How Long Will My Hardscape Last Before It Cracks or Shifts?

You’ve seen it before: a beautiful paver patio that’s now uneven, or a concrete walkway with a spiderweb of cracks. When you’re ready to invest in your own outdoor space, it’s natural to worry that the same thing will happen to you. After all, a new patio should be a source of enjoyment, not a constant repair project.

The good news is that hardscaping longevity isn’t a matter of luck. At Redbud Landscape, our team has spent over 18 years designing and building high-quality hardscapes in Northwest Indiana. We’ve seen good hardscaping last 25–50 years or more before showing signs of wear. However, how long your hardscaping lasts before cracking or shifting depends on:

• The quality of the materials used
• How well the installation area is prepared
• The skill of your landscaping team
• The care taken during installation
• How well you maintain your outdoor space over time

Let’s take a closer look at what it takes to keep your outdoor features looking perfect for years.

What Causes Hardscaping to Shift or Crack Over Time?

Even the best-looking patio can start to fail if what’s underneath wasn’t built to last. Most cracking and shifting happen because the foundation, materials, or environment weren’t properly accounted for during installation. In other words, the problem usually starts below the surface.

Here are some of the most common reasons hardscaping doesn’t hold up over time:

• Poor Base Preparation: An inadequately compacted base is the number one reason for shifting and settling. The soil and gravel beneath your pavers must be properly excavated and compacted to create a solid, stable foundation that will not move.
• Water Drainage Issues: Without a plan for water runoff, rain and melting snow can seep into the base material, washing it away or causing it to heave during freeze-thaw cycles. This is especially important in the Midwest.
• Low-Quality Materials: Using thin pavers or a subpar concrete mix can lead to cracking and chipping under normal use. Quality materials are designed to withstand foot traffic, furniture, and weather.
• Heavy Traffic or Soil Settling: If your patio wasn’t built to handle the weight of heavy objects or if the soil beneath settles over time, shifting can occur.

When done right, your patio shouldn’t move an inch, even through tough Midwest winters.

Which Lasts Longer: Brick, Concrete, or Natural Stone Pavers?

Your choice of material plays a significant role in longevity, but a strong base and expert craftsmanship make any of these options last for decades.

• Concrete: Poured concrete is often an affordable option, but it is prone to cracking if the base isn’t solid or the mix isn’t right. Once it cracks, repairs can be difficult and obvious.
• Brick Pavers: Brick offers a classic look with a good lifespan and is available in many colors and patterns. However, individual bricks can chip or shift if the base fails or the edge restraints are not secure.
• Natural Stone Pavers: Materials such as flagstone or limestone are highly durable and long-lasting. While they often come with a higher initial cost, their natural strength and timeless appearance make them a fantastic long-term investment.

How Can I Stop My Hardscaping from Cracking or Shifting?

No matter which material you choose, proper installation and maintenance are what truly keep your patio looking new for decades. Key preventative measures include:

• Proper Excavation and Base: A deep, compacted gravel base is essential for stability.
• Quality Edge Restraints: These hidden borders hold the pavers in place and prevent them from spreading apart over time.
• Polymeric Sand: This special sand is swept into the joints and then hardened with water, locking the pavers together and preventing weed growth.
• Good Drainage Planning: Your patio should be sloped correctly to direct water away from the base and your home’s foundation.
• Routine Maintenance: Periodically resealing surfaces, refilling joints, and checking for any early signs of movement can extend the life of your hardscape.

Of course, even the best materials and plans only go so far without the right team behind the work.

How Can I Find Someone Who Installs Long-Lasting Patios Near Me?

Finding a contractor who specializes in custom installations, not just quick concrete pours, will make all the difference. A trustworthy installer will:

• Evaluate your soil and drainage before starting.
• Use proper excavation and base compaction techniques.
• Offer a warranty on both labor and materials.
• Provide examples of past projects that have stood the test of time.

Ask plenty of questions. A professional should be able to explain why their process prevents shifting, not just what materials they use. Reading reviews and visiting completed patios in your area can also help you spot quality craftsmanship.

Build It Right, Enjoy It for Decades

A beautiful, long-lasting patio is not an accident; it’s the result of expert work, quality materials, and meticulous attention to detail. At Redbud Landscape, we prevent the cracking and shifting that homeowners fear by building every hardscape on a solid foundation.

Ready to build a patio that won’t crack or shift? Contact us today to get a quote and start your long-lasting outdoor project.