintain your pavers without a pressure washer.

1. Gentle Cleaning Methods

One of the first ways to ensure good maintenance of your pavers without a pressure washer is by implementing more gentle cleaning methods. If you prefer to clean with natural products, try using a mixture of vinegar, water, and dish soap. Apply it to your pavers to remove any stains and mildew.

You can also sweep your pavers with a soft-bristled brush before you clean them with water and routinely, even when you do not plan to scrub them. Regular sweeping can prevent dirt buildup and moss growth on your pavers.

2. Protective Measures

Paver maintenance means paver cleaning. You should also maintain your pavers by proactively protecting them against any damage.

One primary way to protect your pavers is by sealing them. A good paver sealant will help protect them against stains, severe weather, or fading in the sun. 

We also recommend preventing weeds from growing up in between the paver cracks. Installing polymeric sand can help prevent unwanted weeds, but you will likely need to spray or do some good old-fashioned weed-pulling now and then.

3. Targeted Stain Removal

If your pavers acquire stains over time, you can treat and remove them. Using a cleaning product such as Surebond Oil Extractor or SureClean Deep Penetrating Multi-Use Cleaner will effectively remove stains from your hardscape. 

These products are gentle on your pavers but reliable in removing any oil, grease, or wine stains that may show up over their lifetime. 

4. Regular Maintenance Practices

One of the most reliable ways to maintain your pavers is simply by keeping a sharp eye out for anything that goes wrong. Whether it’s a stain or a crack in your pavers, regular inspection is a sure way to keep them looking new for a long time.

You should also prepare your pavers for the different seasons. Clean them thoroughly before winter and refresh them again in the spring to remove any debris that accumulates during the winter. Making a habit of keeping your pavers clean and maintained takes time, but it will reward you with a beautiful, long-lasting hardscape.

Download our free Planning Guide

If you have been waiting to install your pavers because you are unsure how to proceed, we have a free resource for you. Download our Project Planning Guide PDF to get all the details you need to know about planning and installing your new hardscape.

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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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