Fixing Sunken Paver Edging on Your Patio

Paver edging gives your patio a clean, defined border—but when that edge starts to sink or shift, the entire look and structure of your hardscape can suffer. In Sedalia and surrounding areas, shifting soils, poor installation, and weather changes often lead to sunken edging that detracts from the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space.

At S&T Landscaping, we specialize in professional patio repair and paver installation that lasts. This guide explains why paver edging sinks, how we fix it, and why it's best to call a pro before the problem spreads.

Why paver edging sinks in Missouri patios

Sunken or shifting paver edging is more than just a cosmetic flaw—it’s often an early warning sign of deeper structural issues in your patio’s foundation. At S&T Landscaping, we’ve repaired countless patios across Sedalia and Central Missouri where the edge pavers have begun to sink, slide, or collapse due to preventable problems during installation or from years of exposure to the elements.

Here are the most common causes of sunken paver edging we encounter in Missouri lawns and landscapes:

1. Inadequate base preparation

A properly installed patio starts with a solid foundation. Unfortunately, many DIY builds or rushed jobs skip this step or don’t do it thoroughly.

• • • The gravel or aggregate base layer may be too shallow or unevenly spread
    • Contractors may fail to compact the base material in layers, allowing it to settle over time
    • The subgrade soil underneath could have been soft, eroded, or improperly leveled before installation

Without this crucial base support, pavers—especially along the edges—can shift and sink under pressure or moisture.

At S&T Landscaping, all of our hardscape installations, from patios to walkways and retaining walls, include careful excavation, layering, and mechanical compaction to avoid these issues from day one.

2. Water infiltration and erosion

Water is one of the most common causes of patio edging failure in Missouri’s unpredictable climate.

• • • Rainwater or sprinkler runoff may be directed toward the edge, softening the underlying soil
    • Poor drainage design or the absence of a proper swale or grading system allows moisture to pool
    • Freeze-thaw cycles—especially in Central Missouri winters—cause soil to expand and contract, loosening the base material

If edge restraints were never installed, or if they’ve degraded over time, the entire border can start to collapse outward.

S&T Landscaping frequently installs French drains, dry creek beds, and custom landscape grading systems to redirect water and protect patios, especially in low-lying yards or sloped properties.

3. Poor drainage around the patio

Even when the patio itself is built well, improper water management in the surrounding yard can still lead to edge failure.

• • • No grading or slope means water flows directly toward the patio edge instead of away from it
    • Roof downspouts or poorly placed irrigation zones can dump concentrated water near the patio border
    • Nearby bare soil or turf erosion can lead to runoff washing away base material from the outside

To prevent these issues from recurring, S&T Landscaping offers complete drainage solutions, including topsoil installation, mulch beds, and sod installation to stabilize the surrounding landscape and improve water absorption.

How we professionally repair sunken patio edging

At S&T Landscaping, we approach sunken patio edging with a focus on long-term stability—not just a quick fix. Our experienced team has helped homeowners throughout Sedalia and surrounding Missouri communities restore patios that were shifting, uneven, or failing due to improper base prep or erosion. We use proven hardscaping techniques and commercial-grade materials to ensure your patio stays level, secure, and attractive.

Here’s how we professionally repair sunken or failing patio borders:

1. Evaluate the entire patio edge

The first step is identifying the full scope of the issue.

• • • We inspect all sunken or sloped sections of edging
    • Check for nearby drainage issues, runoff problems, or water pooling
    • Determine whether the damage is localized or if adjacent sections are also compromised

This allows us to create a targeted plan—whether it's a small corner repair or a full perimeter reset.

2. Remove affected pavers and base material

Using specialized hand tools and lifting techniques, we carefully remove:

• • • The sunken edging pavers
    • A few adjacent pavers to ensure a stable repair zone
    • The failed base material underneath, which is often compacted soil or poorly installed gravel

By removing a wider section, we can rebuild the area with full control over the grade and compaction.

