Paver Patio Contractor Lake Forest – Base, Drainage & Unilock Options

Why Choose Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery

Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery began in 1966 when Paul Kjeldbjerg, a Danish immigrant with a passion for horticulture and craftsmanship, started the business with one truck and a vision. Over the decades, Paul, his wife Margit, and their children grew the company into a trusted landscape design, build, and nursery operation serving Lake Forest and the North Shore. Our roots run deep in the community, and our commitment to quality has never changed. When you hire Poul’s, you get a team that plans every detail, from base depth to slope, as carefully as the design itself. We blend proven construction standards with plant knowledge from our nursery to create outdoor spaces that look great and stay that way.

What Sets a Quality Paver Patio Apart

Not all paver patios are built the same. In Lake Forest, freeze and thaw cycles, clay soils, and stormwater can cause settling and heaving if the patio is not designed and built correctly. As an experienced paver patio contractor in Lake Forest IL, Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery focuses on three pillars of success: a stable base, reliable drainage, and paver systems that match your style and performance needs.

1. The Right Base

The base is the foundation of every paver patio. A proper base supports the pavers and spreads loads evenly to prevent cracking, low spots, and shifting. Our approach takes local soil conditions into account and uses materials and compaction methods that stand up to heavy use and weather.

2. Drainage That Works

Drainage is not an afterthought. Without it, water can pool, joints can wash out, and frost can lift pavers. We design patios with the right slope and integrate drains or permeable systems when needed to move water away from your home and off the usable surface.

3. High-Quality Pavers

Unilock offers a wide range of styles, colors, and performance options. We guide you through choices that complement your home and fit your budget, all while meeting the structural and maintenance needs of your site.

Base Construction for Lake Forest’s Climate

Lake County soils often include clay and experience repeated freeze-thaw cycles. These conditions demand a strong, well-drained base. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery builds patios with industry-best practices to help prevent movement and reduce maintenance.

Key Elements of a Durable Base

• Excavation to the correct depth based on use, soil, and paver thickness
• Removal of organic material and soft spots to reach stable subgrade
• Compaction of the subgrade to reduce future settling
• Geotextile fabric where needed to separate soil from base layers
• Layered base stone with proper gradation for strength and drainage
• Compaction of each layer with plate compactors to achieve density
• A setting bed of leveling material, typically concrete sand or a compatible bedding layer
• Edge restraints that lock the system in place and resist lateral movement

When designed and built properly, your patio base becomes a stable platform that supports furniture, foot traffic, and the changing seasons. It also protects the patio from the small shifts that lead to trip hazards or standing water.

Drainage Solutions That Protect Your Investment

Great patios manage water well. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery evaluates how rain flows across your property and around your home before finalizing your design. Depending on your site, we recommend one or more of the following:

• Finished patio slope to direct water away from structures
• Channel drains at door thresholds or low spots
• Catch basins and underground piping to move water to safe discharge points
• Downspout extensions that route roof runoff away from the patio
• Permeable pavers and open-graded bases for on-site infiltration
• Drainage swales that guide water to landscape areas designed to absorb it

Our team builds to both function and code. We make sure the patio not only looks clean and level but also sheds water correctly. This helps protect your foundation, reduces freeze damage, and extends the life of the joint sand or polymeric joint material.

Unilock Paver Options for Style and Performance

Unilock pavers blend design flexibility with advanced technology. From smooth contemporary slabs to rustic stone looks, there is a style that suits any architecture in Lake Forest. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery will guide you through options that balance aesthetics, slip resistance, and maintenance.

Popular Unilock Looks

• Modern large-format slabs for a clean, open feel
• Classic brick patterns that complement historic homes
• Stone-textured pavers that resemble natural flagstone
• Mixed-size bundles for dynamic patterns
• Borders and inlays to create visual interest and define zones

Performance Features to Consider

• Color-fast surfaces designed for long-term beauty
• Textured finishes that provide traction in wet or icy conditions
• Joint options compatible with polymeric sands to reduce weeds and washout
• Edge units and coping for steps and seating areas
• Permeable options to help manage stormwater on sensitive sites

We bring samples during your consultation and can meet you at our nursery location to review materials. Seeing the pavers in person helps you choose the right color and texture for your home’s exterior and landscape plantings.

Design Ideas for Lake Forest Backyards

Great patio design blends comfort, beauty, and function. Whether you want quiet mornings with coffee or large family gatherings, a thoughtful layout makes outdoor living easier.

Smart Layout Ideas

• Create zones for dining, lounging, and cooking
• Add a fire pit or outdoor fireplace for evening gatherings
• Include built-in seating or seat walls to define spaces and add capacity
• Plan for shade with pergolas, umbrellas, or strategic tree placement
• Integrate lighting for steps, sitting areas, and pathways
• Use planting beds to soften edges and attract birds and pollinators

Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery designs patios that connect well to doors, garages, and lawns. We match the patio scale to your yard and suggest features that reflect your lifestyle, such as a grill station, a spot for a portable heater, or a play area nearby.

Our Step-by-Step Patio Process

Choosing the right paver patio contractor Lake Forest IL homeowners can depend on starts with a proven process. We keep you informed at every step and build to a schedule you can count on.

