Planning For A Paver Patio? Consider These Potential Drawbacks First

Paver patios can add aesthetic appeal to a backyard. When you carefully choose the right type of pavers, you can create the patio of your dreams. Brick, concrete, and natural stone pavers are all available, allowing users to achieve a custom look for their space, and are known for their durability, longevity, and overall easy upkeep. 

However, before you pull the trigger on a new paver patio, consider a few drawbacks. Paver patios require a larger upfront investment than other types. The installation process is also much more involved, meaning you'll have to wait longer for the process to be complete. Although you'll pay more in labor costs than you would for other options, you may decide the result is worth it. 

Before committing to a paver patio, it is important to understand that the installation process can take several days — and, that's for a crew of professionals. If you're attempting a DIY installation, it could take you even longer. There are many mistakes that must be avoided when laying pavers in an outdoor space, which is why installation can take so long. If the surface isn't correctly prepared, the pavers won't lay properly and will likely become loose or crack.

Before installing a paver patio, the grass and weeds must be removed from the surface. You will also need to compact and level the area where you wish to install the patio. Once the surface is cleared and leveled, you still won't even be ready to start laying the pavers. Instead, a layer of gravel and an additional layer of bedding sand must also be applied and leveled. After these steps are complete, you can finally move on to laying the pavers, but this, too, will be a time-consuming process. You'll have to carefully lay them out to create the desired pattern and look.

One other serious downside of paver patios is their higher price tag. Much of this cost relates to the installation process: You'll be paying a lot more for the labor involved than you would to just have a crew pour some concrete in your yard. Compared to stamped concrete, a paver patio typically requires around a 30% higher up-front investment (though ongoing maintenance will likely be higher for the stamped concrete patio).

The cost and installation time aren't the only things you'll want to consider before choosing to install a paver patio. You may need to apply for a building permit or permission from your HOA to install the new patio. While getting approval might not be an issue, it may take some time, which can set your project timeline back if you don't start the process soon enough.

Weed growth can also be an issue with paver patios. As you can likely imagine, all those openings between the bricks or stones are no match for persistent weeds. You can work to stop pesky weeds from growing in your pavers by filling the gaps with polymeric sand. However, this isn't a fool-proof solution, and you may still find yourself weeding more than you'd like to keep the patio from looking overgrown. You can consider sealing your patio to limit weed growth further. However, this will be yet another expense and has the potential to discolor the pavers if it isn't done properly.

Ultimately, the decision about whether to get a paver patio is yours to make. You will want to consider your budget, whether you're looking for a DIY friendly installation, the slope and condition of your backyard, and your vision for your outdoor space.