Why Base & Drainage Matter More Than Paver Brand

Published October 24, 2026

Most paver failures we see are base and drainage failures, not broken stones. Irrigation overspray, thin base, and missing edge restraint let sand migrate until corners sink - especially on East County slopes.

Non-negotiables

• Adequate excavation and crushed-rock base
• Compaction in lifts
• Edge restraint that actually holds
• Slope away from foundations and toward drains
• Joint sand maintained after install

Ask on every quote

Ask for base depth in inches, edge detail, and how water leaves the field. If a quote is only a paver SKU and a lump sum, dig deeper before you sign.