How Americo Ricky Migliore Prepares Outdoor Surfaces for Stone Paver Installation

 Americo Ricky Migliore, a respected figure in tile and stone installation in New York, brings a meticulous, methodical approach to outdoor surface preparation that ensures every stone paver he installs performs as beautifully as it looks. His technique combines expert planning, careful excavation, and the smart use of materials to deliver timeless hardscapes that never shift, settle, or crack prematurely.

Site Evaluation and Planning for Stability

Before a single tool touches the ground, Americo begins each project with a detailed evaluation of the outdoor space. He inspects the area for slope, drainage, soil type, and overall stability. This step is critical, as it influences everything from the excavation depth to the kind of base material that will be required. In regions with freeze-thaw cycles, like many parts of New York, Americo knows that frost heave is a major concern. Poor planning at this stage can lead to uneven surfaces within a single winter season.

Using laser levels and surveyor’s tools, he carefully maps out the layout and grades the slope to ensure proper water runoff. Water should always run away from structures—not toward foundations, patios, or buildings. For large installations like driveways or courtyards, Americo creates detailed blueprints that factor in not just slope, but movement joints, edge restraints, and pattern layout. These are all planned before any physical labor begins, helping to avoid surprises and wasted effort during installation.

Americo’s attention to planning reflects his belief that a strong finish begins with a strong start. Cutting corners at the evaluation stage often leads to costly repairs down the road, so he treats site analysis as a non-negotiable part of the job.

Excavation: Digging for a Durable Foundation

Once the plan is in place, Americo proceeds with excavation—a phase that he handles with precision. The depth of excavation depends on the type of paver and the load the surface will carry. For walkways, he may dig 6 to 8 inches, while for driveways or commercial use areas, excavation can reach 10 to 12 inches or more. The goal is to remove enough native soil to make room for a proper sub-base and base layer, which will support the pavers and distribute loads evenly.

Americo uses compact excavators and hand tools as needed to dig clean, even trenches. He removes all organic material, roots, and debris that could decay over time and cause the base to shift. If he encounters clay soil, he may over-excavate to account for its poor drainage qualities and add additional gravel to improve water flow beneath the surface.

After excavation, the subgrade is compacted using plate compactors or rammers. This step is often overlooked by amateurs but is vital to prevent settling. Americo sometimes applies a layer of landscape fabric over the compacted subgrade to separate the base material from the soil and prevent mixing over time, which could weaken the foundation.

Installing the Base: Gravel Layers That Lock In Strength

With the subgrade prepared, Americo installs a base layer, usually made of crushed stone or gravel. This layer is the real backbone of the installation—it ensures load distribution, drainage, and surface stability. Americo uses a well-graded aggregate mix, often referred to as “road base” or “crusher run,” which contains a blend of fine and coarse particles that lock together tightly when compacted.

He installs the gravel in multiple lifts, typically 2–3 inches at a time, and compacts each lift thoroughly before adding the next. This layered compaction process is essential for preventing the base from settling under pressure. On larger projects, he may even use a vibratory roller to achieve the highest level of compaction.

To further enhance drainage, Americo designs a slight crown or slope in the base layer, guiding water away from the surface and reducing the risk of pooling. In some cases, especially on sloped terrain, he incorporates perforated drain pipes at the base level to capture and redirect groundwater.

Throughout the base installation, Americo frequently checks levels and slope with laser tools, string lines, and screeds. Any inconsistencies are corrected immediately. His philosophy is clear: if the base isn’t perfect, the finish can’t be either.

Bedding Layer: Sand Screeding for Paver Precision

With the base complete, Americo adds a bedding layer—typically 1 to 1.5 inches of sharp concrete sand. This layer serves as the setting bed for the stone pavers and must be perfectly flat and even. Unlike the base, this layer is not compacted until the pavers are placed, allowing the stones to settle into the sand and achieve uniform height.

Americo uses screed boards and rails to create a level sand surface. He sets temporary guide rails along the edges and drags a screed board across the sand, filling in any low spots and maintaining consistent depth. The accuracy of this layer determines how level the final surface will be, so he takes great care to avoid dips or peaks.

In some high-performance applications, Americo may use a polymeric bedding material that hardens slightly after wetting, offering enhanced durability. However, for most residential settings, traditional sharp sand remains his go-to for its ease of installation and excellent drainage properties.

Once screeded, the sand is left undisturbed until pavers are laid. Walking or dragging tools across it can cause unevenness, so Americo keeps a tight perimeter around the prepped area and works methodically outward.

Final Adjustments and Edge Restraints for Long-Term Success

After laying the pavers over the bedding layer, Americo focuses on final alignment and edge restraint installation. He taps each stone gently into place with a rubber mallet, ensuring tight joints and uniform surface level. Minor height adjustments are made on the spot by adding or removing a bit of sand underneath individual pavers.

To maintain the pattern and prevent future shifting, Americo installs edge restraints using spikes and solid edging materials like PVC, concrete curbing, or natural stone borders. These edges anchor the pavers in place and resist lateral movement caused by traffic, freeze-thaw cycles, or settling.

Once all pavers are in place and edge restraints installed, Americo sweeps sand—or more often, polymeric joint sand—into the joints between the stones. He then uses a plate compactor to vibrate the surface and lock the pavers tightly into the bedding layer. The vibration also helps settle the joint sand, which he may top off and compact again to ensure every gap is filled.

The final step involves wetting the polymeric sand, which activates binding agents that harden within the joints. This prevents weeds, insect burrowing, and washout, while also improving surface stability. The result is a clean, tight, and professional finish that looks just as good up close as it does from a distance.

Americo’s disciplined method, paired with his commitment to craftsmanship, is what consistently sets his projects apart. From excavation to final compaction, his process reflects a deep respect for the materials and the environments he works in. His outdoor paver installations across New York continue to stand as long-lasting examples of quality preparation and expert technique in stone and tile craftsmanship.