16 May Installing Patio Pavers – DIY or Hire a Professional?
Few things are more rewarding than finishing your own landscaping project. However, getting through the process can be grueling work, and it may ultimately cost more than hiring a professional to complete the job. For people weighing the pros and cons of laying pavers themselves, here is a list of what you’ll need for installing patio pavers:
Design Plan: Before you get started installing patio pavers, you need a clear plan including sketches of what the final product should look like. To make sure the project is feasible and within your budget, you must compile a complete list of everything you’ll need for the job. Failing to properly prepare could leave you with a hole in your yard that you can’t afford to fill. It’s also a good idea to build your design plan so you can reduce the multiple trips to the home improvement store. Remember, time is money.
Product and Materials: In addition to your pavers, you’ll also need literally tons of sand and gravel. Expect to use over 20 bags of sand for a 10 x 12 patio. Little things like leveling string, piping and wood for a frame can quickly add up, so factor these expenses into your budget when installing patio pavers on your own.
Delivery: Hauling in all that sand will take a lot of time, work and money. Given the large quantity of materials you’ll need, you’ll likely have to hire some help for this part. Hopefully, you have a sturdy back. We don’t recommend installing patio pavers if you have lower back or knee issues.
Tools: You’ll undoubtedly have to rent some equipment. At a minimum, you’ll need a compactor to flatten the earth. Interlocking pavers take considerably more effort to install; if you want anything other than square stone pavers, you’ll also need to rent a cutter. These tools can be very dangerous to operate without the proper training. They also probably require a deposit, so take that cost into consideration.
Labor: The biggest benefit of the DIY option when installing patio pavers is that you theoretically don’t have to pay for labor. The labor may not cost you money, but it will cost you time and energy. What begins as a fun landscaping project can easily turn into a full-time job when you start uprooting trees while digging hundreds of square feet of dirt out of your lawn. Even if you get friends and family to help, you should definitely at least take them out to dinner afterwards. You might also want to budget for a few chiropractic visits or a massage therapist after you are finished.
If all of this sounds simple to you, then best of luck. However, if you want to guarantee professional quality results, let American Outdoor Living take care of installing patio pavers for you. Our 3D Design Center can work with you to achieve the vision of what you want your yard to look like, and then our experienced construction crew handles the hard work. We carry an array of stone pavers made from travertine, slate and a myriad of other high quality materials. Call American Outdoor Living for a free consultation to start planning your patio, driveway or any other landscaping project today.
