West Seattle reset sunken pavers
Homeowner’s Issue
In West Seattle, sunken pavers are a seasonal and location-specific problem. Our winters are wet and mild, and many yards sit on compacted glacial soils with pockets of clay that settle unevenly. Properties near Alki and Admiral — along with lots backing up to older terraces or retaining walls — routinely show pavers that drop, tilt, or trap water. Driveways and walkways on sloped lots can lose base material to channelized runoff during fall storms, while shady north-facing patios collect moss and hold moisture that accelerates deterioration.
Poor original installation (insufficient base depth, missing edge restraints, or coarse sand-only bedding) combines with Seattle’s heavy rains and freeze-thaw cycles to create gaps and tripping hazards. HOA rules and curb appeal matter here: uneven pavers reduce property value and are a safety risk for guests, delivery folks, and renters. We focus on sustainable fixes — reusing pavers, improving sub-base drainage, and choosing permeable jointing approaches — so repairs last through our rainy season without relying on chemical weed control. If your pavers wobble or pocket water after storms, this service is designed to give you a durable, low-maintenance result tuned for West Seattle soils and exposures.
Our Quality Service
We diagnose root causes, not just symptoms. On site we lift affected pavers, inspect and correct the base, and reinstall to a true grade that sheds water away from structures. Methods: hand excavation, recycled crushed rock or gravel base, screened sand for bedding, and compacting with a plate compactor. We use permeable joint sand and mechanical edging when needed.
Typical timeline: most small to medium patios or walkways are reset in a single day; larger drives or complex patterns may take 1–2 days. We prioritize drier windows (late spring–early fall) for best compaction and lasting results. All work is done without herbicides — weeds are controlled mechanically and with organic, preventative measures.
Benefits: safer walking surfaces, restored curb appeal, improved drainage, reduced future maintenance, and minimal waste since we reuse your existing pavers whenever possible.
What’s Included
- Onsite assessment and written quote
- Careful removal and inventory of affected pavers
- Base repair with appropriate crushed rock/gravel and compaction
- Re-bedding with screened sand and precise reinstallation
- Jointing with coarse sand for stability and permeability
- Cleanup and tidy site handoff
Options / Upgrades:
- Mulch + landscape fabric for adjacent beds
- Organic weed control and hand-weed follow-up
- Edge restraint installation (metal or recycled plastic)
- Haul-away (to dump) vs. green bin / compostable options for organic debris
- Permeable joint treatments (non-chemical)
Before & After / Expectations
Expect noise from compaction tools and trucks for material delivery. There will be short-term disruption to access while work is in progress and minor settling for a few weeks after heavy rains. We protect surrounding beds and hardscape and remove loose debris; choose haul-away or green-bin for yard waste during estimate.
Care tips for West Seattle:
- Schedule resets outside our heaviest rainy weeks when possible — late May through September is best.
- In shady areas prone to moss, scrape joints annually in spring and refresh joint sand to reduce regrowth.
- After reinstallation, avoid heavy vehicle loads for 24–48 hours to allow the base to settle.
- Check joint sand after strong winter storms and top up as needed to prevent movement.
FAQs
Q: How long will the job take for a typical patio?
A: Most patios 100–300 sq ft can be reset in one day; complex areas or driveways may need 1–2 days.
Q: Do you use herbicides to control weeds between pavers?
A: No. We use mechanical removal, organic controls, and physical barriers or joint maintenance to manage weeds.
Q: Will pavers sink again after you reset them?
A: Proper base prep and compaction reduce recurrence. Areas with poor subsoil or heavy runoff may need additional drainage or edge work — we’ll flag that in the assessment.
Q: Can you match patterns and save my original pavers?
A: Yes. We inventory and reuse existing units whenever feasible to keep costs down and reduce waste.
Call to Action
West Seattle homeowners: if your pavers are shifting, trapping water, or creating trip hazards, book a local pro who knows the soils and weather here. We offer quick scheduling and free on-site estimates tuned for Alki and Admiral exposures. Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com to get a written quote and available dates.
