Pavers in Arlington, MA

Paver Installation That Actually Lasts

Professional paving installation with proper base preparation, so your investment stays level and beautiful for decades.

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Professional Paving Installation Arlington

The Outdoor Space You'll Actually Use

You’re not just getting pavers installed. You’re getting an outdoor space that works the way you imagined it would.

No more looking at your backyard and thinking about what it could be. Instead, you’ll have a patio where you actually want to spend time – whether that’s morning coffee, weekend barbecues, or just a quiet place to unwind after work.

The difference comes down to doing it right the first time. Proper base preparation means your pavers stay level. Good drainage design means no water pooling after rain. Quality materials mean colors that don’t fade and surfaces that handle New England’s freeze-thaw cycles without cracking or shifting.

Arlington Paving Contractors

We Know Arlington's Ground Conditions

Academy Masonry has been handling paver installations throughout Arlington for years. We understand the local soil conditions, drainage challenges, and what it takes to build hardscaping that survives New England weather.

Our crew knows the difference between a job that looks good for six months and one that stays solid for decades. We’ve seen what happens when contractors cut corners on base preparation or use inadequate materials.

That’s why we focus on the details most homeowners never see – proper excavation depth, quality base materials, and drainage systems that actually work.

A neatly arranged driveway with grey pavers features a central strip of white gravel and green shrubs. Modern lamp posts are evenly spaced along the strip, leading to a white garage door.

Paver Installation Process

Here's How We Handle Your Project

First, we’ll meet at your property to discuss your vision and assess the site conditions. We’ll measure the area, check drainage patterns, and talk through design options that fit your space and budget.

Once you approve the proposal, we schedule the work and order materials. Installation starts with proper excavation – we dig to the right depth and grade for drainage. Then comes base preparation with quality gravel and sand, compacted in lifts to create a stable foundation.

Paver installation follows, with attention to proper spacing, alignment, and edge restraints. We finish with joint sand and final compaction. The entire process typically takes 3-5 days depending on project size, and we keep the work area clean throughout.

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Patio Pavers Arlington MA

What's Included in Every Installation

Every paver installation includes proper excavation to the required depth for your specific soil conditions. We install quality base materials – not just any gravel, but the right gradation and depth for long-term stability.

You get professional-grade edge restraints that keep your pavers from shifting over time. Drainage considerations are built into every design, whether that means proper grading, drain installations, or permeable joint materials.

We handle all the details that separate lasting installations from ones that fail in a few years. That includes proper compaction at each stage, quality joint sand, and final surface preparation. Your project comes with clear communication throughout and cleanup that leaves your property better than we found it.

A construction worker wearing a gray shirt and blue overalls stacks concrete blocks in a step-like formation. The worker wears gloves for protection. In the background, there are more stacked bricks and a partially visible stone wall.
Most paver installations take 3-5 days depending on the size and complexity of your project. Smaller patios might be completed in 2-3 days, while larger areas or projects requiring significant excavation can take a week or more. Weather conditions and any unexpected site issues can affect timing, but we’ll give you a realistic timeline upfront and keep you updated if anything changes. We don’t rush installations because proper base preparation and curing time between steps are critical for long-term performance.
Arlington’s clay-heavy soils require specific base preparation to prevent settling and frost heaving. We typically excavate 8-10 inches deep, then install a compacted gravel base using proper gradation stone. This gets topped with a leveling course of sand. The exact depth and materials depend on your specific soil conditions and intended use – driveways need more substantial bases than walkways. We also address drainage during excavation since Arlington’s soil doesn’t drain naturally, which can cause major problems if ignored.
Paver installation costs vary based on the size of your project, paver selection, site conditions, and complexity of the design. Basic patio installations typically start around $15-20 per square foot, while more complex projects with premium materials can run $25-35 per square foot or more. The biggest cost factors are usually excavation requirements, base preparation needs, and paver choice. We provide detailed written estimates that break down materials and labor so you understand exactly what you’re paying for.
Properly installed pavers shouldn’t shift or settle if the base preparation is done correctly. The key is adequate excavation depth, quality base materials, and proper compaction at each stage. Many paver problems happen because contractors cut corners on base prep to save time or money. We dig to the right depth for your soil conditions, use appropriate base materials, and compact in lifts rather than all at once. Edge restraints also prevent lateral movement. When done right, your pavers should stay level and stable for decades.
Proper drainage design prevents most water issues before they start. We grade your paver surface to direct water away from structures and toward appropriate drainage areas. In Arlington’s clay soils, we often install subsurface drainage or use permeable materials to handle water that doesn’t naturally drain away. If drainage problems do develop, the solution depends on the specific issue – it might require adjusting grades, adding drains, or modifying the surrounding landscape. That’s why we address drainage during the initial design phase rather than hoping it works out.
Yes, we provide warranties on our installation workmanship because we’re confident in our methods and materials. The specific warranty terms depend on your project scope, but we typically cover issues related to base failure, settling, or installation defects. This doesn’t cover damage from things like tree roots, extreme weather events, or changes you make to surrounding areas that affect drainage. Paver manufacturers also provide separate warranties on the pavers themselves. We’ll explain all warranty coverage in detail before starting your project so you know exactly what’s covered.