Can I Replace Individual Patio Pavers?

Concrete pavers are a great choice of material for any patio or walkway, but over time they will eventually need repair. You may be wondering if it’s possible to repair or replace individual patio pavers. Yes you can, and this is actually one of the major benefits of using pavers when making a patio or walkway. Here’s what you will need to do if you want to individually replace patio pavers.

Figure Out What is Causing the Issue

If your patio needs to be fixed, try and figure out the under-lying issue so you can prevent this from happening again. If a paver cracked because you dropped something, that’s one thing, but if the patio is sinking in one area it could be a deeper issue. If the underlying cause of the patio’s need for repair is more complex than repairing a few broken pavers, or one small area, it may be a good idea to contact a Maryland patio contractor for help.

Collect Your Materials

Once you know what’s causing the problem and have corrected that issue, it’s time to collect your materials. Before replacing any individual paver(s), ensure you have the following tools:

• The replacement paver(s)
• Two flat-head screwdrivers
• Patio Sand
• Rubber Mallet
• Trowel to level sand
• Straight pipe to level sand (if large area)
• Level

Remove the old Patio Paver

Paver patios are typically constructed in a way that makes it hard to remove the pavers—you wanted them to stay in place right? This makes it quite difficult to replace individual pavers—but it is doable. To remove an individual paver, you can use two screw drivers to pry up the paver. This may require you to scrape away at the sand between the pavers and then carefully wedging the paver out with your screwdrivers.

Re-Level the Patio’s Sand Base

When replacing individual patio pavers, regardless if it’s because it is a cracked paver, or a larger uneven area, you will need to re-level the sand. This is why we suggested having a little extra sand on hand before starting the project. The sand will settle over time so add about 1/4″ more sand than the pavers next to the one you’re repairing. Once the sand is level (check with your level), you can move on to replacing the individual paver.

Replace the Individual Patio Paver

Slowly and carefully put the new paver in place so it matches up with the current design of your patio. Once all pavers are returned to their spots, spread joint sand into the cracks of the pavers with a broom to keep them from shifting. Once all the joint sand is spread, you will need to set the pavers with your rubber mallet to prevent them from shifting.

Now you can kick back and enjoy your newly repaired paver patio! If you feel this project is a bit too much for you to take on, or if your patio needs a lot of repair, it may be time to call in the experts. North American Deck and Patio, LLC. is a Maryland patio company with a great reputation and over 25 years of experience. To contact North American Deck and Patio, call us at 866-535-1961 or fill out the form on our website today.

“Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”

– C. Cross