Why Paver Patios in Reno Fail After 2 Years

Paver patios have become a popular choice for homeowners across Reno neighborhoods like Damonte Ranch, Caughlin Ranch, and Somersett. They promise beauty, durability, and the perfect outdoor living space for backyard gatherings.But if you’ve lived here long enough, you've probably seen it: patios cracking, shifting, and sinking — often in just a couple of years.If you're wondering why paver patio Reno failures are so common — and how EM Lawns builds patios designed to survive decades of Nevada's harsh climate — keep reading.

Why So Many Paver Patios in Reno Fail Early

It’s not your imagination — patios around Reno often start deteriorating far too soon. Here's why:

1. Poor Base Preparation

Most patio problems begin below the surface. In areas like Spanish Springs and South Meadows, soil shifts dramatically between seasons. Many contractors rush the base compaction step or use substandard materials, leading to uneven settling.

2. Incorrect Drainage Solutions

Nevada might be dry most of the year, but when the rains come, they come fast. Without proper grading or drainage systems, water pools under the patio — softening the base and causing pavers to heave or sink.

3. Low-Quality Materials

Some installers cut costs by using cheap pavers that aren't rated for our freeze-thaw cycles. In neighborhoods like Northwest Reno, fluctuating temperatures can crack inferior paver stones within a couple of winters.

4. Thin Paver Bases

A common shortcut: laying pavers on a base that's too thin. In high-traffic areas like patio dining spaces or driveways, a thin base leads to quicker failures — often seen as early as the second year.

How EM Lawns Builds Paver Patios That Last for Decades

At EM Lawns, we believe your investment should grow more beautiful with time — not fall apart. Here's how we do it differently:

1. Deep, Proper Base Compaction

We excavate deeper than industry minimums and use high-quality base materials like Class 2 AB aggregate. Every layer is compacted thoroughly using commercial-grade plate compactors — ensuring a solid, stable foundation no matter what Reno’s weather brings.

2. Advanced Drainage Planning

Whether you're in Arrowcreek or Double Diamond Ranch, our team designs patios with built-in slope and drainage solutions to direct water away safely — protecting your patio for the long term.

3. High-End, Weather-Resistant Pavers

We partner with leading manufacturers to source pavers specifically engineered for Nevada's climate. These materials withstand extreme heat, freezing nights, and heavy downpours — without cracking, fading, or crumbling.

4. Thicker, Load-Bearing Bases

Depending on your patio’s purpose, we customize the base thickness — using 6 to 10 inches for maximum durability. Driveways, outdoor kitchens, and heavy-use patios get the reinforcement they need from day one.

5. Expert Craftsmanship with Warranty

We back our patios with workmanship guarantees. Our landscape construction team doesn’t just aim for good — we build better than code to give homeowners true peace of mind.

👉 Related Services: Explore our services page to see what else we can do for you.

Local Tips: Building Paver Patios That Survive Nevada’s Unique Conditions

Here are a few pro insights specific to Reno homeowners:

• Always include a flexible edge restraint system to prevent paver spreading (especially critical in clay-heavy soils found around Verdi and Sun Valley).

• Plan for water runoff even if you think your backyard is "flat enough." Sudden Reno thunderstorms can flood poorly graded patios.

• Use polymeric sand to lock pavers and prevent weed growth between stones. It also helps with joint stabilization during freeze-thaw cycles.

Don’t Gamble on Your Patio — Build it Right with EM Lawns

A paver patio should be an investment you’re proud of — not a project you have to redo after two years. At EM Lawns, we specialize in Nevada-strong hardscape construction tailored to Reno’s unique soil, weather, and neighborhood layouts.

Get started today — Call EM Lawns or Request Your Free Patio Consultation and see how we can build a paver patio that stays beautiful for decades.