The popularity of patios and hardscapes in the Columbus area continues to grow each season. With this growth, there are a number of questions potential hardscape owners ask Archadeck of Columbus. During our consultation with the client we are able to address any questions or concerns homeowners have about their patio or hardscape project. In an effort to provide information for your upcoming outdoor living space project, we have picked the four most commonly asked questions and provided our answers below.
The top 4 questions people ask us when thinking of adding a patio or hardscape are:
1) Will the hardscape “settle”?
2) Will the hardscape get weeds?
3) Are hardscapes maintenance free?
4) What is the cost of a patio vs. a deck?
The answer to these questions for the most part are no, no, no, and it depends. As far as any concern of a patio or hardscape settling over time or getting weeds, the answer is that it’s very unlikely if it’s done right.
Here are the details that go into the way we install a hardscape patio or outdoor space. When we build a patio or hardscape we use multiple layers to build the right foundation for your paver patio. When we excavate the are for the patio, we compact the base (dirt), then add the quarter size gravel 2″ at a time and compact after each 2″ layer.
Many companies will install all the gravel at once and compact only once. The first layer is a compacted soil base which is brought on by excavation of the proposed building site. We then install a layer of geo-textile material. We then add aggregate which consists of angular, quarter size stone which is added and compacted down two inches not just once, but three times. This is an element of patio construction that sets Archadeck of Columbus apart from other patio builders. We make sure the area is compacted in layers which is the main reason our designs maintain their integrity over time. We are certified Interlocking Concrete and Pavement Institute (ICPI) installers and build all of our hardscapes to meet and exceed all building codes set forth within.
Most installers don’t compact the base or aggregate correctly which leads to settling over time. In addition to the compaction and aggregate layers, Archadeck of Columbus also installs polymeric sand which acts similar to grout once it is activated with water. We compact the last time pavers are installed and the poly sand is installed in an attempt to fill the voids as a much as possible so the poly doesn’t settle. This also greatly reduces the chances of weed seeds sprouting through the cracks. Archadeck of Columbus also provides a five-year guarantee on all hardscape and patio foundations, so we stand behind each of our structures every step of the way.
To answer the question of whether a patio or hardscape outdoor structure is maintenance free, the answer is no because nothing is completely maintenance free. Patios are however very low maintenance. The only requirement we recommend is sealing the hardscape every couple of years for an extra measure of protection against the elements and everyday traffic. Using a sealer will add a slight gloss, or sheen to the hardscape itself, but most homeowners love this look!
When trying to compare the price of a deck addition versus a patio, the final number is influenced by the design of the structure itself. Generally speaking, a wooden deck will be a little more expensive to build because you need a higher skill set for installation. When dealing with very flat ground, a patio will be a little less expensive to build, however when you begin to add vertical elements to the patio’s design that take more time, the price tag will begin to go up. In regards to the cost of a synthetic deck versus the cost of a patio, the price for the synthetic deck will almost always be significantly more. Once again, it is hard to gauge a precise cost analysis until you take the design or the space and all the “bells and whistles” within the design into consideration, so the answer is it all depends on your individual design.
To find out more about our quality hardscape outdoor living designs, including patios, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, contact Archadeck of Columbus today. Call us for a free consultation(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net
Please visit our patio and hardscape photo gallery and our outdoor living photo gallery located on our website to see more of our fabulous Columbus area hardscape designs!
Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus 