PAVER PATIO CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

WHY A NEW PAVER PATIO?

At Creative Landscape by Design, we believe a paver patio should be more than just a place to sit — it should be the centerpiece of your outdoor living space. Our custom patios are designed with lifestyle in mind, incorporating features like fire pits, outdoor kitchens, seating walls, and ambient lighting to create a space that’s perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family. Built with premium materials that stand up to Northeast Ohio’s seasons, our paver patios deliver long-lasting durability, low maintenance, and timeless curb appeal for homes throughout Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana Counties.

Phases of Constructing a New Deck Project

Phase I – Schedule a Consultation

To begin your deck project, contact Creative Landscape by Design by clicking one of the “Schedule a Consultation” buttons located throughout our website. Complete the required information, and a member of our team will reach out to schedule an on-site consultation at your property.

Phase II – On-Site Evaluation & Design Discussion

One of our specialists from Creative Landscape by Design, often the owner, bringing over 30 years of hands-on experience—will meet with you to evaluate your outdoor space, property layout, access points, elevation changes, and existing structures. We will discuss deck size, layout, materials, railing options, stairs, built-in features, and overall design goals to ensure your new deck complements your home and landsca

On- Site Evaluation & Design Discussion

• Review of access points, grading, and elevation transitions

• Assessment of existing patios, decks, landscaping, and surrounding features

• Discussion of outdoor living area sizes and customer expectations

• Layout planning for patios, seating zones, and entertainment areas

• Expert guidance on paver styles, textures, and color selections

• Fire pit, fireplace, and outdoor kitchen placement considerations

• Built-in features such as seating walls, pergolas, and shade structures

• Discussion of landscape lighting options for ambiance, safety, and usability

• Drainage planning and long-term functionality considerations

Phase III – Design & Project Pricing Options

Following the consultation, Creative Landscape by Design will develop a custom outdoor living design and provide detailed pricing based on patio size, layout complexity, material selection, base preparation requirements, elevation changes, and site accessibility. Pricing may also reflect optional features such as fire pits, outdoor kitchens, seating walls, lighting, and other built-in enhancements. Proper planning and base preparation are essential to ensure long-term durability, drainage performance, and year-round functionality in Northeast Ohio’s climate.

Design & Project Pricing Options

• Pricing based on patio size and overall layout complexity

• Paver material selection, style, and color options

• Base preparation requirements for long-term performance

• Consideration of grading, drainage, and elevation changes

• Site accessibility and installation logistics

• Optional features such as fire pits, fireplaces, and seating walls

• Outdoor kitchen and built-in entertainment feature pricing

• Landscape lighting and ambiance upgrade options

• Pergolas, shade structures, and decorative enhancements

• Typical small to medium patios range from $5,000-$15.000

• Paver patios over 400 square feet will typically be over $15,000

Phase IV – Material Selection

Creative Landscape by Design understands selecting the right materials is an important step in balancing appearance, durability, and long-term maintenance for your outdoor living space. We will guide you through the advantages of each option, helping you choose the best solution for your home and lifestyle. We work with trusted industry manufacturers such as Unilock, Lampus, and Techo-Bloc, offering premium pavers and wall systems known for strength, color retention, and long-term performance. From classic paver styles to modern textures and colors, we help you select materials that complement your home while standing up to Northeast Ohio’s seasonal conditions.

Main Paver Selection

• Primary field paver used for the main patio surface

• Sets the overall tone, color palette, and style of the outdoor space

• Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and laying patterns

• Options ranging from traditional brick-style layouts to modern large-format designs

• Multiple color blends available to complement your home and landscaping

• Manufactured by trusted brands such as Unilock, Lampus, and Techo-Bloc

• Designed for long-term durability and color retention

• Engineered to perform in Northeast Ohio’s freeze-thaw conditions

• Can be paired with contrasting borders or accents for added visual appeal

• Main field paver will typically range from $6-12 a square foot

Accent & Soldier Row Patterns

• Decorative border or band used to frame the main patio area

• Commonly installed as a soldier row, sailor row, or contrasting accent band

• Adds definition and visual separation between patio sections

• Can highlight transitions around fire pits, kitchens, or seating walls

• Available in contrasting or complementary color options

• Straight or curved layouts depending on patio design

• Enhances overall craftsmanship and finished appearance

• Helps create a more custom, high-end look

• Installed with the same durable paver systems for long-term performance

• Designed to maintain clean lines and visual structure over time

• Accent pavers typically range from $6-$12

OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS- ADDITIONAL UPGRADES

A well-designed outdoor living area installed by Creative Landscape by Design can be enhanced with a wide range of add-on features that improve both functionality and overall enjoyment. Popular upgrades include built-in fire pits or fireplaces for warmth and gathering spaces, outdoor kitchens for entertaining, and seating walls that provide permanent, low-maintenance seating. Custom elements like TV walls create a true outdoor entertainment experience, while decorative pillars can define spaces and support lighting or pergolas. Additional enhancements such as pergolas or shade structures, landscape lighting, water features, and decorative borders help create a more inviting and complete outdoor environment. These add-ons allow homeowners to personalize their space while adding long-term value, comfort, and visual appeal to their property.

