Pavers
Pavers are one of the most reliable and flexible surface options for North Jersey properties - but only when they're installed as a complete system, not just laid on top of the ground. In areas like Midland Park, where freeze-thaw cycles, clay soils, and drainage challenges are common, installation quality matters more than the pavers themselves.
At Ken Steenstra Landscaping, we design and install paver systems that are engineered for local conditions. Our work focuses on proper base preparation, compaction, drainage control, and long-term performance - the details that determine whether a paver surface lasts decades or begins to fail after a few seasons.
Why Homeowners in Midland Park Choose Pavers
Pavers are often selected because they offer both structural advantages and long-term flexibility compared to poured concrete or asphalt. Homeowners choose pavers when they want:- A surface that resists cracking during freeze-thaw cycles
- Better drainage and water management
- Easier repair if settling or damage occurs
- Design flexibility without sacrificing strength
- A finished surface that increases usable outdoor space
How a Proper Paver System Is Built
A paver surface is only as strong as what's underneath it. Most paver failures occur because shortcuts were taken below grade. Our installation process follows a proven system designed to prevent shifting, sinking, and water issues.- Site Evaluation & Layout Planning: We begin by evaluating soil conditions, slope, drainage flow, and load requirements. This determines base depth, edge restraint needs, and whether additional drainage solutions are required.
- Excavation & Base Depth: Proper excavation removes unstable soil and organic material. In Midland Park, base depth is critical due to clay soils and seasonal moisture changes. Insufficient excavation is one of the most common causes of sinking pavers.
- Compacted Stone Base: A crushed stone base is installed in controlled layers and mechanically compacted. This creates a stable, load-bearing foundation that distributes weight evenly across the surface.
- Bedding Layer & Paver Placement: A leveling layer is installed to ensure uniform paver height and alignment. Pavers are then set according to the design layout, ensuring consistent spacing and edge alignment.
- Edge Restraints & Joint Stabilization: Edge restraints prevent lateral movement. Joint sand is compacted into the seams to lock pavers together and limit weed growth and shifting.
- Final Compaction & Drainage Check: The entire surface is compacted again to seat the pavers into the system and ensure proper drainage away from structures.
Pavers vs. Concrete or Asphalt: Performance Differences
Many homeowners compare pavers with poured concrete or asphalt before deciding. Each has its place, but performance differences are important to understand.Pavers
- Flex with ground movement
- Resist cracking
- Allow water to drain through joints
- Can be repaired without replacing the entire surface
Concrete
- Prone to cracking in freeze-thaw conditions
- Repairs are visible and often costly
- Limited drainage flexibility
Asphalt
- Softens in heat and degrades over time
- Requires ongoing maintenance
- Less visually flexible for residential spaces
Common Paver Problems - and What Causes Them
Many homeowners reach out after noticing problems with existing paver surfaces. The most common issues include:- Sinking or settling pavers from inadequate base depth or poor compaction
- Shifting or spreading caused by missing edge restraints
- Weed growth between pavers due to improper joint material or maintenance
- Water pooling from incorrect grading or lack of drainage planning
Applications for Residential & Commercial Properties
We install paver systems for a wide range of uses, including:- Patios and outdoor living areas
- Driveways and parking areas
- Walkways and entry paths
- Pool decks
- Garden steps and transitions
- Courtyards and seating areas
Built for Longevity, Not Shortcuts
Paver installation is not a surface-level project. Base depth, compaction, drainage, and edge control determine how the surface performs year after year. Our approach focuses on structural integrity first, so the finished surface remains level, functional, and visually clean over time.If you're planning a new paver installation or dealing with a surface that's sinking or failing, working with a contractor who understands North Jersey conditions is essential.