Weeds in the joints
Joint sand washed out. Fixed with cleaning and new polymeric sand.
Services · Patios and pavers
Patios and pavers in the Lower Mainland
A patio is only as good as what's under it. On soft, wet valley soil a shallow base means sinking, heaving and weeds within a few winters. Tell us what you'd like to build and we'll send it to local hardscape installers.
- Typical size 200–400 sq ft
- Build time 3–7 days
- Best season Apr–Oct
Warning signs
How serious is it?
Dips and uneven stones
Sections have sunk or lifted. Pavers can be lifted and the base rebuilt.
Water running toward the house
The patio slopes the wrong way and sends water to the foundation.
Options
The main ways landscapers handle it
| Option | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Paver patio | Concrete or stone pavers on a compacted base | Outdoor living areas and dining |
| Walkway | A paver or flagstone path | Side yards and front entries |
| Gravel patio | Compacted gravel with edging | Budget seating areas and paths |
| Fire pit area | A paver or gravel pad with a built-in or kit fire pit | Evening gathering spaces |
Local conditions
Soft ground needs a deeper base
Paver patios sit on layers of compacted gravel. On firm ground a modest base is fine, but much of the valley floor is silt and clay that softens when wet, so good installers dig deeper and compact in thin layers.
Slope matters too. A patio should fall gently away from the house so rain runs off instead of pooling against the foundation or soaking under the stones.
What a good quote includes
- Excavation depth and base thickness
- Compaction in layers
- Slope away from the house
- Paver brand, colour and pattern
- Edge restraint
- Polymeric sand in joints
- Steps, walls or fire pit if included
- Cleanup and haul-away
Watch for: A quote that doesn't state base depth. It's the line item most often cut to win on price.
Costs
Typical patios and pavers prices
| Job | Typical range | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Paver patio, 300 sq ft | $7,000 – $14,000 | Base depth on soft soil, paver style, access |
| Paver walkway, 40 ft | $2,500 – $6,000 | Width, base, pattern |
| Gravel patio, 200 sq ft | $1,500 – $3,500 | Edging, base depth, gravel type |
Ranges are for budgeting only. Your quotes are based on a site visit.
Questions
Patios and pavers questions
Pavers or poured concrete?
Pavers handle ground movement better and can be lifted and relaid if a section settles. Concrete is usually cheaper upfront but can crack on soft soil.
How long until I can use my new patio?
Usually right away for walking. Wait a day or two after polymeric sand is set before heavy use or washing.
Often done together
Patios and pavers by town
Metro Vancouver
- Surrey →
- Vancouver →
- Burnaby →
- Richmond →
- Delta →
- White Rock →
- Coquitlam →
- Port Coquitlam →
- Port Moody →
- New Westminster →
- North Vancouver →
- West Vancouver →
- Pitt Meadows →
Fraser Valley
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