FAQ

According to Wikipedia, “A paver is a paving stone, tile, brick or brick-like piece of concrete commonly used as exterior flooring. In a factory, concrete pavers are made by pouring a mixture of concrete and some type of coloring agent into a mold of some shape and allowing it to set.

Pavers offer numerous advantages over concrete hardscapes.

• The aesthetic of the space looks more attractive and shows considerably less dirt and debris.
• Pavers are proven to increase curb appeal and home resale value. (See our blog post entitled “Outdoor Projects to Increase Property Value”.)
• They can easily be replaced. Have you ever had those pesky oil stains on your concrete driveway that are an eyesore? Do you hate those cracks that form and grow across the surface? Simply remove and replace the pavers in soiled or cracked areas, instead of having to clean or replace concrete.

UPD offers a 5-year warranty on our workmanship, no questions asked. We seek to make the process as pleasant and seamless as possible, from our friendly customer service to our creative design consulting. Michael, our owner/contractor, has over 20 years of experience and is on every job, ensuring that it is done to exceed expectations. We proudly employ professional hardscape artisans, not day laborers, to execute installations. Simply put: we are a luxury brand, and our work reflects our identity.

The details of the first steps vary with the type of installation, but the property is prepared accordingly (utility service inspection if necessary, excavation, grading, removal of old pavers, etc.) Next, base rock and sand are laid and compacted. The pavers are then cut and installed in the desired pattern. Sand is spread and swept over the top of the pavers. The sand will vibrate from below and above into the joints. A concrete edge restraint border is installed to maintain the integrity and stability of the entire area. This results in a compact, solid paver surface. Finally, the job site is cleaned, or “polished”.

Most of the time, the answer is yes. Depending on the age and amount of fading of your current pavers, we offer a wide variety of colors and styles that will closely or exactly match. Our sales manager can provide you with sample options to best fit your needs.

While there are exceptions, most of the time pavers can be laid over concrete IF the driveway is in excellent condition. Our sales manager is happy to provide you a definitive answer to this question following a property visit and consultation.

Project lead times depend on the complexity and size of the project, as well as the availability of the paver material from the manufacturer. Jobs typically take an industry-standard 7-10 weeks from the date the contract is signed to the date of finished execution. Some projects will be shorter. This may seem like a long time, but remember – this is a construction project, and professional-grade pavers are manufactured at the time the order is placed, ensuring the highest quality and longevity of the overall project. Our office staff can keep you up to date on the status of your job at any time.

If pavers are installed and compacted correctly, there should be little to no noticeable sinking.

Sealing pavers offers both practical and aesthetic advantages to your hardscape.

• Sealers make pavers resistant to stains from spilled material such as oil and dirt.
• Some have the added benefit of preventing weeds from growing in between the joints.
• It also keeps the joint sand from moving around or being displaced from weather elements or insects.
• Sealers come in a variety of finishes, from matte to shiny. They can enrich and enhance the natural color of the paver material.

While some of our clients prefer to seal their space themselves, we do not recommend the DIY approach. It is likely that inexperienced users will seal unevenly, which causes an irreversible, unattractive appearance to the space. Typically, saving the money to do this yourself is not worth the risk of marginalizing the investment of the installation! If you would like a professional-grade sealant quote, please notify your sales representative during your consultation.

Optimally, pavers should be resealed every 2-3 years.

Pavers are made to last for many years, so replacing them isn’t a frequent occasion. However, if you notice unattractive fading, discoloration, or cracks, it’s time for them to be replaced. Some people simply replace their pavers because they want a fresh, new look to their outdoor space or want to increase their property value. Although it isn’t necessary, we recommend sealing the pavers to increase their lifespan.

Costs on paver jobs vary widely, depending on 4 main factors:

• The square footage of the project
• The style and make up of paver material (Travertine pavers are made of natural stone, so they are more expensive than brick or concrete pavers.)
• The amount of preparation the site needs (grading, excavation, old paver/concrete removal, etc.)
• The complexity and design of the workmanship.

You have the option to pay with cash or check. Credit card payments can be accepted at an additional charge. We do not offer financing at this time. A 55% deposit is due at the time of contract signing, and the balance is due on the installation completion date.

• Remove all valuable and loose items from outdoor space (planters, art, hanging tv’s, furniture, etc.) We do our best to protect plants and surrounding areas.
• Double-check site and surrounding areas for water sprinklers and drains, and notify the crew of any new findings.
• PREPARE FOR DUST AND DIRT ON AND AROUND THE JOB SITE. DO NOT PANIC – THIS IS NORMAL AND NECESSARY FOR EXECUTION. Your neighbors may stare or ask questions. But this will pass, and soon they will be envious of the result. We ensure that we clean the entire area at the conclusion of every project.
• Following the pool deck paver installation, we will schedule a professional pool cleaning service to clean the pool. Do not attempt to clean it on your own as you run the risk of damaging the filter when the dust settles in the pool.