[LoveMyRoses]

Hello everybody!
I live in northwest Chicago suburbs and just moved to a new house. Builder provided sod and the sprinkler system and very basic landscaping around perimeter of the house. They also put in a 10 by 10 concrete patio that needs to be removed.
I am looking for a pavers patio, but have many concerns about it.It seeme like grass often grows through the pavers, brick cracks and afer about 5 to 7 years pavers look in little waves.I don't know if I've had a bad luck seeing bad patios or this is just a fact.
Also I would like to know some professional opinion on using Unilock vs Belgard brick. All dealers seems to praise Unilock, but people carrying Belgard saying that it is a fine product also. Belgard brick looks great on the picture, but it looked like it lost its color on display. Any comments?
Also what kind if questions I need to ask a contractor to know if they are doing a good job(For example how deep they need to dig? Is 6 inches enough or they need to dig 12? What kind of gravel or glue are they using etc)
I also need to do some landscaping: it is a open corner lot.
Any reccomendations are highly appreciated

[Pelican]

A properly installed and maintained paver patio should not become wavy over time. The key is in the base preparation. A minimum of 5" of aggregate base (we call it item 4) should be installed and compacted to 95% compaction. This is essential to a long lasting job.

After the patio is built, there is some maintenance on the customer's part that will help ensure long lasting beauty. Weed control is essential and growth will take place in any paver patio. A monthly patrol for weeds will keep a large root system from pushing the bricks.

Ant control is necessary as well. Ants are attracted to the moist sand bed the pavers are laid in, and when they excavate for their nest, a depression results in the patio. There are insecticides available to control this activity.

There must be no water flow over or around the paver job, as in runoff from rainstorms or downspouts. Erosion will take place and an uneven grade will result. A good contractor will take this into consideration when he bids the job.

Color can be maintained with one of the various types of sealers available for concrete pavers. You can ask your contractor to apply it or do the job yourself with a pump sprayer.

[LoveMyRoses]

Pelican,
Thanks for you reply. Can you please provide your opinion on Unilock vs Belgard pavers. I saw that you are using Unilock bricks for your work. Are you familiar with others ?

[Pelican]

I have no experience with Belgard, they are not readily available in my area.