Elkhart is the "RV Capital," a city that understands quality engineering and mechanics. Your outdoor living space should meet those same high standards. However, the sandy-loam soils near the river confluence can cause standard patios to settle. Salzman Services builds industrial-grade paver patios designed for longevity. We use deep, open-graded stone bases and commercial stabilization fabrics to ensure your patio remains level and durable, providing a solid foundation for your family's entertainment.
Industrial-Grade Engineering for the RV Capital
Elkhart is built on a legacy of manufacturing and mechanics, and we believe your outdoor living space should reflect that same standard of durability. The soil in Elkhart varies wildly, from the sandy loam near the St. Joseph River to the heavier drift soils of the south side. A "one-size-fits-all" patio base will fail here. We engineer our installations to withstand these shifting conditions by excavating a minimum of 11 inches. We line the entire sub-grade with a heavy-duty 8oz non-woven geotextile fabric—acting as a stabilization layer that prevents the subsoil from mixing with our aggregate. We then compact 8 inches of open-graded clean stone (ASTM No. 57), creating a rigid, self-draining foundation that supports heavy loads without settling.
Technical Specifications:
Excavation Standard: Minimum 11 inches for deep structural stability.
Sub-Grade Isolation: 8oz Non-Woven Geotextile (Prevents soil migration).
Base Aggregate: 8” Open-Graded Clean Stone (Vertical drainage).
Bedding Layer: 1” Clean Chip Stone (3/16” – 1/2”).
Perimeter: Reinforced Concrete Bond Beam (Buried wedge).
Execution & Finish
We build for the long haul. Before we screed the bedding layer, we pre-install PVC conduit sleeves under the base, giving you the flexibility to add utilities like gas or electric in the future without damaging the patio. During the final set, we use a plate compactor equipped with a polymer roller mat to vibrate the pavers into the chip stone bedding, locking them in place without marring the surface finish. We secure the edges with a reinforced concrete bond beam, buried invisibly below the turf. Our "Client for Life" philosophy means we stand behind our work, ready to maintain your patio’s performance for decades.
Lakeside & Backyard Entertaining
For Elkhart residents, summer is about outdoor living. We design paver patios that serve as the ultimate venue for weekend barbecues and lakeside gatherings. Whether you are maximizing a compact yard near the water at Simonton Lake or creating a sprawling entertainment zone in the suburbs, we focus on "low maintenance luxury." We use high-density pavers that resist staining from spilled drinks and UV fading. Our designs prioritize flow, creating distinct zones for dining and lounging that make hosting easy and enjoyable.
Our construction standards are uncompromising. We know that sandy lake soils can shift, so we install a commercial-grade geotextile fabric under every patio to stabilize the ground. On top of this, we place an open-graded stone base that allows heavy rains to drain instantly through the surface, eliminating puddles. We lock the entire perimeter with a reinforced concrete bond beam hidden underground—never plastic edging. Finished with polymeric sand, our patios are weed-free and rock-solid, ready for decades of family memories.
FAQ
What is the best paver for Elkhart winters?
We use high-density concrete pavers that have low absorption rates. This prevents water from getting inside the stone and cracking it during Elkhart's freeze-thaw cycles.
Do you seal the patio?
Many modern pavers come with factory sealing technologies. However, we do offer an optional 'wet look' sealing service if you want to enhance the colors and add stain resistance.
How long does it take?
A standard 400 sq ft patio typically takes our crew about a week from excavation to final cleanup, weather permitting.