A Flat Surface That Does Not Sink
Paver, stamped, and concrete patios installed for homeowners who want outdoor space that stays level.
If you need a patio that holds up to weather, foot traffic, and furniture without cracking or settling into low spots, the key is in how the base gets prepared and how the surface is laid or poured. A patio that sinks in one corner or develops cracks after the first winter usually means the ground underneath was not compacted or graded correctly, and fixing it later costs more than doing it right the first time.
Valencia Landscape installs paver patios, poured concrete patios, and stamped concrete patios depending on what look and function you want. Each one starts with excavation, a compacted gravel base, and a sand or concrete layer that keeps everything level and drains water away from the house. You end up with a clean, usable surface that does not require constant releveling or patching.
If you are planning a patio project in Johnstown and want to go over material options, reach out to Valencia Landscape to talk through what works for your yard and budget.
What Happens During a Patio Install
The crew starts by marking the patio area, excavating to the correct depth, and grading the base so water flows away from your foundation. Then they lay and compact a gravel base in lifts, add a layer of sand or reinforced concrete depending on the patio type, and install pavers or pour and finish the concrete surface with the texture or pattern you chose.
Once the patio is finished, you will notice that the surface stays level when you set furniture on it, that water does not pool in the middle after a rainstorm, and that the edges stay put without sinking or spreading. The patio looks intentional, matches the grade of your yard, and holds up to use without requiring annual repairs.
Paver patios offer flexibility if you ever need to access utilities underneath, while poured and stamped concrete provide a continuous surface that does not shift. Both types require proper base prep and drainage to perform well long term, and neither should be installed over uncompacted soil or directly on top of grass.
Most People Ask These Before They Book
Questions about patios usually focus on cost, material differences, and how long the surface will last, so here are the answers that help you decide what makes sense for your yard.
What is the difference between a paver patio and a stamped concrete patio?
Paver patios are built from individual stones or bricks set on a sand base, which allows for easy replacement of damaged pieces and natural drainage between joints. Stamped concrete is a single poured slab with a pattern pressed into the surface, which creates a continuous look but requires control joints to manage cracking.
How long does it take to install a patio?
Most patios take between three and seven days depending on size, material, and site conditions. The timeline includes excavation, base compaction, material installation, and finishing work like edging or sealing.
Why do some patios crack or settle after a few years?
Patios fail when the base is not compacted properly, drainage is ignored, or the slab is poured too thin without reinforcement. A well-built patio addresses all three and lasts decades without major repairs.
What kind of maintenance does a patio need?
Paver patios may need occasional re-sanding of joints and weed control between stones, while concrete patios benefit from sealing every few years to resist staining and moisture intrusion. Neither type requires much upkeep if installed correctly.
Can a patio be built on a slope?
Yes, but the slope needs to be graded and leveled during excavation so the finished patio sits flat and drains properly. If the slope is too steep, the patio may need to be terraced or built in sections to maintain a usable surface.
If you are ready to add a patio to your property and want to talk through paver, stamped, or poured concrete options, contact Valencia Landscape to go over what fits your space and how the install process works from start to finish.