Interlock • Jan 23, 2026
A practical breakdown of excavation depth, compaction, grading, and edge restraint—so your interlock stays level through freeze/thaw.
If you’ve ever seen interlock sink, shift, or start pooling water after a season or two, it usually comes back to base prep.
Here’s what “proper base prep” should include on an Ottawa project—explained in plain English.
Walkways, patios, and driveways don’t need the same base depth. A driveway typically requires a deeper, stronger base because of vehicle load.
Ottawa’s freeze/thaw cycles make depth and compaction especially important—shallow or inconsistent excavation is a common cause of future settling.
Compaction should be done in layers (“lifts”), not by dumping all base material and compacting once.
Layered compaction creates a denser base that resists shifting—especially at edges and transitions.
Interlock shouldn’t be perfectly flat. You want a subtle slope that directs water away from the house and prevents pooling.
Good grading reduces ice buildup, helps the surface dry faster, and improves long-term stability.
Edges are where movement starts. Proper edge restraint keeps the field pavers from spreading outward over time.
If you see borders pulling away or joints opening up, the edge system may be failing.
Use this checklist during quoting so you can compare apples-to-apples.
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