Transform Your Outdoor Space: The Complete Guide to Cambridge Paver Installation – DIY vs Professional Installation
When it comes to enhancing your outdoor living space with durable, beautiful hardscaping, Cambridge pavers stand out as a premium choice. With their innovative ArmorTec® technology and hundreds of colors and patterns available, these interlocking concrete pavingstones offer both aesthetic appeal and exceptional durability. However, the key to a successful paver project lies in proper installation – and choosing between DIY and professional installation can significantly impact both your budget and long-term satisfaction.
Understanding Cambridge Pavers and Their Benefits
Cambridge pavers are twice as strong as and less absorbent than poured concrete, making them an engineered pavement system suitable for everything from patios to driveways. Each Cambridge paver is manufactured with a spacer bar to assure constant joint widths, this allows the sand to fill the joints, creating a stable, interlocking system that won’t crack or heave due to ground movement.
DIY Cambridge Paver Installation: The Cost-Effective Route
For homeowners looking to save money, a DIY paver patio costs $5 to $10 per square foot, or about 50% less than hiring a professional contractor. Costs include renting power equipment (for excavating, grading, and tamping), underlay and base materials, delivery fees, sealer, and tools. However, DIY installation requires significant time, effort, and attention to detail.
Essential Steps for DIY Installation
The Cambridge installation process involves several critical steps. Proper compaction and a smooth pitched surface base is vital. The process begins with marking stakes below string line to allow for a 1″ drop every 8′ for proper drainage. Fill in the excavated area with the quarry process gravel, flattening, compacting and sloping, followed by adding coarse sand as a bedding layer.
When laying pavers, just hold a paver so the bottom 1/4″ to 1/2″ clicks against the top edge of the paver already in the sand. Release your grasp dropping the paver directly downward. The final step involves making two passes over the installed pavers with a plate compactor to seat the pavers, forcing sand up between the joint and completing the interlocking effect.
Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid
Several installation errors can compromise your project’s longevity. When it comes to paver installation, the most important part of the process is preparing the base. One common mistake homeowners make when installing pavers is trying to save money by using inferior materials and products. While this may seem like a good idea at first glance, it almost always ends up being more expensive in the long run.
Other critical mistakes include not leaving enough space for expansion joints, which can cause cracking in the blocks as well as shifting of the blocks over time due to temperature fluctuations, and using too much sand between pavers, as excess sand will be washed away during rainstorms, leaving behind cavities that can cause your pavers to sink or move out of place.
Professional Cambridge Paver Installation: The Expert Approach
Professional installation typically costs more upfront but offers significant advantages. The average cost for a DIY patio is $12 to $17 per square foot, while hiring a professional typically costs $20 to $27 per square foot. The average labor cost to install a paver patio is $6 to $11 per square foot, depending on the pattern, layout, grading, leveling, and operation fees. Professional landscaping companies charge $50 to $100 per hour for paver installation and prep work.
Benefits of Professional Installation
Professional installation, although more expensive up front, offers quality assurance and longer-lasting results. Hiring professionals ensures a high-quality installation, as they have the expertise and experience to get the job done right. Hiring professionals will save you time, as they have the necessary tools and manpower to complete the installation efficiently.
Additionally, hiring professionals may come with a higher upfront cost, but it can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes. DIY installation may seem more cost-effective, but any errors could end up costing you more in repairs.
Finding Quality Cambridge Pavers and Expert Installation
When searching for cambridge pavers near me, it’s essential to work with authorized distributors who understand the product and installation requirements. Valley Supply, a family-owned business since 1956, specializes in Cambridge pavingstones and masonry supplies. Valley Supply is a local family owned and operated building & masonry supply. We are one of Cambridge Pavingstones best distributors.
Unlike a big ‘box store’ that carries limited selection and supplies, our knowledgeable staff are experts in this area and know exactly what your project will need from start to finish. Customer service and satisfaction is our top priority since 1956. This expertise is crucial whether you’re planning a DIY project or working with professional installers.
Making the Right Choice for Your Project
The decision between DIY and professional installation ultimately depends on your budget, timeline, skill level, and project complexity. DIY installation is always a more affordable option, but keep in mind that it requires significant effort, tools, and skill. If you make a mistake in base preparation, cutting, or laying patterns, it can compromise the pavers’ durability which often means more expensive repairs are around the corner.
For complex designs, drainage issues, or if you lack experience with hardscaping, professional installation is often the wiser investment. With proper installation and maintenance, paver patios can last 25 to 50 years. Regular cleaning, sealing, and addressing any issues promptly can extend their lifespan.
Whether you choose the DIY route or professional installation, Cambridge pavers with ArmorTec® technology offer a durable, beautiful solution for your outdoor living space. By understanding the installation process, potential challenges, and working with knowledgeable suppliers, you can create a stunning hardscape that will enhance your property for decades to come.