Wood or Gas Fire Pit Options

• Traditional campfire experience with natural crackle and aroma

• Strong heat output ideal for cooler evenings

• No gas line required for wood— flexible placement options

• Can be built as a simple fire ring or custom masonry feature

• Works well in rustic or natural outdoor settings

• Gas fire pits offer connivence

• Gas fire pits have a modern look with fire glass

• Gas fire pits offer a variety of flame burners

• Typical prices range $1,500-$4,000 plus cost of plumber

Phase V – Scheduling & Pre-Construction Preparation

Once the required deposit is received and your paver patio or outdoor living contract is signed with Creative Landscape by Design, your project will be placed on our installation schedule. Our team will coordinate timelines, finalize material selections, and confirm layout details prior to construction. We will address any required permitting, utility considerations, and site preparation needs to ensure a smooth and efficient installation process.

Scheduling & Pre-Construction Preparation

• Detailed project proposal outlining scope of work

• Clear breakdown of materials, specifications, and design features

• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs

• Written contract for project clarity and protection

• Defined project timeline and scheduling expectations

• Payment structure outlined prior to project start

• Deposit required to secure scheduling and materials

• Progress payments tied to construction milestones

• Final payment due upon project completion

• Change order process for additions or modifications

• Review of warranties and manufacturer coverage

• Mutual agreement ensuring expectations and satisfaction

Phase VI – Final Layout & Grade Confirmation

At Creative Landscape by Design, precision starts before the first shovel hits the ground. During this phase, our team carefully marks and confirms the final layout of your patio to ensure everything is built exactly as planned. From marking the excavation area to verifying elevations, drainage, and built-in feature placement, this step ensures your outdoor living space is constructed with accuracy and long-term performance in mind. We also contact Ohio Utilities Protection Service (Call Before You Dig) to locate public utilities such as gas, electric, water, cable, and phone lines. Customers are responsible for identifying any private or unmarked utilities including invisible dog fences, well lines, septic systems, irrigation, geothermal, or additional electrical runs prior to construction.

Final Layout & Grade Confirmation

• Paint off area to be excavated using professional marking paint

• Confirm final patio footprint and dimensions

• Verify finished elevations at doors, steps, and transitions

• Establish proper pitch for drainage and water runoff

• Ensure smooth transitions to existing patios, walkways, or structures

• Contact Ohio Utilities Protection Service (Call Before You Dig) to locate public utilities

• Public utility markings include gas, electric, water, cable, and phone lines

• Customer responsible for identifying private or unmarked utilities prior to construction

• Examples include invisible fence, well lines, septic, irrigation, geothermal, or private electric

Phase VII – Excavation

At Creative Landscape by Design, excavation is one of the most critical steps in the entire paver patio installation process. With over 30 years of hands-on experience and well over 100 patios built, we understand that long-term performance starts below the surface. During this phase, our team carefully removes existing materials and excavates to the proper depth based on soil conditions, drainage needs, and overall project design. When it comes to building a patio that lasts, experience matters — and proper excavation is the foundation that ensures structural stability, prevents settling, and supports your outdoor living space for decades.

Excavation

• One of the most critical steps in the entire patio installation process

• Removal of existing patios, sod, and unsuitable materials

• Depth adjustments made for walls, kitchens, pillars, and built-in features

• Identification and correction of soft or unstable subgrade areas

• Installation of geotextile fabric when conditions require added stability

• Proper excavation allows for deep base installations when needed

• Many projects utilize 10–15 inches of compacted base material

• Often installed using multiple slag sizes to improve drainage and stability

• Designed to prevent settling and support long-term patio performance

• Proper tamping of aggregate for a solid base

Phase VIII – Final Base Preparation & Screeding

At Creative Landscape by Design, the final base preparation is a critical step in achieving a level, precise paver installation. During this phase, we install the final layer of base material and carefully screed the surface to ensure proper leveling and consistent elevations across the patio. This precision step creates a uniform setting surface that allows pavers to be installed with tight joints, clean lines, and a refined finished appearance throughout the outdoor living space.

