Frequently Asked Questions

We are often asked a number of questions about our products and installations. We have summarized our most frequent questions on this page. If you have a question that is not listed here, we invite you to use our online feedback form.

How long will it last?

If installed properly (e.g., excavation is to the required depth, proper use of granular materials, sufficient compaction), your installation will last a lifetime. There is a manufacturer's lifetime warranty on the product to prove it.

How deep do you need to dig?

Typically, suppliers will recommend 4-6 inches. Ideally, you must excavate all topsoil until you reach hard pan, which is clay or virgin soil. Each installation varies. At Cavan Hills Landscaping, we consistently excavate between 10-12 inches (driveways are excavated 14 to 18 inches). We use granular 'A', compacted every 6 inches until a compaction rate of 98% is achieved. Granular 'A' is a combination of sand and ¾ crushed stone which provides a hard-packed base for pavers, as well as an adequate drainage solution.

Should I seal it?

Sealing the surface is a matter of personal preference. Sealing your pavers with a concrete sealer will enhance the original colour, but it will also create some maintenance. The first application should get two coats and, depending on sun exposure, one coat every year or two thereafter.

Should we use wood or stone for landscaping?

There are virtually no limits with either, creatively or structurally. However, the lifespan of pre-cast blocks and pavers will far exceed any wood application. Treated wood will withstand most elements; however, staining every other year is required and ultraviolet rays and water will ultimately prevail. Properly installed blocks or pavers with a drainage tile and granular stone base could last forever, with virtually no maintenance.

What about ants and weeds?

In the past, people have had problems with both ants and weeds growing up through their pavers. In recent years, with advanced technology, engineers have developed new polymeric sand for the sole purpose of eliminating pesky ants and unsightly weeds. The sand is composed of polymeric bonding agents, which create an impenetrable surface. It looks and sweeps like normal sand, but once it has been lightly soaked and completely dried, it serves much like a grout – no messy sand, no ants and no weeds.