Sawyer is the social hub of Harbor Country, known for its relaxed, welcoming vibe. Your patio should be the center of that experience. However, the local mix of sandy loam and tree roots can cause standard patios to settle unevenly. Salzman Services engineers "social-ready" patios built on deep, open-graded stone bases. We create stable, level platforms perfect for hosting weekend gatherings, ensuring your outdoor space is as durable as it is inviting.
The 11-Inch Standard: Engineering for Longevity
In Sawyer, a patio is more than just an outdoor floor; it is a gathering space for your community of family and friends. To ensure this space endures, we refuse to cut corners on the foundation. While industry minimums often suggest shallower bases, the Salzman Standard mandates a **minimum 11-inch excavation depth** for all pedestrian patios. This depth allows us to install a heavy-duty 8oz non-woven geotextile fabric—typically used in roadway construction—followed by a robust layer of open-graded clean stone. We utilize clean stone because it does not hold water, unlike sand or compactable gravel (21AA), effectively neutralizing the freeze-thaw expansion that destroys lesser hardscapes.
Technical Specifications:
Sub-Base Isolation: Heavy-duty 8oz Non-Woven Geotextile Fabric.
Base Aggregate: Minimum 8” of Open-Graded Clean Stone (ASTM No. 57).
Bedding Layer: 1” of Clean Chip Stone (3/16” – 1/2”).
Future-Proofing: Installation of PVC conduit sleeves for future lighting/irrigation.
Edging: Reinforced Concrete Bond Beam (troweled wedge), never plastic.
Execution & Finish
We believe in building for the future, which is why we pre-install PVC sleeves under the hardscape, allowing you to run low-voltage lighting or irrigation lines years down the road without tearing up stones. During the finishing phase, we use a protective roller mat on our plate compactors to vibrate the pavers into the bedding layer without scuffing the surface texture. The result is a patio that is structurally over-engineered and aesthetically flawless, backed by our commitment to service any settling or needs you have for the life of the project.
Designing Social Hubs for the Weekend
Sawyer has a unique energy—it's where the dunes meet the woods, creating the perfect backdrop for social gatherings. We design paver patios that serve as the community hub of your property, whether you are hosting friends after a day at Warren Dunes or enjoying a quiet evening in the backyard. Because the soil here varies wildly from loose sand to root-heavy forest loam, standard installations often fail.
We use our proven "Clean Stone" base system: 8 inches of open-graded #8 stone wrapped in geotextile fabric. This allows water to drain instantly, preventing the heaving and settling that plague other local patios. We often incorporate integrated seat walls and defined "gathering zones" into our designs, ensuring your outdoor space is ready for everything from large parties to intimate family dinners, all while withstanding the Sawyer winters.
FAQ
Is a patio better than a deck for a rental?
In our opinion, yes. Pavers don't rot, splinter, or need annual staining like wood decks. For a Sawyer rental property, a paver patio is a 'set it and forget it' durable solution.
Can you build fire pits into the patio?
Absolutely. We can integrate a matching fire pit or outdoor fireplace directly into the patio design, creating a seamless outdoor living room.
What about permits?
We handle all the permitting with the local township. We know the setback rules and coverage limits for Sawyer properties, so you stay compliant.