Adam, I am glad you are asking this question. I had pavers installed last year it looks the same way yours does and I don't like the way mine turned out it looks wrong to me.

This is what I would say is his own personal way of doing something. Always ask to look at previous work that is similar to what you are wanting. Also in the future if you notice something the person is doing and don't like it ask the person to reevaluate the area and figure a different way out that you will like. But I do agree with Shelleyuk. Just maybe ask the person to draw it out how they plan on designing whatever it may be. This will also save you time and money in the long run and you have a greater chance of being happy with the end product.

This is a creative way to install a curve and time consuming, I imagine. I like the look, in part, because it is so different.

I have finally learned that if I really don't like the look of something I can always change it. Your walkway "works", but you don't like it. It's as simple as that. All the previous comments make sense, but in the end that is what it comes down to now. Have someone change it so when you look out you smile looking at your walkway.

Hi Adam, at first glance, I was surprised because it looks different than the typical manner we are all used to. But I have to say, after second and third looks, I rather like it. It looks carefully done, the colors are variegated well, and has a nice rhythmic look to it. BTW, I am a jewelry designer by trade, and I lay out stones all the time...just in a different medium :)

You do not need the border edge that everyone seems to be voicing-this would still have wedge shapes on the interior. The pieces all need to have a slight wedge taken out to create a curve. You mason simply used more full pieces and cut fillers as opposed to cutting essentially every stone.

In support of grh215's comment and others', the pattern is funky and will probably cause smaller pieces to dislodge. The interior of the pattern should interlock. A common method, as described a few times above, is simply to lay the walkway pavers beyond the perimeter of the final path, and cut the final edges in place with a saw. This is better done with even larger stone pieces, because by almost any method, there will be small pieces at some places along any path edge such as path ends, turns, and interruptions in the pattern by other elements. So plan to cut the walkway even narrower to accommodate a paver edge, either running with the path or as a soldier course. The edge pavers should have a small running concrete base of about 6" depth x slightly wider than the edge pavers. If the path is too narrow to allow a paver edge, then use a 1/8" x 4" steel edge, bent to the curve of the path. Don't bother with a plastic or fiberglass edge, they're not worth the cost, no matter how little you pay for them. Wood edge could work, but it will need to be scored deeply to accommodate the curves, and so will rot and break apart relatively soon, even if pressure treated. The contractor should set string lines to ensure consistency of joint lines' orientation. The walk should be redone, unless you requested the aberrant pattern for the cut radial pieces to point to something you want to highlight at the center of the walkway curve, but that's apparently not the case here.

I am a long time tile contractor in N. Cal. I agree with Craig Isaac. I have never seen or done a curved walkway in this fashion but that doesn't make it wrong. In fact, I think it is creative. I would classify these pavers are rustic because they have pillowed edges, are different sizes, have shade variation, and appear to have a rough texture, as such lend themselves to a less formal or traditional pattern. The small pieces will only become dislodged if they were incorrectly installed, which is impossible to tell from a photo. None of the photos I see here mimic the type of stone and pattern you have., therefore they do not represent an alternative for your particular situation. While the more traditional method of installation would be to have each piece cut into a wedge, again, this does not mean your job was done incorrectly. Travel to Europe and you will see many different interpretations of pattern and design.

You are so right, we all love Europe and the wonderful old buildings and wonderful, wonderful design used in patterns and style. Since they have seen the workmanship as a failer, I doubt they will change their minds.

I disagree with Caliraftdude. It IS your responsibility to specify what you want if you have something in mind. If you don't, the contracter will use their best judgement. I think the pattern looks great. You do not have space for the other suggestion. I can't believe you are asking about it a year later. That shows you weren't that concerned about it. It is much too late to complain now.

I think it looks beautiful. The stones are gorgeous. I a few weeks you won't even notice it.

It's funky, and it looks like the installer worked WAY harder than he needed to by choosing that pattern, but don't see anything that would lead me to say you didn't get what you paid for if the only spec was "a curved paver walk". Drawings and detailed contracts exist to make certain both parties are on the same page. It sounds like that didn't happen here.

