1. Introduction
If you’ve lived in Fairfax for more than a few summers, you know how quickly a backyard can go from "perfect retreat" to "problem zone." Between our heavy rainstorms, clay-heavy soil, and the occasional surprise freeze, outdoor spaces take a beating. Lately, we’ve been talking to a lot of neighbors who thought their paver patios were set for life—only to find shifting stones, pooling water, or uneven surfaces a few years later.
One homeowner in the Mantua area reached out after their DIY patio started sinking near the grill (a very inconvenient spot). It wasn’t just an eyesore—it became a tripping hazard. That project got us thinking: Why do so many patios fail here, and what can homeowners do differently?
2. What We’re Seeing Lately
Fairfax backyards are busier than ever. With more folks investing in outdoor living, we’re noticing two big trends:
"Fast fixes" that don’t last. Big-box store pavers might look great at first, but without proper base prep, they shift or sink.
Drainage surprises. Our soil doesn’t absorb water well, so even slight grading mistakes lead to puddles (or worse, water creeping toward the house).
A quick tip? If your patio slopes toward your home, that’s a red flag. We’ve helped three families this year alone regrade patios to redirect runoff.
3. What a Paver Patio Actually Does (vs. What People Think)
Many assume pavers are just "pretty gravel"—lay them down, and you’re done. But a lasting patio is more like a layered cake:
Excavation: Digging deep enough to account for freeze-thaw cycles (yes, even in Fairfax!).
Base layers: Crushed stone and sand, compacted in stages. Skip this, and pavers wobble.
Edge restraints: Hidden borders keep everything locked in place.
One homeowner near Fair Oaks tried skipping the base to save money. By Year 2, their pavers looked like a rollercoaster. We had to start from scratch.
4. Why Hire a Pro?
Local dirt matters. Our clay soil expands when wet, pushing pavers up. Pros know how to work with it.
Permitting shortcuts = headaches. Some Fairfax neighborhoods require permits for hardscaping over a certain size.
Warranties. A pro-installed patio often comes with guarantees—DIY usually doesn’t.
5. Why Dominion Focuses on This
We’ve been building patios here for over a decade, and we’ve learned the hard way what works (and what doesn’t). For example:
We now use thicker gravel bases than we did five years ago—our winters are wetter.
We laser-level every project. "Eyeballing it" leads to drainage issues.
6. Fairfax Considerations That Matter
Soil prep is non-negotiable. Adding geotextile fabric under the base prevents weeds and stabilizes the ground.
Choose frost-resistant pavers. Not all materials handle our occasional deep freezes well.
HOA rules: Some communities have strict rules on patio sizes or materials. Always check first.
7. Page Spotlight – Our Paver Patio Guide
We put together a Fairfax-specific paver patio page after getting the same questions over and over. It covers:
How deep your base should be for our climate
Why "locking" pavers outperform traditional styles
A checklist for planning your project
(It also has photos of a recent Burke project where we fixed a sinking patio—you’ll see the difference proper grading makes.)
8. What We Tell Homeowners to Keep in Mind
Budget for the base. It’s 60% of the work but invisible later—don’t skimp.
Think long-term. Dark pavers get scorching hot in summer. Lighter colors stay cooler.
Maintenance is easy… if done right. Sweep sand into joints yearly to prevent shifting.
9. Conclusion
A good patio should outlast your patio furniture—not need repairs every few years. If you’re planning one, take the time to prep properly (or call someone who knows our soil quirks!). Fairfax backyards deserve spaces that hold up to kids, parties, and the occasional July downpour.
P.S. — If you’re curious about patio materials, we keep samples at our office. Stop by anytime; no sales pitch, just honest advice.
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