Pavers in Minnetonka, MN

Much of the call for pavers in Minnetonka comes from homes that already have a walk, a patio or a driveway, just not a good one. The city went from 11,896 residents in 1950 to 25,037 in 1960 and 35,776 by 1970, according to census counts. Houses built in that stretch often still have their first concrete front walk and back slab. After that many Minnesota winters, those slabs tend to crack, tilt toward the house or settle where downspouts empty, and pavers are a common replacement because individual units can be lifted and reset later.

Tearing out, not covering up

We do not lay pavers on top of failing concrete. The old slab comes out, and we dig to the depth the new surface needs. Unilock's base guidance calls for 4 to 6 inches of compacted base under pedestrian walkways and 8 to 12 inches under driveways, and for that base to extend past the paved edge by the same distance as its depth. Older slabs were sometimes poured on little or no gravel, which is part of why they move; we check what is under yours when it comes out.

Front steps and stoops

A cracked front stoop is a familiar problem on mid-century houses. Depending on the layout, we can rebuild the approach with paver treads and wall-block risers, or extend a landing so the step-up is easier. Step heights should be even from top to bottom; uneven risers are a trip hazard, especially when snow covers the edges. Where the stoop is attached to the foundation, we look at that connection before quoting.

Releveling pavers that already exist

Not every job is a rebuild. Paver patios and walks put in years ago can develop low spots, rocking units or edges that have drifted outward. When the base underneath is sound, we lift the affected area, add and compact bedding, reset the pavers, and refill the joints with fresh sand. If the base itself was too thin or never compacted, we will tell you, and quote the section as a rebuild instead of a patch that will sink again.

What we build here

• Replacement front walks and entry landings
• Back patios sized to replace an old slab or a rotting deck
• Driveway rebuilds on a vehicle-rated base
• Garden walls and low retaining walls along grade changes
• Fire pit areas with seating walls
• Relevel and reset work on existing paver areas

Trees and roots

Large shade trees and old foundations are part of what makes an established yard pleasant, and part of what pushes hardscape around. Before digging near a big tree we look at where the roots run and route walks around them rather than cutting large roots, which can harm the tree. Pavers are forgiving here: if a root lifts a section years from now, that section can be reset without demolishing the rest.

Planning the visit

Call (952) 800-9409 to book a walk-through. We will look at what you have now, note which parts can stay, and leave you with a written quote that separates removal, base work and new paving so you can see where the effort goes.

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