Professional Interlocking Paver Installation

Interlocking pavers have become one of the most popular choices for driveways, patios, and walkways across the Greater Toronto Area, and for good reason. These modular paving units offer a unique combination of durability, aesthetics, and practicality that's difficult to match with any other paving material. Understanding what makes interlocking pavers work and what separates a quality installation from a poor one can help you make informed decisions about your outdoor space and ensure you get the best value for your investment.

The term "interlocking" refers to how these pavers work together as a system. Each individual paver is shaped to lock into its neighbors, distributing weight and forces across multiple units rather than concentrating stress in single points. When you drive a car onto an interlocking driveway, the weight isn't just supported by the pavers directly under the tires it's transferred laterally to surrounding pavers through the sand-filled joints. This load distribution is what makes properly installed interlocking pavers strong enough to support vehicles weighing many tonnes without cracking or shifting.

The base preparation beneath interlocking pavers is absolutely critical to long-term performance. A proper installation begins with excavation to a depth of 10-14 inches, depending on soil conditions and intended use. This excavated area is filled with graded granular base material (typically 3/4" clear stone or crusher run) that's compacted in layers using plate compactors. Each layer must achieve specific compaction density before the next is added. This base provides structural support and allows water to drain away from the surface. Skimping on base preparation is the most common cause of paver failures and unfortunately, it's invisible once the job is complete.

Above the granular base sits a layer of bedding sand, typically 1 inch thick after compaction. This sand layer serves two purposes: it provides a smooth, level surface for setting pavers, and it allows minor adjustments to achieve precise grade and pitch. The bedding sand must be screeded (leveled) carefully using rails and a straightedge inconsistent sand depth leads to uneven pavers and eventual settling. After pavers are placed, additional polymeric sand is swept into the joints. This special sand contains polymers that harden when activated with water, locking pavers together and preventing weed growth and ant infiltration.

Edge restraint is another often-overlooked but essential component of interlocking paver installations. Without solid edge restraint, pavers at the perimeter will gradually creep outward, opening joints and compromising the interlocking action. We install aluminum or heavy-duty plastic edge restraints secured with 12-inch spikes driven deep into the base material. Alternatively, pavers can be set against existing concrete structures like garage floors or foundation walls. The key is that pavers must be contained on all sides to maintain their structural integrity over time.

Pattern selection affects both aesthetics and structural performance. Herringbone patterns (45° or 90°) are the strongest for driveway applications because they create an interlocking web that resists rotational forces from turning vehicles. Running bond and basketweave patterns are visually appealing but less resistant to shifting under vehicular traffic they're better suited for patios and walkways. We help clients select patterns that balance their design preferences with practical performance requirements for each specific application.

Maintenance requirements for interlocking pavers are often misunderstood. While pavers themselves are virtually maintenance-free, the jointing sand does require periodic attention. Polymeric sand can wash out over time, especially in high-traffic areas or where water flows across the surface. Replenishing joint sand every few years maintains the locking action and prevents weeds. Sealing interlocking pavers is optional but provides benefits including enhanced color, easier cleaning, and additional protection against staining. We offer maintenance programs for clients who want to keep their paver surfaces in optimal condition without handling it themselves.