When the weather isn’t suitable for softscape landscaping, it’s often a good chance to work on your hardscape projects. And what’s a better place to start than thoroughly inspecting your existing structures? In this winter hardscape maintenance guide, we’ve listed out the things to look out for on your patios, pools, and decks so you can catch problems early for repairs.
Our team often works on patio construction projects during winter when softscape work is not feasible.
Maintenance Checklist for Patios
What about your patios? Whether they serve as an outdoor kitchen or just a place to hang out and chill, patios often take a lot of wear and tear throughout the year. Here are what to look for when you check your patio for maintenance needs:
Pavers: Check your pavers for cracks and discoloration.
Flooring: If you have a wood patio, check for squeaking floors and loose boards.
Furniture: Look for damage on any patio/porch furniture.
Structure: Inspect the woodwork around your patio for signs of structural damage. This is best done by a pro.
Drainage: Have a pro inspect the drainage system at least once a year.
Roof: Hire a roofer to inspect your patio roof for any damage.
Winter Patio Maintenance You Can Do Yourself
While more in-depth maintenance and repair should always be done by an outdoor structure contractor, you may consider doing some of the easier tasks yourself:
Sweeping and Cleaning: First, sweep and clean your patio of all leaves and debris. Then you can hose-clean or pressure-clean your patio yourself. However, if your patio needs resealing, it’s best to hire a professional.
Gutter cleaning: If you feel comfortable working at heights, it’s not too hard to clean the gutters yourself. However, a pro can tell you if anything is wrong or needs repairs.
Covering up the furniture: While you don’t always have to move patio furniture indoors during winter, you should cover it up with weather-proof tarps for protection.
Repainting: If your patio has painted areas, you can repaint any discoloration or chipped paint yourself.
Maintenance Checklist for Pools
While most maintenance work for swimming pools should happen weekly and monthly, it doesn’t hurt to do more in-depth examinations during the winter season. Also, winter is the perfect time to revamp or build a new inground pool if that’s been on your mind for a while.
Pool Deck: Look for significant damage like missing pavers, cracked surfaces, broken stones, etc.
Pool Basin: Looking for cracks, dents, failing surface finishing, and other signs of major issues.
Water Features: If your pool comes with fixtures like fire bowls, inspect them to make sure they are functioning properly.
Mechanics: Have a contractor check your water pump and other mechanics.
Filter: Check your chemical filters and add new ones, especially if you haven’t done so during pool seasons.
Winter Pool Maintenance You Can Do Yourself
While swimming pool maintenance can be labor-intensive, you could opt for doing it yourself if you are comfortable with the work:
Cleaning: Before you put your pool back into use, thoroughly clean and disinfect it.
Check water balance: Ensure the pH and other water parameters are within proper ranges.
Put in new filters: If you didn’t do that in the winter, you’ll likely want new filters before the weather warms up again.
Cover up: Cover your pool and any decorative water features not in use to protect them through winter.
Our team often builds decks and other hardscape during the winter.
Maintenance Checklist for Decks
Look for clear signs of damage on your decks, including broken pavers, cracked wood and beams, obvious leaning and tilting, etc. If your deck is properly sealed, you likely only need to do a quick cleaning before spring comes. Every 2 to 3 years, you should hire someone to reseal your decks. You should also check your deck drainage system to make sure it is functioning properly before the spring rain season. If your deck includes an outdoor kitchen, you might want to have all the equipment inspected before putting it back to use in the Spring.
A newly constructed retaining wall by Royal Creations Architectural Landscape in 2026 Winter
Maintenance Checklist for Retaining Walls and Pathways
Retaining walls and pathways are both essential elements in your landscape, offering structural and aesthetic values.
For retaining wall maintenance, look for clear signs of soil movement and physical damage to the wall. Check for missing rocks, chipped surfaces, and any clear signs of leaning and erosion.
For pathway maintenance, first confirm you don’t need to reseal your pathway. Then, look for fading and discoloration, lost sand between pavers, and surface damage. If everything looks normal, you may only need to do a thorough cleaning of your pathway before the spring.
Should I schedule hardscape construction in the winter?
Contrary to popular belief, winter is actually a great time for hardscape construction in Kansas City and around. As long as the weather permits, you can easily work on new construction or upgrade existing outdoor structures. If you can get everything done during winter, you’d be able to enjoy your outdoors to its fullest once the weather warms up.
