Will it go away?

The white substance that appears on pavers is called efflorescence and is caused by calcium hydroxide, a naturally occurring phenomenon in all masonry products.  These salts and minerals wick from pavers, deposting a white film on the surface, which will, in time, disappear, or it can be removed with a mild cleaning solution.  We carry efflorescence remover for cleaning purposes.  Efflorescence in no way affects the structural integrity of the pavers.

The use of protective sealants is optional, although sealants do enhance color and appearance of pavers. 

In cases where staining may occur, sealants will minimize penetration of stains and will protect pavers from environmental conditions such as acid rain and extreme UV exposure. 

Sealants are available at Brandywine Stone with finishes ranging from matte to wet look.

Recommended paver installation methods include a paver edger restraint. 

This prevents pavers from “spreading” over time with freeze/thaw cycles and traffic patterns. 

Paver restraints are spiked with 10″ spiral nails approximately every 1′ to 2″.  Brandywine Stone stocks these products.

This product is used between the soil and stone base under patios and walkways, as well as driveway applications, to stabilize unsuitable soil conditions which would otherwise allow settlement to occur or mud to permeate the stone base.

Generally speaking, landscape fabric is used under wood or stone mulch if you want to block vegetation from growing up from below. 

We carry landscape fabrics in 3′ wide and 6′ wide rolls. 

You may want to secure landscape fabric over large areas by using 6″ metal staples, also available at Brandywine Stone.

We recommend a product called polymeric sand because of its ability to harden, yet remain flexible, and its function of preventing weeds and ants from penetrating joints from your base materials. 

If you are using 1/2″ joints or larger, we recommend high performance polymeric sand.

Follow the same base material recommendations as for pavers. 

Check manufacturer’s recommended installation for the various types and sizes of wall material, as well as height limitations.

Follow paver installation instructions (sand bed may be thicker depending on varying thickness of flagstone used). 
However, DO NOT use a vibratory plate on top of flagstone after installation.

Remove sod and soil to a depth of approximatley 7″. Install 4″ of 2a modified stone, compact and level.

Spread 1″ of coarse sand using a straight edge to level. Install paver edge restraints and lay pavers.

Spread sand over surface of pavers, using a vibratory plate to compact pavers in place (the sand is to prevent surface scratches during the vibratory process).

Follow instructions for applying polymeric sand to the open joints. Note: These guidelines are for basic paver installation; consult manufacturer’s product/installation guides for your specific paver.