Get matched with top pavers and hardscaping pros in Cassville, WI

Yes, you really need sand under pavers. Sand helps fill the gaps of gravel without impacting your foundation’s drainage. It helps create an even and stable layer for your pavers that lessens their ability to move over time. It also gives you a little bit of support during installation, allowing you to move the pavers as needed to get them in the right spot.

No, paver removal isn't needed to redo polymeric sand in a walkway or patio. Sand can be packed into existing joints as long as you're not dealing with intrusive tree roots or other severe paver problems that require you to pry up your pavers.

Professional installers often include a deep layer of crushed gravel under permeable pavers to allow more runoff to soak through into the soil below. Many installations will include multiple layers of gravel, with coarser aggregate at the base and finer aggregate that sits on top of that bottom layer. Above the gravel, you’ll often find coarse sand that helps reduce paver shifting over time. Some permeable paver designs include a water collection system set into the gravel layer to route runoff to a safe area for disposal.

Depending on material and design complexity, costs range from $10 to $30 per square foot. Installation labor increases the total.