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How To Fix A Paver Patio

Sweep In Polymeric Sand

How to repair a sunk in paver patio

This step is optional, but recommended! Polymeric sand is pretty neat stuff. When moistened with water, it hardens somewhat like concrete to keep the pavers from shifting. It also inhibits weed growth.

Pour out some polymeric sand over the pavers, and use a broom to sweep it between the cracks. If you’re working in a small area, whomp the pavers with the rubber mallet to help settle the polymeric sand. For large areas, use a powered compactor.

Some cracks will fill easily, while others will need some encouragement. As you strike the pavers with the rubber mallet, you’ll see some of the sand disappear. Add more sand until it no longer disappears. I find it works best to strike the edges of the pavers rather than the centres.

Set the polymeric sand by gently spraying it with water, according to the package instructions. You don’t need a lot of water! There should be no standing water on top of the cracks. Ideally, this should be done on a day when there is no rain expected for at least 24 hours.


Congratulations! You’re done! That wasn’t so hard, was it? Hopefully your paved walkway, stairs or patio will remain rock solid for another few years.

Patio Repair Cost By Type Of Repair

Many things can go wrong with patios. Damage can occur to various parts of the structure, from the grout and foundation to a covered patio roof or door. The cost of your repair depends on the damaged part, and the repair type required. The table below shows some examples.

Type of Repair
$150 – $1,000

Almost Finished Don’t Forget The Glue

The last step was adding the polymer sand. Although the patio looked great, you need it to stay in place. You also don’t want any weeds or grass growing up between the bricks. You do this by using polymer sand. We bought 3 fifty-pound bags of sand at Menards for $10 apiece. You pour the sand out onto the patio.

This is a really fine sand, so lots of dust. It is not toxic and will not harm you, but I still recommend wearing a dusk mask, or at the very least, I wouldn’t be singing while you work . . . unless you like to eat sand. And that is a different story.

After you have poured it onto the patio, you take a broom and sweep from one side of the patio across to the other. The sand falls into the cracks and crevices in between the bricks. Keep sweeping until the crevices are filled up, and it is even with the bricks. Then sweep any extra sand off the side of the patio into the grass. Do NOT leave any sand on top of the bricks.


Last but not least, you take a hose and wet the patio down. The water soaks into the polymer sand and creates the locking agent to form. The brand we used asked us to wet the patio down 3 times, ten minutes apart. Make sure you don’t over-water! You don’t want to wash the sand away you just want to dampen it.

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Patio Crack Filler Cost

The average cost of filling patio cracks ranges from $50 to $300. The total price for patio crack filling depends on the crack size and depth. Filling a light, superficial hairline crack is an inexpensive and simple job. However, filling deeper and larger cracks requires more work and filler material, resulting in a higher price.

How Much Does It Cost To Re

Paver patio installation. How to properly install your ...

Assuming you have a broom, a pressure washer, and a tarp, you will probably just spend around $2 $4 for each 50lb bag of regular sand. The price does vary for polymeric sand, but you can expect the price to range between $20 $40 per 55lb 50lb bag.

As you can see, the price varies considerably. However, as we mentioned in the articles previous sections, polymeric sand offers a great deal of added benefits and increased durability. Combine the product with proper sealing, and you wont have to worry about re-sanding pavers for a considerable period.


At JS Brick, we have 20+ years of experience providing paver installation, supply, and maintenance services in Sarasota and surrounding cities. For a free estimate on paver cleaning, re-sanding, and sealing services, dont hesitate to leave us a message or a call.

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Level Sand With A Trowel And A Straight Piece Of Wood

Level the sand using a trowel and the straight end of a piece of wood. We are using a 2×2 scrap wood because it happens to be the exact same thickness as the pavers we are leveling.

Running the piece of wood back and forth allows you to evenly distribute the sand in the area. Also with this board being the same thickness, it provided a guide for how much sand should be applied. When the height of the board reached the string we had in place we knew we were on target with the right amount of leveling sand.

This is where using a level is critical. Using the Empire 16 in. True Blue Digital Box Level we were able to gauge how level the ground was and measure the degree of the slope as we extended down the patio. The True Blue Digital Box Level has an audio indicator that would beep as we approached a level surface.


This tool makes make this task seamless and quick.

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Stone Patio Repair Cost

To professionally repair a stone patio, expect to pay between $3 and $15 per sq.ft. Stone is a tough and sturdy material available in a range of colors, sizes, and styles. It can last for decades, but cracks, weaknesses, and uneven sections can appear in a stone patio that may need to be fixed. Resurfacing may also be needed.