Pathways help you move through your landscape smoothly without causing damage to the plants. They also keep your feet clean even on muddy, wet days. Different types of pathways can also complement your landscape with attractive design elements, adding depth, texture, and complexity. Here are 5 types of pathways you can add to your landscape.
1. Stepping Stone Pathway
Stepping stone pathways are affordable, durable, and can bring a natural, earthy aesthetic to your home. When laying a stepping stone pathway, ensure the stones are placed within a close distance from each other and that the stones you use are big enough. If the stones you use are too small, you’d end up tiptoeing through the tulips. For the best results, use flagstones or large pavers as stepping stones.
PROS
CONS
Affordable
Can be hazardous for elders or those with mobility issues.
Natural, rusty look
Grass, mulch, or other obstacles can get in between the stones.
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
2. Gravel Paths
Gravel pathways are popular due to their affordability. Gravels also provide effective drainage as water can soak through the pathway into the soil below. Most pathway gravels are recycled from other quarry activities, making them one of the most environmentally friendly pathway options.
However, gravel paths can be difficult to roll strollers or wheelchairs on. Gravels also tend to spread into nearby beds and lawn along the path. As a result, you may need to add gravel every few years. Finally, weeds can grow through the gravel, making it harder to maintain.
PROS
CONS
Affordable prices
Gravel loss happens over time and must be refilled every few years
Easy installation, can be DIY-ed
The loose material can be difficult to walk on.
3. Concrete Pathway
Concrete pathways require minimum maintenance and are easy to keep clean. Concrete is also more accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it the perfect material for entryways or sidewalks. You can color and stamp your concrete for it to match your house. Concrete can also be poured and fashioned with nice, crisp lines.
Properly installed concrete pathways can last a long time and weather most storms. However, the concrete will expand with hot temperatures, causing it to crack. Soil movement can also cause water to pool up under the concrete, leading to water damage.
Finally, you should hire a professional to install a concrete pathway. Rebar must be used to make the concrete strong. Before the concrete is poured, a wooden form must be made.
PROS
CONS
Low maintenance
Will crack due to temperature fluctuation
Durable and weather resistant
May suffer water damage as soil shifts and water pools underneath
Safe for strollers and wheelchairs
Must be installed professionally
4. Paver Paths
Paver pathways add a simple, modern look to your landscape Paver paths are also great options for front entryway and can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal.
Pavers come in various sizes and styles. Choosing the right paver to blend the pathway with your home’s architecture or create a sharp contrast. Paver pathways also make it easier to transport large appliances or heavy equipment. You can even lay down pavers in amazing patterns to add some personality.
Once installed, paver pathways are easy to maintain since you can replace a single paver if it heaves or cracks instead of redoing the whole pathway. However, the upfront investment for a well-laid paver pathway can be higher than other options.
PROS
CONS
Elegant, modern aesthetics
Higher initial cost
Makes it easier to transport heavy items
May heave and shift as time goes by
Can be spot repaired
Requires regular maintenance
5. Bridges
Does your pathway cross a drainage swale, creek bed, or water feature on the property? You need a well-constructed bridge. Bridges can be built with various materials, including natural wood, composite wood, PVC, stone, tile, or pavers.
Bridges can add complexity to your landscape. When installed in the front yard with a water feature, it can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal. They provide a clean and effortless way for you to get over a pond or creek, turning your landscape into a watery sanctuary.
PROS
CONS
Adds complexity to your landscape
Higher cost
One of the most decorative options
Can be high maintenance
Image found via Google
6. Ramps
Ramps make areas more accessible. They can be used in place of stairs or right next to them. Accessible ramps can be integral to your pathway to make life easier for elderly household members or individuals with mobility issues.
PROS
CONS
Improve your home’s accessibility
Must meet specific requirements (such as ADA specifications)
Make it easier to move heavy things around
Needs to be installed by a pro.
Can Pathways Increase Your Property Value?
Properly installed paver and concrete pathways, well-designed bridges, and wheelchair ramps that meet ADA requirements can make your property more attractive to high-end buyers, whereas gravel paths rarely have a direct impact on your property value. To maximize your investment in pathways, make sure you stay on top of seasonal maintenance. Broken pavers and cracked concrete won’t really help when it’s time to sell your home.
Hiring the Right Paver Contractor
Pathway installation is labor-intensive and highly challenging. The land must be prepared before laying down the materials. The sod must be removed, gravel or sand must be laid down first. A poorly installed pathway can cause uneven surfaces, pose security risks, or reduce the pathway’s lifespan.
