Custom Stone & Paver Patios

Why Choose a Paver or Stone Patio

Your backyard deserves more than grass and weeds. A custom patio gives you a solid foundation for outdoor furniture, grills, and fire pits. It creates a dedicated space where you can relax after work, host summer cookouts, or simply enjoy your morning coffee outside.

Here in Ann Arbor, we deal with freeze-thaw cycles that can crack concrete slabs. Pavers handle this better because each piece can shift slightly without breaking. If one paver does get damaged, we can replace just that piece instead of tearing out your entire patio. Stone options like bluestone and flagstone offer natural beauty that improves with age.

We build patios that match your home's style and your family's needs. Whether you want a simple rectangle for a dining set or a curved design with multiple levels, we handle the planning and installation. Our team at AA Ann Arbor Masonry works with you to select materials that fit your budget and complement your landscape.

Paver vs. Natural Stone: What Works Best

Both pavers and natural stone create lasting patios, but they work differently. Understanding the differences helps you pick the right material for your property and budget.

Concrete Pavers

Manufactured pavers come in consistent sizes and colors. They lock together tightly, creating a stable surface that resists shifting. Modern pavers can mimic the look of natural stone at a lower cost. We install them over a compacted base with proper drainage to prevent settling.

• Uniform thickness makes installation faster and more predictable
• Wide range of colors and patterns to match any home style
• Lower cost per square foot compared to natural stone
• Easy to replace individual pieces if damage occurs

Natural Stone

Bluestone, flagstone, and limestone bring authentic texture and color variation to your patio. No two stones look exactly alike, giving your space a one-of-a-kind appearance. Natural stone stays cooler underfoot in summer sun and develops a weathered patina over time that many homeowners love.

We source premium stone materials and cut them to fit your patio design. Installation takes more time because we fit irregular shapes together like a puzzle. The result is worth the extra effort when you want that high-end, natural look. For professional stone veneer installation, we apply the same attention to detail.

Our Patio Installation Process

A patio that lasts decades starts with proper preparation. We do not cut corners on base work because that is what prevents settling, drainage problems, and uneven surfaces down the road.

Site Preparation

We excavate your patio area to the correct depth, removing grass, roots, and loose soil. The excavation depth depends on your soil type and the materials you choose. We slope the base away from your house to direct water runoff properly.

Base Installation

We install a compacted gravel base that provides drainage and prevents frost heave. This base gets compacted in layers using heavy equipment. Over the gravel, we add a layer of sand that lets us level each paver or stone perfectly.

Paver or Stone Setting

Each paver or stone goes down level and tight against its neighbors. We cut edge pieces to fit around curves, trees, or existing structures. For pavers, we sweep polymeric sand into the joints to lock everything together. For natural stone, we use mortar joints or tight-fit dry stacking depending on your preference.

Just like our brick and stone steps repair work, we focus on precision and durability in every installation.

Frequently Asked Questions