You wanted the perfect patio—but now it’s sinking, cracking, or holding water. What happened?
You imagined relaxing evenings on a beautifully built patio, hosting summer barbecues, and enjoying a space that blends seamlessly with your landscape. But instead, you’re noticing uneven pavers, pooling water, and maybe even some wobbly stones that weren’t there a few months ago.
It’s frustrating. You spent good money expecting a long-lasting, low-maintenance outdoor space, and now you’re left wondering: What went wrong? And more importantly, how do you fix it?
At Brookside Landscape and Design, we’ve spent years building patios that stand the test of time here in the Kitsap Peninsula. We’ve also seen the same common mistakes pop up again and again—mistakes that can shorten the life of a patio or make it a maintenance headache.
The 5 Most Common Patio Problems (And How to Avoid Them)
A patio should last decades, not just a few seasons. But poor planning, bad materials, and improper installation can lead to major headaches. Here are the biggest problems we see and how to prevent them.
1. Poor Base Preparation (The #1 Patio Killer)
A strong patio starts beneath the surface. If the base isn’t done right, your patio is going to fail.
What goes wrong?
- The ground wasn’t compacted properly, leading to settling and sinking.
- The wrong type of base was used (like sand over dirt instead of crushed clean gravel).
- A cheap, thin layer of gravel was used instead of a properly layered base.
How to avoid this mistake:
Your patio needs a solid, well-compacted base. That means:
✅ Excavating deep enough—usually 6-8 inches for most patios, more if the soil is soft.
✅ Using the right materials—a compacted open-graded or dense-graded base (not just sand).
✅ Properly compacting each layer so the ground won’t shift later.
2. Poor Drainage Leading to Standing Water
Ever stepped outside after it rains and found a huge puddle on your patio? That could be a sign of a drainage issue.
What goes wrong?
- The patio was built on a completely flat surface with no slope for runoff.
- The base wasn’t installed properly, so water gets trapped underneath.
- The wrong materials were used, leading to water pooling instead of draining.
How to avoid this mistake:
✅ Slope the patio slightly (about 1/8″ per foot) so water runs off naturally.
✅ Use an open-graded base and a permeable joint sand, which allows water to drain instead of collecting under the pavers.
✅ Add a drainage system if necessary, such as a French drain or perforated pipe.
3. Pavers Moving, Shifting, or Sinking
You laid your pavers in a perfect pattern, but now some are shifting or sinking while others seem to be popping up.
What goes wrong?
- The edge restraint wasn’t installed properly (or at all).
- The base wasn’t compacted enough before laying the pavers.
- Heavy rains washed out the base material.
How to avoid this mistake:
✅ Use a solid edge restraint like PermaEdge Concrete Edge Restraing—this prevents pavers from spreading outward over time.
✅ Compact the base in layers to prevent settling later.
✅ Use polymeric sand between the pavers to lock them in place.
4. Weeds and Grass Growing Between the Pavers
Nothing ruins a clean, modern patio like weeds sprouting up between the stones.
What goes wrong?
- The wrong type of joint sand was used, allowing weeds to take root.
- The base wasn’t deep enough, allowing seeds to settle and grow.
- Organic debris builds up in the gaps, creating a perfect place for weeds to thrive.
How to avoid this mistake:
✅ Use polymeric sand—this hardens and locks the joints, making it harder for weeds to grow.
✅ Keep your patio clean—sweep regularly to prevent debris buildup.
✅ Use a proper base depth to prevent weeds from finding their way up.
5. Cracking or Chipping Pavers Over Time
Your patio looked perfect at first, but now the pavers are chipping, cracking, or flaking.
What goes wrong?
- Low-quality, big box store pavers were used.
- The patio wasn’t sealed after installation
- Freeze-thaw cycles caused the surface to break down.
How to avoid this mistake:
✅ Use high-quality, durable pavers that can handle freeze-thaw cycles.
✅ Have your patio sealed after installation
✅ Seal your pavers if necessary to protect against moisture absorption.
How to Get a Patio That Lasts for Decades
A patio should be an investment in your home, not a project you have to redo in five years. Here in the Kitsap Peninsula, we get plenty of rain, which means drainage and base preparation are even more critical than in other areas.
At Brookside Landscape and Design, we build patios that last by:
✔ Excavating properly to create a stable foundation.
✔ Using high-quality materials that won’t break down over time.
✔ Building for long-term durability, not shortcuts.
If you’re planning a patio and want to make sure it’s done right the first time, we’d love to help. Get in touch with us today to start your project!