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping has the skills, experience, and crew to do this right. Our team can design the perfect path with bridges, ramps, and other important features. We also offer cleaning, sealing, and maintenance services to ensure your pathways always stay at their peak. Let us help you install a new pathway or repair an existing one.
A lot of people think that hardscapes, the solid surfaces of the landscape, don’t need any maintenance. After all, concrete and paver stones are hard as rock, right? To look their best, they do need some tender loving care.
Clear Debris
Sweep or blow your hardscape regularly. Leaves and other debris can keep your hardscape damp and cause stains to occur. Over time, the constant moisture begins to break down concrete and the finish of the pavers. At that point, the sand between the pavers can also wash out, destabilizing the stones. One tip is to clean your hardscape on the same day of the month every time, you won’t forget to do it.
Power Wash Your Patio & Driveway
Once a year, you should use a power washer to wash the hard surfaces of your property. Power washers force water out in a strong stream, so it washes off the dirt that has been ground in over the last season. Be careful not to direct the power washer on the joints between paver stones. You want to keep the water moving over the stones, not wash out the joints. Many tool rental stores carry power washers if you do not have one.
Chemically Clean and Seal
Every two or three years, your concrete and pavers need to be cleaned with special chemical cleaners to remove the particles that can be removed by the power washer. This step also prepares the pavers to accept the new sealer. You can do this on your own with a pump sprayer and scrub brushes, but the chemicals are harsh, and it is better to let a trained professional do this correctly and be safe. Once the patio is completely cleaned, you may need to touch up some of the sand joints. However, you will have to wait for it to completely dry again before applying any polymeric sand to avoid it sticking to the surface of your pavers. We like to use a wet-look sealer on most applications to bring out the colors of the pavers and give them a wet look.
Let Us Do The Work
As mentioned above, chemically cleaning and sealing pavers and concrete is best left to the professionals. At Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping, we have the right equipment and training. If you subscribe to our hardscape maintenance program, we will come power wash your hardscape once a year. Every two years, we will chemically clean and seal your hardscape. To take advantage of this affordable program, call our office at (816) 825-2524 or schedule a consult soon.
At Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping, winter is for construction which means hardscapes and carpentry. As long as we have dug out the foundation before the soil freezes, we can work through the winter building all kinds of stone and paver projects from retaining walls to patios, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens. Winter is also a good time for us to work on carpentry projects, including decks and screened-in porches. We will build roofs and shade structures for outdoor spaces to be ready for the planting phase once spring arrives.
Patios
We build patios of all kinds. We specialize in pavers, or natural stone but can also offer concrete options as well. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
Pavers
Approximately 80% of our patios are made of pavers. These are individual concrete shapes that are laid in a pattern to form the patio. Pavers come in all shapes and sizes. The flexible joints allow pavers to move with the soil, so they don’t crack like solid concrete patios. In addition, pavers can be dug up without destroying them if you need to access pipes or wires under them, they can also be repaired if settling occurs over time.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is another choice. It is the biggest investment but it will never go out of style since it comes from the earth. Stone can be many colors and can be cut into many shapes. It is laid on a base of aggregate or in a mortar bed on concrete. As with pavers, the flexible nature of the installation allows for the stones to be adjusted later for future phases or repairs as needed.
Concrete
Concrete can be poured if it is going to be above freezing for a few days. The advantage of concrete is that it is easy to work with and is less expensive than other materials. However, as the soil freezes and thaws, it moves, which will eventually cause concrete to crack over time.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are often necessary to terrace yards with slopes. They prevent erosion of the soil. Retaining walls can be concrete block or stone. Stone is more natural and everlasting, but concrete can be cast in any shape and it tends to be less expensive.
Pool Decks
Pools decks don’t have to be expanses of white concrete. We can create colored concrete patios around your pool. Another option is a walkway made of pavers or natural stones. We can make the area around your pool safe and pretty at the same time.
Planning For Spring
Now is an excellent time to plan for work you want done in the spring. We can come out on a consultation and talk to you about the work you want. We will draw up the plans and get them just the way you want them so that when the weather warms up, we can get started on your project.
If you are having pavers installed, you will need something to fill the spaces where the pavers meet. We will educate you on the options and expectations for filling and maintaining the joints of your patio pavers.
Flexible Pavement System
First of all, it is important to understand that concrete pavers, in general, are designed to be installed as a flexible pavement system that will move with the ground as it moves. Most movement of the ground will come through freeze and thaw cycles where the ground can expand and contract depending on many variables such as moisture content, temperature, wind, and sun exposure. Most concrete paver systems are designed to be installed in a flexible way to allow for this movement of the ground in areas of extremely high and low temperatures.
