Brick Paver Patio & Flagstone Stepper Walkway Installation Project in Winnetka, IL

This backyard hardscape project in Winnetka, IL included the installation of a new brick paver patio along with a new flagstone stepper walkway. The patio area was prepared from the existing grade with removal of dirt, sod, and old concrete, followed by the installation of a properly compacted stone base and sand setting bed. Unilock Hollandstone pavers were then installed with secure edging and polymeric joint sand to create a durable and finished outdoor surface.

A new flagstone stepper walk was also incorporated into the backyard to provide a natural-looking connection through the landscape and complement the new patio area.

Project Goals

• Create a new functional brick paver patio in the backyard.
• Remove existing dirt, sod, and concrete from the patio area.
• Establish a properly prepared and compacted base for the new pavers.
• Install Unilock Hollandstone pavers with secure edging.
• Finish the patio with polymeric joint sand.
• Create a new flagstone stepper walkway through the backyard.
• Coordinate the hardscape materials to create a cohesive outdoor space.

Backyard Patio Preparation

The existing backyard patio area was prepared by removing the existing dirt, sod, and old concrete. All removed material was disposed of to provide a clean area for construction of the new patio.

Once the area was cleared, the grade was prepared for the new hardscape installation. Proper preparation of the underlying area is an important part of creating a stable foundation for the finished patio.

Compacted Stone Base

Approximately 9 inches of stone base was installed beneath the new patio. The base was compacted in approximately 2-inch lifts to create a stable and consistent foundation for the pavers.

Building the base in compacted layers helps establish the proper support needed beneath the finished patio and prepares the surface for the sand setting layer.

Sand Setting Layer

After the stone base was properly prepared and compacted, approximately 1 inch of sand was added as the setting layer for the brick pavers.

The sand provides the bedding surface needed to position the pavers and establish a consistent finished patio surface.

Unilock Hollandstone Paver Installation

Unilock Hollandstone pavers were installed across the prepared patio area. The pavers create the primary finished surface while providing a durable hardscape area for use in the backyard.

Edging was installed around the patio perimeter and secured with 10-inch nails to help maintain the layout of the paver installation. Polymeric joint sand was then installed between the pavers to complete the joints and provide a finished appearance.

Flagstone Stepper Walkway

A new flagstone stepper walk was created in the backyard to provide a natural pathway through the landscape. The individual flagstone steppers complement the brick paver patio while introducing a different natural material and texture into the surrounding outdoor space.

The walkway provides a practical connection through the backyard while integrating naturally with the landscape around the patio.

Why Proper Patio Preparation Matters

A durable paver patio depends on more than the visible surface. Removing unsuitable existing material, preparing the grade, installing an adequately compacted stone base, and creating a consistent sand setting layer all contribute to a properly supported hardscape installation.

Combining the Hollandstone paver patio with natural flagstone steppers also helps create a coordinated backyard layout where the hardscape and landscape elements work together.

Project Highlights

• Removed existing dirt, sod, and old concrete from the patio area.
• Prepared the backyard for new hardscape installation.
• Installed approximately 9 inches of stone base.
• Compacted the stone base in approximately 2-inch layers.
• Added approximately 1 inch of sand as the setting layer.
• Installed Unilock Hollandstone pavers.
• Installed and secured perimeter edging with 10-inch nails.
• Finished paver joints with polymeric joint sand.
• Created a new flagstone stepper walkway through the backyard.
• Coordinated brick pavers and natural flagstone for a cohesive outdoor space.

As you browse through the photos, you can see the progression from the removal and preparation of the existing backyard area through the installation of the compacted base, sand setting layer, Hollandstone pavers, and flagstone steppers. The completed project provides a defined patio area and a natural walkway that work together within the backyard landscape.

The finished hardscape combines the structured appearance of Unilock Hollandstone pavers with the natural character of flagstone steppers, creating a functional and cohesive outdoor area for the Winnetka property.

 

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Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.