Do-It-Yourself Paver Patio and
Retaining Wall Guide

Find out how to keep your outdoor renovation project on track, and discover tips to help guide you through the steps, Unilock style.

Turn your backyard fire pit into a cozy conversation area ready for s’mores and quality time with these fire pit seating ideas.

Turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis with these unique fire pit design and landscape ideas. Plus, explore our Unilock fire pits and fireplaces.

Here are 10 patio ideas that will inspire you to transform your outdoor space into something extraordinary, using Unilock patio pavers.

Find out how to build a raised concrete patio in 7 steps + explore heavy-duty Unilock pavers for your raised patio and retaining wall project.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll find out how to build an interlocking concrete block retaining wall with heavy duty Unilock pavers.

Like any home improvement project, there are pros and cons to consider before you decide to apply a sealer to your finished Unilock paver project.

A guide to the ideal patio size for a fire pit. Plus, patio paver ideas + top-quality pavers and fire pits at Unilock.

How far should your chairs be from a fire pit? We’ll answer that question, share seating options, fire pit safety tips and more.

Learn how to install pavers on a slope with our step-by-step guide, from calculating the amount you need to expert tips & more!

One of the many reasons homeowners and installers choose Unilock is because of the Lifetime Guarantee. It’s our promise to our customers that Unilock is committed to the quality and strength of our paver products – and to your complete […]

Unilock products are known for their strength and durability. Our internal manufacturing standards far exceed those of industry organizations in Canada and United States. With proper installation and care, every single paver should last a lifetime.  

A great deal of thought goes into choosing just the right paving stones for your patio, driveway or walkway. You want to make sure your stones match the color palette and the character of your home. Then, when you’ve picked […]

It may seem counter-intuitive to consider sealing natural stone, but remember that natural stone can be somewhat porous. When used in outdoor applications such as an eating area, an outdoor kitchen, or high traffic areas such as a walkway or a patio, natural stone becomes susceptible to staining and erosion.

Whether you’re undertaking a DIY outdoor project or working with a professional contractor to build the outdoor space of your dreams, you might hear terms that make you ask, “What does that mean?” Well, think of this as your hardscaping glossary!

Calculating what materials you need for your patio is actually quite easy, and Unilock has many resources like our Paver Calculator and Wall Calculator to help with this process. The part that takes more consideration is planning for what you really need in your outdoor space. At the end of the day, it boils down to how many people you typically entertain on your patio and how often.

There is some debate over whether it’s necessary to apply sealant to your concrete pavers or not. Some homeowners choose to use sealant to deepen the color of the pavers and to protect the surface from staining. Others prefer the natural look and lower maintenance aspect of unsealed pavers.

The principle of constructing steps is the same no matter what stones or concrete products you use. There are three basic types or configurations when constructing steps using precast concrete blocks.

Every hardscaping project requires strong management and oversight to ensure everyone is satisfied with the end result – especially you, the homeowner. You may not be the one laying the pavers, but you are considered an essential part of the team.

One of the most frequently asked questions via email and phone to our Customer Service team is, “Where can I buy Unilock paver and wall products for my driveway, patio or walkway project?”

Whether you’re installing a new paver driveway, walkway, patio or retaining wall, proper excavation is a crucial first step. It must be done safely and efficiently so each next step can occur as planned. After all, regardless of what your project is, the ultimate stability of the structure relies on its foundation.

Retaining wall products are becoming more popular as we construct many vertical landscape features or seek to increase the actual useable space of a given area of land.

Indeed this is a common question for first time do it yourself-ers. And the answer is a resounding “No! Don’t do it!”

Do you live in a brand new home that was sold to you with a concrete patio? Or, perhaps you moved into a mature home with an existing patio that is still in good condition? In either of these situations, homeowners often find that the current outdoor living space isn’t a perfect fit with their family’s needs.

In the hardscape world, we talk a lot about the importance of proper base preparation. In fact, the long-term performance of your paving stone project is determined by the quality of the work that is done to prepare the base below your pavers and walls.

Are you looking for a way to bring your asphalt driveway from ordinary to extraordinary? Add a new level of uniqueness to the entrance of your home by adding a two, three or four course paver border in a contrasting color to stand out amongst the sea of asphalt driveways in your neighborhood.

“I have a poured concrete patio I would like to cover with pavers, can I do this and how?”

As of now, your project area is beginning to take shape with a solid prepared base. The next step is laying the pavers where you can finally begin to see your plan take action! The following guidelines will help ensure your project is exactly what you have imagined.