1. Initial Call and Scheduling. We listen to your goals and set a time for a free on-site quote and consultation.
2. On-Site Consultation. We walk your property, discuss ideas, take measurements, and evaluate drainage and access.
3. Design and Material Selection. We recommend layouts, Unilock styles, borders, and patterns that fit your home and budget.
4. Detailed Proposal. You receive a clear scope with materials, base specs, drainage plan, and timeline.
5. Pre-Construction Review. We confirm utilities, access, and staging to protect your property and minimize disruption.
6. Excavation and Base Work. We remove soils, install geotextile if needed, place base stone in layers, and compact to spec.
7. Paver Installation. We set the bedding layer, lay pavers in the chosen pattern, cut edges precisely, and install restraints.
8. Jointing and Compaction. We sweep in joint material, compact the surface, and top off joints to lock everything in place.
9. Cleanup and Walkthrough. We leave your site tidy, review care tips, and discuss any final details.
10. Follow-Up Support. We stand behind our work and are here to help with maintenance or add-ons later.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Beauty

Well-built patios are easy to care for. A few simple habits keep your paver surface clean and secure through the seasons.

• Sweep or blow debris regularly to prevent staining and weed growth
• Rinse with a garden hose as needed, and use a mild cleaner for tougher spots
• Consider sealing, depending on paver type and desired sheen
• Use a plastic shovel for snow to avoid scratching the surface
• Choose calcium magnesium acetate or pet-safe de-icers rather than rock salt
• Refresh joint sand if heavy rains or power washing reduce the level
• Call Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery for leveling or repairs if you notice settling

Our team can also set up seasonal maintenance to keep your patio looking fresh, along with plant care, mulching, and seasonal color from our nursery programs.

About Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery

Our story began when Paul, known as Poul in Danish, started the business after working with one of the area’s early landscape contractors, Otto Damgaard. From the basement office in Prospect Heights to a thriving operation with nursery fields in Wadsworth, Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery has grown through dedication to craftsmanship and customer care. Paul’s children, Dan and Alan, joined in the 1980s and 1990s, helping expand services and nursery production. Today, we continue to offer complete landscape design, installation, and horticultural services to homeowners looking to elevate their outdoor spaces. That history matters on your project. It means we understand local soils, plants, and building practices. It also means we will be here to support you after your patio is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical patio project take?

Most projects take one to two weeks once we begin work on-site, depending on size, access, weather, and added features like seating walls, steps, or drainage systems. We provide a clear schedule during the proposal stage and keep you informed throughout construction.

What affects the cost of a paver patio?

Size, base depth, drainage needs, paver style, pattern complexity, and site access all play a role. Features like lighting, fire pits, and kitchens add cost but also add value and enjoyment. During your free on-site quote, we discuss options that match your goals and budget.

Do you offer permeable paver systems?

Yes. Where stormwater management is a priority, a permeable paver system can allow water to pass through the surface into an open-graded base. We design permeable solutions that work with your site and meet local guidelines when needed.

Can you match the patio to my home’s style?

Absolutely. Unilock offers a wide range of colors and textures, from traditional to modern. We also use borders, inlays, and banding to echo your home’s trim, brick, or stone. Our design team will help you select pavers that harmonize with your architecture and landscape.

How do you handle settling or repairs?

If issues arise, our team can lift affected pavers, correct the base, and reset them to match the surrounding surface. Because pavers are modular, repairs are targeted and efficient, unlike poured concrete patches. We are happy to help keep your patio in top shape.

Do you pull permits if required?

If your project requires permits, we coordinate with you and your municipality. We also call in utility locates before excavation for added safety.

Choosing the Right Paver Patio Contractor in Lake Forest IL

When you compare quotes, look closely at base specifications, drainage details, and edge restraints. These items often explain price differences and determine how well the patio holds up. Ask about compaction methods, base materials, and how water will be managed. A reliable paver patio contractor Lake Forest IL homeowners can rely on will explain each step in plain language and welcome your questions.

Sustainable and Family-Friendly Options

Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery can recommend eco-friendly and family-safe choices, such as permeable pavers that reduce runoff, low-voltage LED lighting that saves energy, and plantings that support pollinators. We also design layouts with clear walkways and proper lighting to improve safety for kids, guests, and pets.

Add-On Features to Elevate Your Patio

• Seat walls and pillars for structure and extra seating
• Natural stone or paver steps for transitions between elevations
• Grill islands or outdoor kitchens for effortless entertaining
• Fire features for warmth and ambiance
• Planter boxes and raised beds for herbs and seasonal flowers
• Pathways that connect to gardens, driveways, or pool areas
• Accent lighting for steps, walls, and plantings

These upgrades can be built at the same time as your patio or added later as your needs evolve.

Our Promise

Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery takes pride in building patios that feel like a natural extension of your home. We plan carefully, communicate clearly, and build with care. Our team respects your property and your time. With decades of experience and deep local roots, we bring a steady hand to every project, large or small.

Book Your Free On-Site Quote and Consultation

Ready to explore designs, base options, drainage solutions, and Unilock styles for your backyard? Contact Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery to schedule your free on-site quote and consultation. If you are searching for a paver patio contractor Lake Forest IL residents recommend, our friendly team is here to help you plan a patio that looks beautiful, manages water correctly, and lasts for the long haul. We look forward to helping you enjoy more time outdoors, right at home.

Service Area

Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery proudly serves Lake Forest and nearby North Shore communities. If you are in or around Lake Forest IL, reach out and tell us about your goals. We will bring ideas, samples, and a transparent plan to make your patio project a success.

Get Started Today

From first idea to final walkthrough, you can count on Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery for thoughtful design, solid construction, and attentive service. Let us help you select the right Unilock pavers, engineer a proper base, and design drainage that protects your investment. Contact us today to schedule your free on-site quote and consultation, and take the first step toward the outdoor space you have been imagining with a trusted paver patio contractor Lake Forest IL homeowners rely on.