Interlock & Pavers
Interlock, Stone Walkways & Pavers
Base preparation and drainage decide whether hardscape settles evenly or heaves. Most of the work happens below the surface, which is why a cheap interlock quote is usually a quote for less excavation.
Overview
What the Work Involves
An interlock, walkway or paver project with ZaRRuS covers patios and walkways, driveway interlock, steps and landings, borders and edge restraint, base preparation and drainage, and polymeric sand and sealing. The work is planned and installed as one job across Toronto and the GTA.
From patios and walkways to garden paths, borders, steps, and paver layouts, the work is designed to feel structured, durable, and visually cohesive with the rest of the property.
Base preparation and drainage are the difference between hardscape that settles evenly and hardscape that heaves — most of the work happens below the surface.
Who this service is for
Homeowners laying a patio, walkway or driveway who want it flat in five years.
What shapes the scope and budget
- Area and shape. Curves, cuts, borders and patterns add labour beyond the square footage.
- Excavation and base. Base depth depends on use; a driveway needs a deeper base than a walkway.
- Removal and access. Taking out old concrete or pavers, and whether machinery can reach the yard.
- Paver choice. Standard concrete pavers, large-format slabs or natural stone.
- Drainage. Grading away from the house, and catch basins or channel drains where water collects.
- Steps, borders and lighting. Each adds cutting, structure and finishing time.
Every estimate is written line by line after a site visit. Where a number depends on a decision you have not made yet, it is shown as a range with the variable named.
How the work runs
- Site visit. Measure, check grades and drainage, and arrange utility locates before any digging.
- Layout and selection. Pattern, borders and paver chosen; slopes planned.
- Excavation. Old surface removed and the area dug to the depth the use requires.
- Base. Granular base placed and compacted in lifts.
- Laying. Bedding screeded, pavers laid and cut, edge restraint installed.
- Joints and walkthrough. Polymeric sand swept in and compacted, the site cleaned and reviewed with you.
Frequently requested in Etobicoke · Scarborough · Mississauga — and across all ten service areas.
Typical scope
- Patios and walkways
- Driveway interlock
- Steps and landings
- Borders and edge restraint
- Base preparation and drainage
- Polymeric sand and sealing
Selected Work
Related Work
Photography from the founder’s professional experience in this type of work. See Selected Work & Experience for full context.
Questions
Interlock, Stone Walkways & Pavers Questions
How long does an interlock installation take?
One to three weeks. Most of it is excavation, base preparation and compaction — the laying is the visible part, not the long part.
What’s included in an interlock or paver installation?
Excavation, base preparation, edge restraint, laying, cutting, polymeric sand and compaction. Drainage work and retaining structures are separate scopes.
Do I need a permit for interlock or paving?
Hardscape at grade usually does not require a building permit, though front-yard paving and boulevard work can be restricted by local by-law. Locate calls are made before excavation.
Why does interlock sink or heave?
Usually because the base was too thin, poorly compacted, or water had nowhere to go. A properly excavated and compacted base with the right slope is what keeps pavers flat.
How long does interlock last?
Concrete pavers themselves last many years. Whether the surface stays flat depends on the base and drainage, and polymeric sand joints may need topping up after several seasons.
Request a Consultation
Planning interlock or a stone walkway?
Tell us about the space and what you want to achieve. We’ll help define the scope and the right next step.