Extending Paver Patio

9 years ago

I want to tie into my existing brick paver patio and expand it by about 130 sq. ft. The patio was installed before I bought the house and has stayed in great shape for the 16 years I've owned it. I've done some research and found most people recommend 3" of compacted 3/4 gravel base, 1" of sand, install pavers, and run a vibratory plate over the whole thing. And to expect the pavers to settle about 3/8" after running the plate over it. Then sweep in some sand to fill joints.

This weekend, I peeled off a piece of the existing boarder block (which is basically a concrete block used to build retaining walls) and the whole base is made up of sand. Also, the pavers are 1.25" thick. (see photos).

Aren't pavers more like 2" thick? Is what I have an actual paver or something else?
Given that the existing patio is structurally sound, is the 3" of compacted gravel necessary?
If this patio gets nothing but foot traffic, do I need to run a vibratory plate over the pavers or can I just install them flush with the existing patio grade?
Will a hand tamper substitute for a vibratory plate?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks,

Rileyann

Featured Answer

PRO

Revolutionary Gardens

9 years ago

The first irrigation system I ever did, I didn't really know what I was doing, so I said "God, if you're up there, I know you made water to flow downhill. Please look the other way when I turn this thing on." I imagine whomever built this patio did something similar. Brick splits are not appropriate for paving. That much sand should not have held up for 2 years, never mind 16+.

To answer your questions first:

typical pavers are 2-5/8". Even clay paver bricks are thicker than what you have, which appears to be what we call splits. They're used for veneer in areas where you don't have room for a full brick.
not sure where 3" comes from, we would never do less than 4-6". Also be sure you use 3/4" minus (aka 21a/ABC/crusher run) not 3/4" clean.
that compaction is an important part of creating interlock. Need to do it.
unless you recently won a World's Strongest Man competition, you can't get near the compaction by hand that you would with a machine.

The reality is that once you start digging next to this thing, and once you start running a compactor next to it, there is no telling what will happen. It could keep on keepin' on because it's defied the odds so far, or... ever see what happened to the car in the Blues Brothers?

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Comments (7)

PRO
Revolutionary Gardens
9 years ago
is that straight sand holding the patio up, or a mix of sand and portland cement?
rileyann
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the response. I think you're right--there does appear to be a 4" layer of a sand/cement mix, but it crumbles very easily by just running my finger across it. Digging below 4" is straight sand though.
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Tootsie
9 years ago
You will likely open up a can of worms if you disturb the older section. You are fortunate to have 16 years of good service.
rileyann
Original Author
9 years ago
LOL! Thanks for the feedback. I'm not surprised the previous owners cut another corner. I've been mopping up electrical violations periodically since I've lived here, so I guess it's on to brickwork. Back to the drawing board I guess.

Is the 4-6" of base for areas prone to freezing or everywhere including the Central Valley of Calif? Thanks again.
PRO
Revolutionary Gardens
9 years ago
If it were my house I would not do less than 4-6".
PRO
Paver Wash
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
You may just want to cut and run with the flimsy bricks... redo the patio with a completely new interlocking paver system, installed properly, and it will serve you well, for years to come.

And don't forget to seal it properly.

6 Tips To Avoid Pavers Sealer Disaster

https://www.paverwash.com/6-tips-avoid-pavers-sealer-disaster/