If you’re considering upgrading your outdoor space in the Bay Area, pavers might just be the perfect solution. At Bayside Pavers, we’ve been transforming California landscapes with beautiful, durable, and customizable hardscapes for years. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek patio, a winding walkway, or a sturdy driveway, this blog post will walk you through every step of the paver installation process—perfect for someone who’s never had pavers installed before. We’ll also explain what pavers are, how they stand out from other hardscape surfaces, and why they’re an excellent choice for homes in our earthquake-prone region.

What Are Pavers, and How Are They Different?

Pavers are individual units—typically made from concrete, brick, or natural stone—that interlock to create a strong, attractive surface. Brands like Belgard and Calstone offer a wide range of styles, colors, and textures, letting you personalize your space down to the last detail. Unlike poured concrete or asphalt, which form a single, continuous slab, pavers are modular. This means they’re laid piece by piece, allowing for flexibility, creativity, and easy repairs.

So, how do pavers differ from other hardscape surfaces like concrete or gravel?

Durability with Flexibility: Pavers are earthquake resistant because their interlocking design allows them to shift slightly without cracking—perfect for California’s seismic activity. A concrete slab, by contrast, can fracture under pressure.

Permeable Options: Many pavers, like certain Belgard permeable styles, allow water to seep through, reducing runoff and helping with drainage—a big plus in the Bay Area’s variable climate.

Aesthetic Versatility: Pavers come in countless shapes and patterns (think herringbone or basketweave), while concrete is limited unless you add costly stamping or staining.

Maintenance: If a paver gets damaged, you can simply “unzip” the area, replace the unit, and lock it back into place—no need to repour an entire section like with concrete.

Now that you understand what makes pavers special, let’s dive into the installation process—step by step—so you know exactly what to expect when you work with Bayside Pavers.

Step 1: Demolition & Hauling

The journey to your new paver patio or driveway begins with clearing the slate. If there’s an old surface—say, cracked concrete, uneven gravel, or patchy grass—we start with demolition. Using specialized tools, we break up and remove the existing material. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it ensures a stable foundation for your pavers.

Once the old surface is demolished, we haul it away. In the Bay Area, we’re mindful of local regulations and sustainability, so debris is disposed of responsibly. This step leaves you with a clean, blank canvas ready for the next phase.

Step 2: Geo Sheet

Next, we roll out a geo sheet (short for geotextile fabric) over the cleared area. This thin, durable layer might not look like much, but it’s a game-changer. It prevents the base rock (which comes next) from mixing with the soil below, which could cause settling or unevenness over time. It also adds an extra barrier against weeds pushing up through your pavers—a common annoyance in the Bay Area’s fertile soil.

Step 3: Base Rock

With the geo sheet in place, we bring in base rock—a coarse, crushed stone material—and spread it evenly across the installation area. The thickness depends on the project: a walkway might need 4-6 inches, while a driveway could require 8-12 inches to handle heavier loads.

This layer acts like a sponge, draining water away to keep your pavers stable and permeable. It also distributes weight evenly, which is crucial in California where soil can shift during earthquakes. We grade the base rock to ensure proper slope for drainage—usually a 1-2% incline—so water flows away from your home.

Step 4: Compaction

Now it’s time to lock everything in place. Using a plate compactor—a heavy vibrating machine—we compact the base rock and geo sheet into a firm, level surface. This step is critical because any weak spots could lead to shifting or sinking later, especially under the stress of California’s seismic activity.

We compact in passes, checking the surface with a level to ensure it’s smooth and sloped correctly. A well-compacted base is what makes pavers earthquake resistant—it gives them the stability to flex without breaking.

Step 5: Concrete Base Beam Border

To keep your pavers contained, we install a concrete base beam border. This is like the frame of a puzzle, holding everything together. We pour a narrow strip of concrete around the perimeter, often reinforced with rebar for extra strength. This border prevents the pavers from spreading outward over time, especially in high-traffic areas like driveways.

For a polished look, we can tint or texture the concrete to match your Belgard or Calstone pavers. It’s both functional and stylish—a Bayside Pavers signature.

Step 6: Polymeric Sand

With the base and border ready, we spread a thin layer of fine sand over the compacted base rock to create a bedding layer. Then, after the pavers are laid, we use polymeric sand between the joints. This special sand contains polymers that harden when wet, locking the pavers together like glue.

Polymeric sand is a standout feature. It resists erosion from Bay Area rain, keeps weeds at bay, and stops ants from tunneling through—common issues with regular sand. Plus, it enhances that earthquake resistant flexibility by allowing slight movement without compromising the structure.

Step 7: Paver Laying

Here’s where the magic happens. We start laying your chosen Belgard or Calstone pavers, following the pattern you’ve selected—maybe a classic running bond or an intricate herringbone. Each paver is placed by hand, ensuring tight joints and a seamless fit. If you’ve opted for permeable pavers, we space them slightly to allow water infiltration.

This step is like assembling a giant jigsaw puzzle. We cut pavers as needed to fit curves or edges, using precise tools for clean lines. You can practically “unzip” and replace a section later if needed—another perk over solid concrete slabs.

Step 8: Compaction (Again!)

Once all the pavers are laid, we run the compactor over the surface again. This settles the pavers into the bedding sand and ensures they’re level. It also forces the polymeric sand deeper into the joints, creating that rock-solid interlock. We’re careful here—too much pressure could crack the pavers, but just the right amount makes them shine.

Step 9: Wash

Finally, we give your new paver surface a gentle wash. Using a hose, we lightly mist the area to activate the polymers in the joint sand, letting it harden over the next 24 hours. We also sweep away any excess sand and clean up the site, leaving you with a pristine, ready-to-enjoy hardscape.

Why Choose Pavers with Bayside Pavers?

Installing pavers isn’t just about creating a surface—it’s about building a lasting, beautiful addition to your Bay Area home. With brands like Belgard and Calstone, you get top-tier quality tailored to California’s unique needs. The process we’ve outlined ensures a permeable, earthquake resistant design that’s as practical as it is stunning.

Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact Bayside Pavers today. We’ll guide you from demolition to that final wash, crafting a hardscape you’ll love for years to come. Let’s unzip the possibilities together!

‍