What Happens on Day One of a Patio or Pool Deck Project
What Happens on Day One of a Patio or Pool Deck Project
You've picked your design, signed off on the plan, and the crew is pulling into the driveway. Now what? For a lot of homeowners, not knowing what to expect is the most stressful part of a new patio or pool deck. So here's an honest look at what day one looks like with General Masonry, and how the rest of the project unfolds from there.
Day One: Explanation, Layout, and Digging
Day one starts with a lot of explanation. We walk through the plan with you on site so you know exactly where everything is going and what will happen over the coming days. Then we lay out the project, marking a grid that shows where we'll dig. Once the layout is set, digging starts right away. There's no waiting around: by the end of day one, you'll see real progress in the yard.
Why Prep Is the Longest Phase
Most of a project's time goes into work you'll never see once it's done: excavating, grading, and bringing in base material. For a small patio, excavation alone takes about 2 to 3 days. Larger projects like pool decks take longer. This is the phase that decides how long your patio will last, so we never rush it. Learn more about our excavation and site prep process.
Building the Base: 8 Inches, Compacted in Layers
Our patios get 8 inches of base material, compacted every few inches as it goes in. Compacting in layers, rather than all at once, creates a dense, stable foundation that resists settling and holds up through Connecticut's freeze-thaw cycles. It's also why we see so many sinking patios built by other installers who skipped this step.
Laying Pavers Goes Fast
Here's what surprises most homeowners: once the base is ready, laying the pavers is fast. Even on a large paver pool deck, installing the pavers takes about 3 to 4 days. All that careful prep is what makes the final stage go so smoothly, and it's when your new paver patio or pool deck really comes to life.
Best of all, you don't need to prepare anything before we arrive. Just bring your vision, and we'll take care of the rest. Browse our project gallery for inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patio and Pool Deck Projects
What happens on the first day of a patio installation?
On the first day of a patio installation, General Masonry walks you through the plan on site, then lays out the project with a grid marking where to dig. Digging starts right away once the layout is set. Day one is about making sure you understand what's happening and getting excavation underway, so you'll see visible progress before the crew leaves.
How long does excavation take for a patio?
For a small patio, excavation takes about 2 to 3 days. Larger patios and pool decks take longer, depending on size, soil conditions, and site access. Excavation is part of the prep phase, which also includes grading and bringing in base material. Prep is the longest phase of any patio project because it determines how well the finished surface holds up over time.
How much base material does a patio need?
General Masonry builds patios on 8 inches of base material, compacted every few inches as it's installed. Compacting in layers creates a dense, stable foundation that resists sinking and shifting. A thin or poorly compacted base is the most common reason patios sink within a few years, which is why we treat this step as the most important part of the job.
How long does it take to lay pavers on a pool deck?
Laying the pavers themselves goes quickly. Even on a large pool deck, installing the pavers takes about 3 to 4 days once the base is ready. Most of a project's timeline is spent on excavation, grading, and building the base. That careful prep is what allows the paver installation to move fast and produce a level, long-lasting surface.
Do I need to do anything to prepare before my patio project starts?
No, homeowners don't need to prepare anything before a General Masonry project starts. Just bring your vision for the space. Our crew handles the layout, excavation, base preparation, and installation. On day one, we'll walk you through the plan so you know exactly what to expect, and you're welcome to ask questions at any point along the way.
Ready to start planning your patio or pool deck? General Masonry is a second-generation, family-owned masonry contractor serving Western Connecticut for nearly 20 years. Call (203) 757-5590 or request a free estimate and bring your vision.