Final Base Preparation & Screeding

• Installation of the final layer of base material

• Fine grading to achieve proper elevations across the patio

• Screeding the surface for consistent leveling

• Establishing a uniform setting surface for paver installation

• Maintaining proper pitch for drainage and runoff

• Careful transitions at edges, steps, and structures

• Surface prepared for tight joints and clean paver alignment

• Precision preparation to support a refined finished appearance

Paver Installation

• Hand placement of pavers for precise alignment

• Installation based on selected laying pattern

• Tight, consistent joint spacing throughout the patio

• Integration of borders, soldier rows, and accent bands

• Contrasting paver inlays for added visual interest

• Precision cuts around edges, curves, and structures

• Clean transitions around steps, walls, and built-in features

• Continuous quality checks during installation

Phase X – Edge Restraint Installation

At Creative Landscape by Design, installing professional-grade edge restraints is a key step in preserving the integrity of your paver patio. During this phase, we secure the outer perimeter using proven restraint methods such as heavy-duty plastic edging anchored with spikes or concrete edge restraints where appropriate. These systems help prevent lateral movement and maintain clean, defined edges around the patio. Proper edge restraint installation locks the paver field in place and ensures the patio maintains its shape and structure as it performs over time.

Edge Restraint Installation

• Installation of professional-grade edge restraints along the patio perimeter

• Helps prevent lateral movement of pavers over time

• Maintains clean, defined edges around the patio

• Use of heavy-duty plastic edging anchored with spikes

• Concrete edge restraints used where additional strength is needed

• Reinforcement around curves, borders, and high-traffic areas

• Helps lock the paver field in place

• Supports long-term shape retention and structural integrity

Phase XI – Joint Sand Installation & Final Compaction

At Creative Landscape by Design, the final step in the installation process is properly locking the pavers together with joint sand and controlled compaction. During this phase, we sweep either high-quality polymeric or nitro sand into the joints, depending on the project requirements and customer preference. The surface is then compacted to help secure the paver field and create a cohesive finish. To ensure consistent results, we’ve recently added a roller tamper to our equipment lineup, which helps level the pavers more evenly while reducing the risk of shifting, scuffing, or surface inconsistencies during compaction. This final step delivers a clean, professional finish that completes your outdoor living space.

Joint Sand Installation & Final Compaction

• Installation of joint sand to lock pavers together

• Use of high-quality polymeric or nitro sand depending on project needs

• Sand swept evenly into all paver joints

• Helps reduce joint movement and surface shifting

• Final surface compaction to secure the paver field

• Use of roller tamper for even pressure across the patio

• Helps level pavers more consistently during compaction

• Reduces risk of scuffing or uneven settling

• Enhances overall surface stability and finished appearance

• Final step before project detailing and cleanup

Phase XII – Jobsite Cleanup & Final Touches

At Creative Landscape by Design, we believe a project isn’t complete until the jobsite is clean and the surrounding area is properly restored. During this final phase, our team removes excess materials, debris, and equipment to leave your property neat and presentable. We address both minor and more significant turf or landscape disturbances caused during construction, making necessary repairs and restoration efforts to help blend the new patio seamlessly into your existing outdoor space. We also pressure wash surrounding areas that may have become dirty during the build, ensuring a clean, polished finish so your outdoor living space is ready to enjoy for seasons to come.

Jobsite Cleanup & Final Touches

• Removal of excess materials, debris, and construction equipment

• Thorough cleanup of the work area and surrounding spaces

• Restoration of minor turf disturbances caused during construction

• Repair of larger turf or landscape areas where needed

• Grading and blending disturbed areas into existing lawn

• Pressure washing of surrounding surfaces if needed

• Removal of dust or residue from patios, walks, and adjacent areas

• Final detailing for a clean, polished appearance

• Property left neat, presentable, and ready for use

XIII Final Walkthrough

At Creative Landscape by Design, we finish every project with a thorough final walkthrough to ensure everything meets our standards and your expectations. During this step, we review the completed patio with you, highlight key features, and answer any questions about your new outdoor living space. We also provide helpful care and maintenance guidance so you can protect your investment and enjoy your patio with confidence for years to come.

Final Walkthrough Details

• Walkthrough of the completed patio and outdoor living features

• Review of craftsmanship and finished details

• Explanation of paver patterns, borders, and built-in elements

• Guidance on joint sand curing and initial use recommendations

• Care and maintenance tips for long-term performance

• Cleaning and seasonal care recommendations

• Opportunity to ask questions and address final details

• Confirmation that the project meets expectations

• Final approval and project completion

Why Choose Creative Landscape by Design?

Choosing Creative Landscape by Design means choosing experience, craftsmanship, and a process built on decades of real-world installation. With over 30 years in business and hundreds of completed outdoor living projects, we focus on doing things the right way — from proper base preparation to detailed finishing touches. Our team takes pride in building patios and outdoor living spaces that are not only visually impressive but constructed for long-term performance in Northeast Ohio’s climate. When experience matters and you want a company that values quality, communication, and results you can enjoy for seasons to come, Creative Landscape by Design delivers.

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