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Paver Patio Repair Cost

Repairing a paver patio ranges between $7 and $30 per sq.ft. Pavers can be found in a range of sizes and shapes positioned over a bed of sand or gravel with sand pushed between each paver. These patios may require repaving if damage occurs to the pavers, and leveling may also be needed if there is sinking.


How To Repair Paver Patio Steps

How to Repair Sinking Patio Pavers
  • Written by Justin Stewart on Oct 25, 2009To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by

Paver patio steps suffer damage from excess settlement, tree root incursion and impact. The amount of damage that has been done and the way the steps have been built will dictate how the repair should be completed. Generally, the repairs are more tedious than difficult and can require a bit of muscle.

Step 1 Examine the Damage

In this case, the paver step has been created with a front retaining riser and pavers arranged behind the riser and the retaining riser of the next step up. The riser is in good condition, but the pavers have been displaced by some sort of subsidence.

Step 2 Remove the Pavers

If the pavers have simply been laid on a sand bed it should be possible to lift them out using a pry bar. Press the pry bar between the two pavers that appear loosest and try to raise one of them. Once the first is removed, the rest should simply lift out.

Step 3 Check the Pavers

Hopefully the pavers will be in good condition and can be replaced. Clean off as much of the dirt as possible to check for any cracks that could get worse over time. Replace any unsatisfactory pavers.

Step 4 Dig out the Sand That was Under The Pavers

Step 5 Repair the Cause

Step 6 Build up the Step

This is a straight forward repair.


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Pull Up The Paving Stones

Next, pull up the paving stones. We recommend that you pull up 1216 past the sunken area, in every direction, so that youll retain a good reference for the grade.

To remove the first paver, you can use a paver puller, screwdrivers, or putty knives. We chose to use putty knives because they are easily accessible and have a wide surface area that makes it easier to lift the stone.

For tips on removing a paving stone read How to Remove and Replace a Paving Stone.

Nope Youre Not Done Yet

You want this wayward paver to stay in place this time, so pour more sand over the area and use a push broom to move the sand around. It needs to fill the gaps between the pavers.


Wet the sand down and repeat the process until the gaps are completely full. When you think youve added enough sand, add some more.

Sweep away all of the excess sand. Voila.

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Why Do Pavers Come Loose

1. Poor compaction of the native soils and/or class II road base: If the native soils and/or base are not properly compacted, this can destabilize the installation and cause undulations + loose pavers.

2. Improper spacing: If spacers are not used in the installation, the pavers may not be properly installed. Improper spacing can result in gaps that cause pavers to loosen over time. Most pavers are manufactured with spacers built into the paving stones and the pavers must be spaced accordingly, however, for pavers without built-in spacers, then spacers must be applied.

3. Lack of edging: If you did not use edging or did not properly install the edging during your paving stone installation, this can be a big problem. Edging is integral to the stability and longevity of your paver patio, walkway, or driveway. The edging is what holds the paver field together. If you did not include edging in the installation, it is not too late: Edging can still be added to protect your investment. Edging can be in the form of a concrete bond beam on your paver border, concrete curbing, or plastic edging.

5. Roots, Gophers, etc.: There are many variables that can undermine a paver installation and cause the paving stones to loosen. Roots from a nearby tree/bush as well as gophers tunneling underneath the paver install can both lead to undulations in the installation and loosen the pavers.

Brick Paver Repair For Pool Decks

How to Install A Custom Paver Patio

Do you have broken, sinking, or upheaving pavers and travertine or tile? Platinum Pavers is here to help!

Regular Paver Problems

  • Sinking pavers around decks and patio

Pavers sink because of air pockets on and around your deck and pool. The way we repair sinking decks and patios is by first removing the pavers, then injecting water into the sand. This makes the sand fill the air pockets that caused your pavers to sink in the first place, and also solidifies the sand to make it harder. Then we compact the injected sand, and put more sand above the wet sand to level it out. Finally, we compact the top layer of sand and put the pavers back.

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How To Fix Pavers On Even Surfaces

If your pavers are on an even surface where their looseness cannot cause an accident, the easiest way to fix them is to add more sand.

  • First remove the loose pavers one at a time. You can use a flat-head screwdriver or any other narrow tool to help you in that process.
  • Then pour approximately 1 cup of sand into each hole left by the removed pavers and level it with your hand.
  • With the sand properly leveled, put the paver back and rock it back and forth. Make sure that the paver is properly leveled with the ones around it. If the pavers is still loose, repeat the process.
  • After that, spread sand on the top of the paver and sweep it to the gaps between the pavers. You can then wet the sand, repeating the process until all gaps are filled.
  • Paver Patio Edge Barrier

    After all pavers are placed, attach your outer edge barrier . I opted to try plastic edging this time. Galvanized metal spikes are the best choice as they rust into the ground over time causing a better hold. However, all I could get my hands on were standard plastic ones.

