Base Reconstruction in Oakville

When we arrived on this project, the patio had already started sinking and dipping within just a couple of years of being installed — a clear sign of a base failure.

Once we excavated the area, the problem became obvious. The previous contractor had installed the pavers with virtually no base underneath. No proper depth, no free-draining material — nothing. This is exactly why patios fail prematurely.

To fix it properly, we removed all the pavers and excavated 11 inches down. We installed 8 inches of ¾” clear stone, compacted in lifts, followed by proper clear bedding material. We also installed geotextile fabric to separate the subgrade from the stone base, preventing soil contamination over time.

This system ensures proper drainage and eliminates frost heave. When patios are built with fines or insufficient base, moisture freezes in the winter, expands, and causes shifting — leading to costly repairs just a few years later.

The pavers were then reinstalled, and the result is a patio that is built to stay put long-term. This is why doing it right the first time matters.