Bluestone Patio Installation in Glen Rock, NJ
Project Overview
New bluestone paver patio installation in a residential backyard. The area was previously an uneven lawn with a slight slope and poor drainage. We excavated, installed a gravel base, and laid rectangular bluestone pavers with a low seat wall.
Analysis
The backyard had a gradual slope toward the house foundation, causing water to pool near the basement wall during heavy rain. The lawn was uneven with bare patches from shade. The homeowner wanted a patio for outdoor seating and wanted to address the drainage issue.
Process
Excavation and base preparation took two days with a mini skid steer. Gravel was compacted and slope verified with a laser level. Stone laying took three days for a 400-square-foot patio. The seat wall was set on a concrete footing. Polymeric sand and final cleanup completed on day six.
Outcome
The patio provides a level, stable surface for outdoor furniture. The slope away from the house directs water to a gravel trench at the yard edge. The seat wall doubles as additional seating and a planting border. Polymeric sand prevents weed growth between joints.
Project Details
Materials Used
Pennsylvania bluestone pavers (rectangular, thermal finish), 21A gravel base, concrete sand setting bed, polymeric sand for joints, natural stone for seat wall blocks, steel edging restraint.
Methods & Techniques
Excavated to a depth of 10 inches, installed geotextile fabric, then 6 inches of 21A gravel compacted in two-inch lifts. Slope graded at 1.5% away from the house. Sand setting bed screeded to consistent depth. Pavers laid in running bond pattern. Polymeric sand swept into joints and activated with water.
Key Highlights
400 sq ft bluestone patio, proper drainage slope away from foundation, stone seat wall, polymeric sand joints, geotextile and gravel base.