Types of Fills for Between Pavers
There are two major types of fillers used between pavers.
Definitely Not Grout
Grout is not one of the two choices. Our clients often refer to the joint filler as grout, and this is inaccurate. Grout is typically designed to be used indoors between tiles, and it is always part of a rigid pavement system. Gout is NOT designed to be flexible, and if it moves, it will crack because of its rigidity. In some cases, an exterior grout can be used if the base is constructed in a rigid technique with footings below the frost line to prevent movement. This is not the typical standard of residential paver installation today, mainly due to being cost-prohibitive in most cases.
Sand
Regular builder’s sand or brick sand was often used for filling pavers up until the turn of the century. The problem with regular builders’ sand is that it quickly blows or is washed out from between the pavers. While this is an esthetic problem, it can and does look bad, and no one wants their nice paver patio to have gaps between the stones. If sand is used as a bedding layer, it can also become a structural problem if the bedding layer begins to wash away.
Polymeric Sand
In 1999 Techniseal introduced Polymeric sand to the market. This is sand that is mixed with a polymer that binds the sand particles together. This makes it last longer. It is not permanent, however. Over time, the polymer will break down, and the sand can wash or blow out, so it does require some maintenance. It typically will last at least three to five years before that is necessary to touch up or re-sand any areas.
Applying Polymeric sand
When applying polymeric sand, it is important to wear a dust mask as it can be harmful if inhaled. First, pour Polymeric sand onto the pavers and sweep it into the joints. Compact the pavers to settle the sand with a rolling plate compactor or a hand tamper. Then fill and tamp again until the sand is 1/8th inch from the paver level and doesn’t consolidate any further.
Prepare for Watering
Blow sand residue from the top of the pavers. It is important to get all the sand off the top of the pavers, or you will have a haze on them. Use a leaf blower set on low and held about waist high to help.
Watering
You want to add enough water to activate the polymer but not so much that you float the polymer right out of the sand. Use a water nozzle turned to the shower setting. Water the joint until the sand just stops absorbing water. Pause and let the water soak in. Water again until no more water soaks in, but you do not see a milky white substance on top of the joint. Do 10 feet by 10 feet sections at a time. Once the polymer sets, you won’t be able to add more water.
Curing
The polymer will cure in 24-72 hours, depending on the temperature and dryness of the area. Polymeric sand in shade can be a bit more spongy than Polymeric sand in the sun, even after it cures. Do not let the sand get rained on hard until it is set. You may need to cover the sand with a tarp to protect it from rain. You should avoid excess foot traffic for 24 hours and any vehicle traffic for 72 hours.
Common Mistakes When Using Polymeric Sand
We see these mistakes over and over when clients use Polymeric sand.
Damp Pavers or Joints
If the joints and pavers are wet, the polymer will start to set up prematurely. This causes a haze on the pavers and leads to poor joints. The pavers and joints must be bone dry before you start. The sand will also stick to the top of the pavers and become a difficult mess to clean up.
Over or Under Watering
If you do not water the Polymeric sand enough, it does not activate the polymer. When this happens, a crust forms on the surface but the sand below this crust is not bound together. The unbound sand moves out from under the crust, which then collapses.
If you apply too much water, the polymer floats out of the sand and drains away. It can leave a haze behind on the pavers as it runs across them. You are left with sand between the pavers and a haze on them.
Leaving Excess Sand Behind
Sand that is left on the pavers will bind to the pavers and leave a haze on them, detracting from the beauty of the pavers.
Poor Drainage
The drainage under the pavers and joints must be good, or the water will back up and not filter through the Polymeric sand, allowing the sand grains to bind to each other. A very slight slope will aid drainage and help prevent problems. We have also shifted from a sand bedding layer to an open aggregate base that helps with drainage below the pavers, especially in dark and damp Northern exposures.
Overfilling the Joints
Too much sand can cause problems. It is important to keep the level of the sand in the joint 1/8th inch below the surface of the paver. If the sand is level with the paver, the water will back up over the paver, and the polymer will cause the paver to be hazy.
Too Narrow or Too Wide Joints
Joints should be at least 1/8th inch and no more than four inches. The joint depth should be at least one inch. If the joints are too narrow, the water cannot flow down and properly activate the polymer. If the joints are too wide, the sand will wash out before the polymer sets up.