I did want to respond to the assertion above that " The edge pavers should have a small running concrete base of about 6" depth x slightly wider than the edge pavers." That's completely inaccurate. ICPI.org, the official website for the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (there's an association for everything), provides clear specs for proper installation of pavers and you won't find a concrete curb in the tech specs. The proper method is to run the compacted aggregate base beyond the edge of the walk and install a professional paver edge product, spiked into the base with 1/2"x12" steel spikes. The whole point of interlocking concrete pavers is to eliminate concrete and create an installation that is flexible and moves as a unit with frost, etc. A concrete edge merely creates a) a spot for concrete (and therefore the border) to fail, and b) a paver installation with two sections that move differentially. We used concrete as an edging material (and the 4" steel edging that was mentioned) 15 years ago, but the industry has made huge advances and developed better methods.

Don't worry. Be happy. Looks great. Stop torturing yourself over it, forgive the installer for not knowing exactly what you wanted when it must not have been clearly communicated from the start. I would use that pattern to save cuts/time/money.

I expect when I hire someone that they do a professional job and should know best how to do the job. I did hire him to do a full landscaping project as this was a new construction. I shouldn't have to babysit to make sure it is done correctly. When I question him on the layout of the pavers he said how else should I have done it? This is the only way I was taught to do it.

Also the pavers move right now and has always moved and he has yet to fix them. I think I will always have pavers that move. I did have him do a walkway down by the beach area and that looks worse then these pictures.

Adam, I assumed that if the pavers were moving you might have mentioned that fact. Seems relevant to the discussion at hand, otherwise we're led to believe this is strictly a question of aesthetics.

Anyhow, of course you shouldn't have to babysit a contractor. I have clients who are currently in France. They gave me the access code for the property and said "make it awesome, we'll see you next month."

This is a people business so I'm always trying to better understand my clients, so maybe you can help me understand where the disconnect happened with you and your guy. What led you to select this installer? What did the paver projects in his portfolio look like compared to what you got?

Ok I will explain a little bit more in detail on the process when. Last year I built a house and moved in early April. Also at the same time we were planning our wedding in June and was having our honeymoon in June and we also have a young boy and I am busy with work.

So we were really busy with a lot of things going on at the same time last year. I did get multiple bids and I selected him as he was the cheapest price I could find. We just moved into a really expensive brand new home and didn't have a huge budget for the landscaping but it was a decent budget. Our builder was the one that recommended him to me and he showed me previous work which I liked.

All of the other work he did which was build a beach with a retaining wall and put up mutliple retaining walls on the house, and did edging and mulch. All of that other work turned out great but when it came to the pavers it just didn't look right and he assured me that is how it suppose to be.

I did mention the pavers moving last year which he never came out to fix them. Also I wanted him to seal the pavers to make it a wet look which he said he did but I wasn't there to see him do it and it didn't look done. On top of that he didn't winterize my water fountain properly and there is a crack in it now which he said he will replace.

I am a busy professional that has a young family and I just like things done the correct way I have looked at tons of pictures on the internet and looked at some of my neighbors paver sidewalks and they all look like they were professionally done.

Also revolutionary gardens - I wish I could hire someone and say make it look awesome and not worry about it.

In terms of aesthetics, I think it's very jarring to the eye. But the worst part is functionality. There are a number of courses where the pavers are not offset. That is definitely going to be a continuing problem. The pavers should lock. In fact, I see at least three courses toward the top of the photo where none of them lock. Miscommunication on aesthetics is one thing, but long-term stability of the project is another. Whether you disagree about the looks, you expected and paid for a firm stable walkway. If he doesn't give you that, I would try arbitration.

It definitely looks retarded.

Built incorrectly. Won't last. It will not ever look better than it does today. All joints should be the same thickness. The triangles disappear inside the walk, thinning to nothingness then mortared to compensate. Not one curve in the walk. All straight cuts.

The guy is a hack. However, I have seen worse. Get some plants in that mulch and on the sides of the pavers. That will help take the eye away from the pavers if you opt not to change the paver work.

I've often heard there is more than one way to skin a cat. Regardless, I think your paver doesn't look bad-- actually, to the everyday common eye, that tiny detail probably wouldn't be noticed.

I am surprised and pleased by the comments I have read. Most agree that this is a very pleasing and unusual solution to the problem of creating a curved walkway out of square paver stones. As an artist and designer, I love it that we are able to embrace and celebrate the creative solutions rather than following the majority like sheep.

Well, I don't think the problem is aesthetics. The problem is whether or not the walkway will hold up--will the pavers move? The owner says they already do. That's a real problem. You can argue about how it looks--might look fine to some but not to others--but if it doesn't work functionally, it's absolutely no good. There is a reason for the traditional paving patterns, and that is to lock the pavers in place so they don't move. You are making a walkway here, after all, not putting a picture on a wall.

