Niles is known for its history, but old concrete patios often show their age by cracking in the river valley soil. Salzman Services builds modern paver patios engineered to withstand the freeze-thaw cycles of the St. Joseph River region. We replace failing slabs with flexible, permeable systems built on clean stone bases. Whether you own a historic home downtown or a new build, we create outdoor spaces that blend durability with the classic charm of the City of Four Flags.
Engineering for the St. Joseph River Valley
In Niles, the soil conditions often vary from rich loam to heavy clay, which retains significant moisture. A standard patio installation is at high risk of frost heaving in these conditions. We counter this by over-engineering the foundation. We excavate a minimum of 11 inches to remove the frost-susceptible organic soil. We then install a heavy-duty 8oz non-woven geotextile fabric—the same grade used in highway construction—to separate the subgrade from our base. We backfill with 8 inches of open-graded clean stone. This void-heavy aggregate ensures that water drains vertically and instantly, preventing the hydrostatic pressure that cracks and lifts patios during Michigan winters.
Technical Specifications:
Excavation Standard: Minimum 11 inches to reach stable subsoil.
Separation: 8oz Non-Woven Geotextile Fabric.
Base Layer: 8” Open-Graded Clean Stone (ASTM No. 57).
Bedding: 1” Clean Chip Stone (3/16” – 1/2”).
Restraint: Reinforced Concrete Bond Beam.
Execution & Finish
We believe in future-proofing your investment. Before the stone goes down, we install PVC conduit sleeves under the base, giving you the option to run lighting or irrigation lines years later without disturbing the hardscape. During installation, we use a protective roller mat on our compactors to set the pavers into the chip stone bedding without scuffing the texture. We secure the edge with a concrete bond beam buried below the grass line. Our "Client for Life" philosophy means we are always available to service the patio should any settling occur in the future.
Backyard Retreats in Your Hometown
You don't need to drive to the lake to have a vacation-worthy backyard. In Niles, we transform ordinary lawns into extraordinary outdoor living spaces. We design custom paver patios that serve as the foundation for your summer entertainment, whether you're hosting a barbecue for neighbors or enjoying a quiet morning coffee. We work with the industry’s best materials—including Unilock and Belgard—to create designs that fit your lifestyle and budget. Because we are local, we are just a quick phone call away for any questions or future expansions.
Our construction standards are rigorous. We install a deep, open-graded stone base wrapped in geotextile fabric to ensure superior drainage and stability, regardless of the soil type on your property. We secure the perimeter with a reinforced concrete bond beam, hidden below the surface, which prevents the edges from drifting over time. And, of course, we use premium polymeric sand on every patio we build. This locks the pavers in place and prevents the moss and weeds that can ruin the look of a patio, keeping your outdoor space pristine with minimal effort.
FAQ
Can you use brick pavers?
Yes. Clay brick pavers are timeless and extremely durable. They look perfect with the historic architecture found throughout Niles.
Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes. We guarantee our base work and installation. If the patio settles or holds water where it shouldn't, we will come back and correct it.
How do I maintain it?
Keep it swept and keep the joints full of sand. That's about it. If you want it professionally cleaned and sealed every few years, we offer that service too.