How to replace uneven pavers and build a deck?

[TaraL]

Good morning DIY community,

Our house was built as an investment property, and the previous owners cut a few corners. This includes our backyard, which is on the smaller side, and almost entirely paved, with the pavers being quite uneven around the edges in particular. I have pulled them out in some spots to create garden beds, and they have been laid directly onto a base of sand. Perhaps because of this, we get a lot of weeds, also causing the pavers to get more uneven when we pull them out as it creates gaps.

We are hoping to create a low maintenance space without needing to routinely pouring poison into the ground. We are thinking of installing a deck in parts of the area, and then have a more natural space with mulched garden areas.

I'm not sure how best to approach the project: Should we pull out the pavers or just build the deck on top of them, and remove them where we want garden beds? There is a drain in the pavers, so I'm not sure what to do with this if we remove them?

Thank you,

Tara

This the layout of the space:

Roughly, the idea is a deck like this marked out in green to maximise the sunny part and avoid existing drains:

And this is an example of the pavers:

[EricL]

Hello @TaraL 

Thanks for sharing your question about building a low-level deck on your pavers. Looking at the photo you posted, I believe that it's possible to build a low-level deck in that area. However, I suggest removing the pavers and recycling them for another project. In this manner you can level the ground properly and apply a fall so that water drains away from the area. I recommend having a look at these guides -How to build a low-level deck by @Adam_W and How to build a deck by @MitchellMc. These guides will give you a general idea of what is involved when building a low-level deck.

The best part is that you can use some of your pavers as footing if you're going to be using Builders Edge Pedestal Feet. 

Here is a link to ideas and inspiration: Top 10 most popular low-level deck projects

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @TaraL 

at this stage I can’t offer anything further to the great suggestions made by @EricL

it will be definitely be a much easier project when the pavers have been removed. If you can repurpose there is a market for 2nd hand ones or as I have done before free if they help lift them up. 

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @TaraL 

Im with @EricL and @Nailbag with removing the pavers to start the project. It will make life a lot easier starting from scratch.

Pavers always come in handy and I am sure you will find something to use them floor, Best part they dont have a use by date.

As the deck will be low, make sure you keep the air vents around the base of the brickwork free so air can circulate.

Something else to keep in mind as I was just going over your photos and design is the base of your fence. Try not to have a mount up of soil next to it as it will speed the decay process for the posts. 

I like stirrups in concrete over the pedestal feet, I think its a more solid way to install anything. Its just a personal preferance as both ways are ok.

Dave