The result is awkward, but more important, it will not hold up.. With no edging, no interlocking and small pieces, the only way this walk can stay together is if it is set in mortar over concrete. This is definitely not a traditional, or. I would say, professional way to do it.

Yes it is done wrong. I am surprised that you did not stop him after a few rows. It would have been an easy fix when he was doing it but it is a big job to redo that section. Is he willing to redo the curve or willing to split the difference. Problem is he was paid for the job he did, so getting a refund is going to be tough. Not to say it was your fault but really both your faults trying do it the way you like and how he normally does it. Will it last the rest of you life possible, will it last 200 years heck no. The more important thing is did he lay down a good base and edging. Did he compact the base? Is it sloped to run water off it correctly? Does it have high spots you could trip on? If he did not do that right find someone that can do that and put in the tiles the way you like.

Don't get defensive...you hire a contractor..I bet he isn't. And expect it to be done right. They should sit with you and draw it out with pattern. Lesson learned..get references, see his other work.

My husband is a landscaper. He say this is wrong in many ways in his opinion.

I commented yesterday, but didn't have a chance to attach a pic. Here's two pics of how our walkway was done on the outside and inside curve. (yes, I need to do some weeding....) Hope this give you an idea of how others do it.

That is not correct in my mind. I will show a picture of what I built for a customer earlier this month.

Adam, it's time to put this behind you, no one is coming over and walking out saying "did you see his pavers" .. "what a terrible job".... i don't like it either when i get work done around the house that is less than perfect, but health, family, friends and work come first! in a few years, when you have money then redo them... :)

I think it looks fine. Asthetically, if you don't like it, change it. But if you didn't specify to the landscaper the pattern you wanted (pictures of other jobs, stone companies, etc,) I think that's on you. But it looks good. Art is art, to be interpreted differently by each of us. Now go and concentrate on your kids :)

In spite of having commented on this before, I'm actually with cnags. Time to just say, "lesson learned" and forget about it. Either you will soon not even notice it, or if it lurks in your subconscious long enough you will save up some money and get it redone. Unless it becomes a safety problem (pavers lifting), just tell yourself that Life is too short to expect perfection in everything.

nice job wagcity

Usually workmanship that involves cutting tiny pieces takes longer and is considered finer quality.
I think it is beautiful and unique- like you something you would stumble across in England or Italy. It's hard to adjust what we expect to appreciate what we've got. But this really is very special.

I agree love the colors of the pavers. Like it without a border. Looks softer than some of the other designs submitted. Enjoy your very European walk.. As far as expectations. I think it was your responsibility to convey your design wants to the landscaper. If you truly dislike it then hire someone to recreate your dream path.

I posted early on that I think it looks nice. After seeing the pictures of others, I still think that. Each example has its good and bad points. Yours looks nice.

I think it looks nice.....

Looks like we have similar pavers...here's an example of mine.

This is ugly wount pass my style . Instead adding the triangle he should cut each paving stone like a wedge shape till he got the perfect curve

You are not alone we have pie shape wedges in our walkway. I love it. Not a problem for me. We do have the soldier edges and we have attractive flower beds on sides so your eyes are drawn up. I noticed the wedges and felt to make a curve he had to do it. Very happy with my installer. Would recommend him to a friend.

Here is how I would do a walkway similar to yours..... choose a pattern that lends itself to the curved area

That is not the typical installation technique and your installer certainly added a lot of unneeded work with all this pie shape cuts. My biggest concern is a lack of a band of pavers down each side to keep the smaller cuts contained and tight. See the attached picture.

This is from May 2013...

Interesting that Houzz does not edit old questions out... I hope all is well "haleydaniels"

Your correct, the project with pavers was for a client of mind. He is happy and so am I, thanking you for your interest and expertise

Bad work. Avoid cut pieces less than 1/2 or minimum 1/3 of the original paver size. For the curve, especially with natural stones, special cut pieces (slightly trapezoidal) shall be used,

We had curved stone work done the "right" way which took our installer time and effort requiring a lot of precise measuring to get well fitting stones into the curves we wanted. Your job in our opinion was done either by someone unskilled or in a hurry. essentially it was about laying straight rows and filling then with wedges. that would have made us nuts...hope you can get that fixed.

Old post. OP left the issue in 2013.

that looks terrible. definitely not the preferred installation technique.

OLD POST Originally from 2013!!!!!!