    The plastic edging was very easy to work with and came in 6 strips.

    Lay the plastic edging down tight to the pavers outer edge and place a spike every 12-18 and at the end of each 6 strip. Hammer spikes in at an angle.

    To cut the edging I used a reciprocating saw.

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    Outback Landscape: Patio Experts

    How to repair a paver patio? Call us.

    Here at Outback Landscape, were happy to help. We expertly install paver patios, driveways and walkways every day. And repair them, too.

    Located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, we serve residential and commercial properties in Idaho Falls, Rexburg and Pocatello, Idaho, as well as Bonneville, Madison and Bannock counties.

    Contact Outback Landscape at 208-656-3220, or fill out the contact form to schedule an onsite consultation.

    Wed love to hear from you.

    Reasons For Loose Patio Pavers

    How to Fix Uneven Patio Pavers

    Before fixing loose pavers, it is important to know why they are loose in the first place. Several things may cause your pavers to be loose over time.

  • There is too much space between pavers.
  • During installation, spacers are usually used to ensure the spaces between pavers are uniform. If spacers are not utilized, it may result in too much space between them and eventually, pavers loose after installation. If you think aligned, closely installed pavers are just for aesthetics, you are wrong they also create stronger and more stable patios.
  • The sand base is not compact.
  • Underneath solid, stable pavers is a bed of compacted sand. Using a mechanical compactor to do the job is recommended, as just walking over the sand base may lead to bigger problems in the future.
  • You did not use enough filler sand.
  • Aside from the sand base, the filler sand is also an essential part of a secure patio paver. The filler sand is spread on the freshly installed pavers and swept out to fill in the cracks, thus keeping them secure and solid.
  • The edging is not properly installed.
  • Yes, the center of the patio is secured and protected, but you forgot an equally important thing the edges! The edges of your patio are prone to wear and are usually the first ones to corrode. It does not matter if the edging is added before or after installing the pavers just add it! You can use bricks, lumber, metal, or plastic.
  • You have potentially poor drainage.
  • How to Fix Sunken Pavers

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    How To Fix Sunken Pavers

    You can fix a sunken patio yourself or hire a professional especially for a larger problem. Here are the steps for repairing a low spot on a paver patio:

  • Remove the affected stone or brick paver and possibly others next to it using a flat headed tool
  • Dig down into the ground base and try to find out what is causing the dip
  • Add gravel for a stable and well drained base and level out with sand
  • Return the patio stones back to their positions
  • Fill the gaps between the stones using sand and spread with a broom
  • For whatever reason your patio is sinking, early fixing is important before the problem becomes enormous. For a more stable and lasting patio, ensure weeds are controlled, stains are removed and washing is done using the right cleaner. Pavers can last up to 30 years when properly installed and maintained.

    How Do You Build A Cheap Patio

    How to build a cheap and easy deck. One of the easiest ways to decorate your patio is to place rocks on the sand. The spaces between the stones are filled with sand and can even be covered with moss to give it a more rustic look. Using your own muscles to dig the bottom of your yard will save you money compared to hiring a contractor.

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    How To Repair A Paver Patio

    Posted by Chase Coates on December 15, 2017

    Paver problems?

    You’re not alone.

    Your paver patio looked so great when it was first installed, didn’t it? All those bricks perfectly aligned.

    But time takes a toll on paver surfaces. A crack here, a crooked brick there. And why do some pavers look like theyre sinking into the ground?

    When the time comes, do you know how to repair a paver patio? How to fix sunken pavers? How to replace broken pavers?

    Don’t worry you’ll have those pavers looking pretty again in no time.

    Concrete Patio Crack Repair

    Installing patio pavers is not as tough as you think

    Homeowners pay between $100 and $300 to fix a patio crack. If small or hairline cracks are left unrepaired, they gradually develop into larger and deeper cracks. If these cracks are left for too long, they become much larger. This is why prompt action is recommended when dealing with cracks. A repairman can usually fill the crack with concrete or other filling materials and smooth it out to blend with the surrounding area.

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    Replace The Individual Patio Paver

    Slowly and carefully put the new paver in place so it matches up with the current design of your patio. Once all pavers are returned to their spots, spread joint sand into the cracks of the pavers with a broom to keep them from shifting. Once all the joint sand is spread, you will need to set the pavers with your rubber mallet to prevent them from shifting.

    Now you can kick back and enjoy your newly repaired paver patio! If you feel this project is a bit too much for you to take on, or if your patio needs a lot of repair, it may be time to call in the experts. North American Deck and Patio, LLC. is a with a great reputation and over 25 years of experience. To contact North American Deck and Patio, call us at 866-535-1961 or fill out the form on our website today.


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