Polymeric Sand Maintenance
As mentioned, polymeric sand does require some maintenance. Regular cleaning with a blower and/or a hose will help keep the pavers and joints in good condition. You can power wash your paver patio if you are careful not to blow out the sand. Keep the power washer moving and never aimed directly at the joints. Periodically, you will need to chemically clean and re-seal the pavers and joints. You may then need to sweep new Polymeric sand into the joints to fill any low spots. Just make sure it is completely dry first.
Customer Expectations
When it comes to paver joints, polymeric sand is often seen as the gold standard. And it is the best solution we have for filling joints in a flexible pavement system, and it does a great job. However, like any construction material, it is far from perfect and is definitely not maintenance-free. The ground will move and over time the sand will move, crack, wash or settle and will need some maintenance. It is critically important that consumers understand the history, design, and intent of this product to ultimately have a successful paver project for both the client and the contractor.
Our Paver Maintenance Program
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping has a paver maintenance program. We have options that include Spring clean-ups, as well as regular cleanings (blowing, power washing, and chemical cleaning), along with regular re-sealing of pavers to enhance the color and sheen. To sign up for our paver maintenance program, schedule a consultation now before the spring rush hits.
Have you ever heard a friend, neighbor, or even your spouse say “There is another crack in the concrete. It just looks terrible! We need a new patio”
Soil is hard on concrete. It shifts and swells, breaking the concrete into smaller pieces. You are left with a spiderweb of cracks, uneven walking surfaces, and other problems. Modern paver patios don’t have these issues, as they are already segmented and most often built in a flexible construction method.
Flexible Pavement vs Rigid Pavement
Concrete is designed to be rigid. It is poured in place and strengthened with rebar. When large parking lots are poured in concrete, gaps are left and filled with a malleable substance. These are called expansion joints and let the concrete move a little with the seasons. Most residential patios don’t have expansion joints, and these large areas of concrete will crack over time.
Pavers are different. These are small pieces that are laid together, like a mosaic. These pieces are called pavers and they are set on an aggregate base that provides a strong foundation. As the ground freezes and thaws, the pieces move together with the ground. The overall patio will not crack as its many joints allow for movement with the freeze-thaw cycles.
Paver Base
We started installing paver patios decades ago. At that time, the industry-standard was to use crushed limestone as a base and then put a bedding layer of sand on top of it. The pavers were installed on top of the sand. Over time, the limestone could get spongy as the dust in that layer collected moisture. The sand would sometimes wash out over time as the particles of sand could be smaller than the joints in the patio. Both these problems slightly compromised the structural stability of the patio and could lead to settling in spots.
We now use an open aggregate base so that it drains well and is more stable. We use washed gravel that helps hold things in place. This prevents the washout of materials and keeps the patio surface more stable over time. The washed gravel also provides pore space for moisture to move through the patio and drain.
Paver Styles
Pavers can come in a wide variety of styles. These pavers can be small, old-fashioned Holland Stones that are 4” X 8” or new modern paving slabs as big as 20” X 30” and anywhere in between. You can also choose a variety of natural stone pavers. These come in many different sizes, shapes, and textures.
There are many paver manufacturers, and they all have a variety of styles to choose from. A couple of our favorite local paver companies are Belgard and Unilock. They tend to have the best quality products as well as customer service in our KC market. You can check out their sites to learn more.
Paver Sand
To finish off the installation of your pavers, we use special polymeric sand and sweep it between the pavers to fill in any gaps. The polymer in the sand helps to bind the sand particles together to lock them in place. The regular sand used a decade ago would wash out much sooner and require more frequent maintenance.
Polymer sand joints last 2-5 years or more. The joints may need some touch-up after that. If the sand does wash out or settle, the patio is still usable, but may not be as aesthetically pleasing. It is a good idea to plan on some paver maintenance every few years just to make sure everything is tip-top and looking as good as possible.
Paver Sealers
Paver sealers are a good way to help lock the joint sand in longer. The sealant also holds the color of the pavers longer and protects them from fading in the sun. Our favorite sealer is the “wet look” type because everything tends to look a little better when wet. The colors pop and the space looks new and clean.
There is an art to installing pavers. Even if you follow the industry standards as far as the base, buy the pavers from a reputable place, and seal them well, you may find yourself disappointed in how they look. It takes a lot of practice to get them “just right”.
At Royal Creations, we have planned and installed hundreds of paver patios over the years. We can help you choose your pavers, install them for you, and seal them so they continue to look good for years. We will even do the periodic maintenance required to keep them looking their best. If you want to put in a paver patio, contact Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping today to schedule a consult and get the ball rolling.
