Best Paver Patio Contractors in San Diego (2026): How to Choose + What to Verify
Updated January 2026 – San Diego County
- Specify the base (depth + compaction method), not just the paver brand.
- Own drainage (slope + drains + a lawful discharge plan), not “as needed.”
- Respect the house (proper weep-screed clearance and water management at the foundation).
- Handle permits/ROW when applicable (and can explain when pavers are exempt vs not).
- Document subsurface work with QA photos before it’s covered.
TL;DR — The 60-Second Contractor Test
- Ask for base depth + compaction method. If they can’t answer clearly, move on.
- Ask where water discharges. “We’ll slope it” is not a plan.
- Ask how they handle weep screed clearance. Pavers cannot be installed tight to stucco.
- Ask what gets photo documented before cover-up. No subsurface photos = no proof.
- Ask for a line-item quote. If it’s one number with vague words, expect change orders.
What “Best” Means for Paver Patio Contractors
The best paver patio contractors in San Diego are not defined by photos alone. They are defined by whether they can prove they build a patio that stays flat, drains properly, and respects the home’s moisture system.
| Category | What a Top Contractor Provides | How You Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing & insurance | Active CSLB status, proper classification, real COIs (liability + workers’ comp) | CSLB Verification · COI Guide |
| Base & compaction | Written base depth and compaction approach (in lifts), edge restraint plan | Ask for depths + “how do you prove it?” (photos) |
| Drainage plan | Slope + drains + discharge point, documented before backfill | Drainage Guide |
| Weep screed clearance | Keeps paved surfaces below the weep screed and manages water at the foundation | Ask them to point it out on your house and explain the detail |
| Documentation | Subsurface photo proof + QA checkpoints + portal/folder | QA & Documentation |
Specs That Matter for Paver Patios (Where Quality Lives)
If you only compare paver color and pattern, you’re comparing the least important part. The specs that determine performance are below the surface.
Quick benchmarks (typical guidance):
- Aggregate base thickness (patios/walks): often 4–6 inches minimum depending on soil and loads.
- Paver thickness: 60mm common for pedestrian patios; 80mm common for vehicular areas.
- Drainage slope: patio should drain away from structures; add drains where needed.
For San Diego pricing and line items that connect to these specs, see: Paver Patio Cost in San Diego.
Critical Detail: Weep Screed Clearance (Pavers Near Stucco)
If your home has stucco, your patio must respect the weep screed. California code requires the weep screed to be placed at least 4 inches above earth or 2 inches above paved surfaces. This matters because the weep screed is designed to let moisture drain from the stucco wall assembly.
Ask your contractor to stand at the house and explain exactly how they will maintain clearance, manage water, and detail the transition.
Quote Checklist: What to Demand in Writing
A “good” paver patio quote should be line-itemed and should include:
- Demo + export (what’s removed; any export limits)
- Base depth, base material, compaction method, geotextile (if used)
- Edge restraint detail (bond beam/curb/restraint type)
- Drainage scope (drain types, pipe size, discharge point)
- Paver brand/series + pattern + borders + cut expectations
- Jointing material (sand/polymeric) and maintenance guidance
- Weep screed clearance approach (when applicable)
- QA photo documentation (base + drains before cover-up)
Permits, HOA, and ROW: When Pavers Trigger More Than You Think
- At-grade patios: often exempt from building permits, but overlays and conditions can change the path.
- Retaining walls: walls over common thresholds or with surcharge loads often require permits/engineering.
- Right-of-way work: driveway aprons, curb/sidewalk, and some discharges can require ROW permits.
- HOAs: many require approval for materials, patterns, and drainage changes.
For the full San Diego playbook, see: Permits & Inspections (2026).
QA Photo Proof: The 10 Photos You Should Have
If you want proof your patio was built right, require photos of:
- Before demo (existing conditions)
- After demo / rough grade
- Base depth check #1
- Base depth check #2 (critical edge/transition)
- Compaction in progress
- Drainage layout before backfill (if drains added)
- Utility sleeves before cover-up (if included)
- Edge restraint / bond beam detail
- Pre-finish layout (cuts/borders)
- Final completion (wide + details)
See the full documentation standard here: QA & Documentation.
Red Flags That Predict a Bad Paver Patio Outcome
- No base depth/compaction specs in writing
- “Drainage as needed” with no discharge plan
- Pavers proposed flush to stucco/weep screed
- No QA photos before cover-up
- Price far below reputable baselines with vague scope
- Allowance/exclusion games (export, drainage, utilities)
FAQs
How much does a paver patio cost in San Diego?
Most professional installs land in a consistent local range; see our detailed breakdown here: Paver Patio Cost in San Diego.
Do I need polymeric sand?
It depends. It can help joint stability and weed resistance. A good installer can explain pros/cons for your site and maintenance expectations.
Do paver patios require permits?
Often at-grade patios are permit-exempt, but overlays, retaining walls, ROW work, and other scope items can trigger permits. Verify early using our permits guide.
How much clearance should I keep below a stucco weep screed?
California code requires the weep screed to be not less than 4 inches above earth or 2 inches above paved surfaces. Your patio should not be installed tight to the weep screed.
Educational only. Always confirm permit requirements and site-specific details with the jurisdiction for your address. For legal advice, consult a California construction attorney.