Ready to transform your St. Augustine or St. Johns backyard with a stunning paver patio or walkway? Our 5-part DIY paver installation series will guide you through creating a durable, coastal-ready outdoor living space. Historic Coast Pavers kicks off with Part 1: Planning Your Project, ensuring your paver project shines in Florida’s salty air.
Why Plan Your Paver Project?
Proper planning prevents costly mistakes in St. Augustine’s sandy soils and humid climate. A well-designed paver patio or driveway boosts curb appeal and home value by up to 10%, per landscaping studies. Planning ensures your coastal pavers withstand salt, storms, and heavy use, creating a low-maintenance outdoor space for St. Johns homes.
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Decide the purpose of your project:
- Patio: A herringbone paver patio for St. Augustine entertaining.
- Walkway: A curved paver path to enhance St. Johns curb appeal.
- Driveway: Durable pavers for heavy traffic in coastal conditions.Consider size, shape, and how it fits your outdoor living space. Sketch a rough layout to visualize.
Step 2: Choose Coastal Pavers
Select pavers suited for St. Augustine’s climate:
- Concrete Pavers: Affordable, like Belgard’s Coastal Series in sandy beige.
- Brick Pavers: Classic red tones for historic St. Johns charm.
- Permeable Pavers: Ideal for reducing runoff in rainy coastal areas.Pick colors (e.g., gray, beige) and patterns (e.g., running bond) that match your home’s coastal aesthetic.
Step 3: Measure and Budget
Measure your project area in square feet to estimate paver needs. Add 10% for cuts and spares. Budget for:
- Pavers: $10-$20 per square foot in St. Augustine.
- Base materials: Gravel ($0.50-$1 per square foot) and sand ($0.20-$0.50 per square foot).
- Tools: Rent a plate compactor ($50/day) or buy a shovel ($20).Check local suppliers like Home Depot for St. Johns pricing.
Step 4: Check Permits and Utilities
St. Augustine may require permits for driveways or large patios. Contact the city’s permitting office to confirm. Call 811 to mark underground utilities in St. Johns, avoiding costly damage during digging.
Next Steps
In Part 2, we’ll cover site preparation, from clearing to grading. Start gathering materials and tools now for a smooth DIY project.
Ready to plan your coastal paver masterpiece? Historic Coast Pavers offers expert advice for St. Augustine and St. Johns DIYers. Contact us at Historic Coast Pavers for a free consultation today!
