Questions & Answers

MillStone™ - Vineyard Blend (sealed)

Will de-icing salts damage my pavers?
No. High density concrete pavers are formulated to resist deterioration from de-icing salts that are applied at the proper application rates.

Will snow plows damage or dislodge my pavers?
No. Properly installed pavers fit tightly together and form a uniform surface that presents no problem for plows, snowblowers, and shovels.

Do pavers lose color after they have been installed for a while?
The pigments used to color concrete pavers are very stable. Dirt and normal wear from traffic and weather may appear to change the color over time. Cleaning and sealing can restore and enhance the color.

Will a segmental landscape wall support a deck or fence?
Yes. However, any structure above the wall must be anchored into concrete tubes placed at least 3' behind the wall.

Is it OK to use stone dust for a bedding layer under pavers?
No. Stone dust traps water and gets spongy, which can cause rutting and settlement. Use coarse concrete sand or stone sand that conforms to ASTM C-33.

Do I need a concrete footing to support my segmental landscape wall?
No. Unless the soil is extremely weak, a firmly compacted gravel footing is sufficient to support the wall and possesses the ability to accommodate natural movement of the wall.

If a paver gets broken or damaged, can it be replaced?
Yes. We recommend that you save a few pavers from your initial installation, just in case you need to replace one or two.

Can I use gravel behind my wall instead of 3/4" crushed stone?
No. It is very important that 3/4" crushed stone be used in order to provide proper drainage and prevent build up of hydrostatic pressure, which can lead to wall failure.

Stonewall™ Wall & Coping - Granite Gray
Universal Coping Stone™ Stair Treads - Granite Gray

Yankee Cobble™ with Circle Pak - Harvest Blend

Are pavers slippery when wet?
No. Our pavers have been tested and surpass ADA standards for slip resistance. They also provide excellent skid-resistance under wet or dry conditions. Even sealed pavers are not slippery when sealer is properly applied.

Can I use a sealer on a pool deck?
We do not recommend using a sealer on pool decks unless it is Grace’s Surface Sealer Clear. Other sealers act like a magnifying glass on the surface of the pavers, which raises the temperature to a point that may be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot.

Yankee Cobble™ - Quarry Blend
Running Bond Pattern

What is the whitish deposit I sometime see on pavers and walls?
This is efflorescence, a natural formation that may appear on any concrete or masonry product. It is actually the residue of soluble salts carried to the surface by moisture - a natural by-product of the chemical reaction between cement and water. Efflorescence does not affect structural integrity and will dissipate over time. It is not indicative of a flawed product. If desired, it can be removed using specialty cleaners.

What is the difference between pins, tongue and groove, rear lip, or clips that the various segmental wall systems use? Is one better than the others?
There is very little difference between them. They simply serve to connect the units together and create a set-back. A wall develops resistance to soil pressure through the weight of the block, batter of the wall, and friction between the units.

How high can I build a segmental landscape wall?
For most conventional landscape walls, the maximum height is 4' when measured from the top of the footing. When using GravityStone, the maximum wall height is 8'. With proper engineering and construction, walls well over 20' high can be built!

Yankee Cobble™ - Harvest Blend

Georgetown Colonial® Pavers - Quarry Blend

Is there a way to prevent weeds from growing between the joints of the pavers? Will using a landscape fabric or plastic sheeting help?
Weeds grow from windblown seeds that fall onto pavers and germinate down into the joints. They do not grow up from below, so using a landscape fabric or plastic sheeting is unnecessary. Weeds can be removed by hand, or with a biodegradable herbicide, such as Roundup®. Sealers or sand binders can be useful in helping prevent weed growth and ants.

Can I park cars above my segmental landscape wall?
Yes. Segmental retaining walls are frequently used to provide support to parking areas. However, the wall should be engineered and typically requires the use of geogrid. Vehicles should not be allowed to park within 3' from the back of the wall.

Can segmental walls be used to create raised patio areas?
Yes. Segmental landscape walls are an excellent way to add more outdoor living space. They are used to encase and support the gravel you would add to bring the raised area to the desired height. These wall systems also allow you to easily incorporate stairs or steps into the raised patio.

There is a low spot on my paver driveway. Are the pavers defective?
No. Settlement is often caused by inadequate soil or base compaction, or by poor drainage caused by using the wrong type of gravel. This can be easily repaired by taking up the pavers, correcting the problem and reinstating the pavers.

Is it necessary to start my retaining wall below the frost line?
No. Unlike rigid retaining walls, segmental landscape wall systems are flexible structures and can accommodate slight movement and even settlement without cracking or other types of distress.

Stonewall™ Wall & Coping - Rustic Brown
Universal Coping Stone™ Stair Treads - Rustic Brown