F.A.Q

• Do you do concrete work?
• Can I see the pavers before I get them installed?
• How do I decide what to do with my backyard?
• Is drainage something I should be asking about?
• Should I seal my installation?
• Do weeds grow between the pavers and if so how can I prevent it?
• Why are pavers superior to concrete?
• When do I need to put geotextile (filter) fabrics under the wall/paver?
• How strong are the pavers?
• Are the lower priced pavers inferior to the more expensive ones?

Do you do concrete work?
No, we only do pavers and retaining walls.

Can I see the pavers before I get them installed?
Yes, of course! We will provide references upon request, including sites of previous installations and contact information for some of our satisfied customers.

How do I decide what to do in my backyard?

When you call us for a free estimate, we will meet with you and discuss your options with you. We take into account your space, your budget, your ideas and the materials available. Our installers are creative and experienced, so even if you don't think it can be done, talk to us about your idea. We may be able to find a way to make it work.

Is drainage something I should be asking about?

Definitely. Our installers pride themselves on their superior grading and drainage work. Whether repairing an existing issue or working on a new installation, drainage and grading concerns are often a part of a paver/retaining wall installation. We want to make sure that the installation will not be damaged by water build up, so we make sure that drainage is addressed from the beginning.

Should I seal my installation?

We recommend that every installation be sealed, however there are many different types of sealer. Baird & Sons Pavers uses only the best sealer on the market and these sealers can be used to enhance the integrity, durability and look of the installation. 

Do weeds grow between the pavers and if so how can I prevent it?
Weeds can germinate between pavers from wind-blown seeds lodged in the joints. They don't grow from the bedding sand, base or soil. Weeds can be removed by hand or with herbicides. Take care in using herbicides so that adjacent vegetated areas are not damaged. Use biodegradable products that won't damage other vegetation or pollute water supplies when washed from the pavement surface. Besides stabilizing the joint sand, sealers can prevent seeds from germinating.

Why are pavers superior to concrete?
(1) Pavers are flexible. Interlocking pavers are able to move when the ground expands and contracts during summer and winter or when it moves due to fault activity. This is possible because the joints of the interlocking pavers allow them to move without cracking or losing the pattern in which they were originally placed.

(2) The steps of paver installation. Underneath the pavers we also put geotextile fabric to stabilize the soil and 6 inches of compacted roadbase and sand to level the surface of the pavers. The borders of the pavers hold them in place with conrete and rebar, which is steel used in building foundations.

(3) Pavers have a warranty, poured concrete does not. Our paver installation has a three year warranty and the pavers themselves have a lifetime warranty, compared to poured concrete which has no warranty. This also means that pavers will last up to three times longer than poured concrete and they will not crack as concrete does. Although they cost more than poured concrete, they do not need to replaced as concrete does due to cracking and movement. They also add value and beauty to your home that concrete cannot.

When do I need to put geotextile (filter) fabrics under the wall/paver?
Filter fabrics are needed if the soil is soft. It is used where soil remains saturated with water, have a high content of silts or clays, or to separate layers of aggregate. Fabrics can delay the rutting caused by heavy loads.

How strong are the pavers?
Pavers are over two times the strength as poured in place concrete.
Pavers have an average strength of 8,000 PSI (pounds per square inch).

Are the lower priced pavers inferior to the more expensive ones?
No, all pavers go through the same process. The prices vary based on the location of the manufacturer, the color, the texturing of the pavers and the time that the paver collection has been available. Newer collections may cost more than older collections.