3. Rebuild the base properly

Most edge failures come from shortcuts taken during the original build. We reverse that by building it right:

• • • Excavate to the correct depth—typically 6–8 inches for edge zones
    • Install a compacted gravel or crushed stone base, layered and tamped to avoid future settling
    • Grade the area slightly to promote water runoff away from the patio

This approach mirrors how we install all of our patios, walkways, and outdoor living spaces—with a strong foundation that’s built to last in Missouri's challenging weather.

4. Reinstall edging with secure restraints

The difference between a stable edge and one that sinks again comes down to what holds it in place.

We use:

• • • High-quality concrete or composite edging materials
    • Spike-in edge restraints or concrete toe-backs for added stability
    • Techniques tailored to your patio’s paver style and layout

We’ll also make recommendations for nearby landscape grading, mulch installation, or planting beds if water runoff is a contributing issue.

5. Re-lay surrounding pavers and joint sand

Once the edging is secured, we:

• • • Carefully reinstall the surrounding pavers
    • Ensure everything is level and aligned with the existing patio surface
    • Sweep in polymeric sand to stabilize the joints and reduce weed growth or water intrusion

This process blends the repair seamlessly with your existing patio while ensuring everything is reset to last.

Whether we originally built your patio or you’re calling us in to fix someone else’s mistakes, S&T Landscaping provides professional, durable hardscaping repairs designed for Central Missouri’s soil, climate, and weather patterns.

When DIY doesn’t cut it

Homeowners sometimes try to patch sunken paver edges with extra sand or by tapping them back into place. Unfortunately, these fixes don’t last—because they don’t address the underlying problem: base failure.

If your patio was installed without proper edge support or base compaction, it’s likely that more sections will sink over time. That’s why it's worth getting a professional opinion early. S&T Landscaping can assess the structure and recommend whether a full edge reset or partial rebuild is the better investment.

How we prevent paver edging problems from returning

At S&T Landscaping, we don’t just repair sunken pavers—we help prevent them from sinking again. Once your patio edging is reset, we assess the surrounding conditions to make sure poor drainage or erosion won’t continue to cause problems. Here’s how we protect your hardscape investment long-term:

• • Landscape grading
    We reshape the surrounding soil to ensure water flows away from the patio rather than toward it. Proper grading reduces erosion, protects the base materials, and helps prevent washout after heavy rain.
  • French drains or dry creek beds
    If water is pooling near your patio, we may recommend installing French drains or building a decorative dry creek bed. These drainage solutions help redirect excess water and keep the ground beneath your pavers dry and stable.
  • Topsoil and sod installation
    Bare or thinning lawn areas are more likely to erode. We install topsoil and fresh sod to restore those sections, protect against runoff, and stabilize the edges of your patio or walkway.
  • Downspout and gutter redirection
    Water dumping from your gutters near the patio can undermine the base and lead to edge failure. We can reroute downspouts and install underground extensions to carry water safely away from your hardscape.
  • Low-maintenance landscaping
    Installing mulch, plant beds, or ground covers around the patio can add beauty and help control erosion at the same time.

These services work hand-in-hand with our professional hardscaping, landscape drainage, and lawn improvement solutions to ensure your patio remains level, secure, and beautiful year after year.

Proudly serving Sedalia and surrounding Missouri communities

S&T Landscaping provides professional patio repair, paver installation, and drainage services in:

• • Sedalia
  • Warsaw
  • Osage Beach
  • Lake Ozark
  • Camdenton
  • Sunrise Beach
  • Laurie
  • Other nearby towns across Pettis County, Benton County, and the Lake of the Ozarks region

Get expert patio repair you can count on

Need help fixing a sunken patio edge? Don’t wait until the problem spreads. Call S&T Landscaping for professional patio and hardscaping repair services you can trust.

We’ll assess the issue, offer honest recommendations, and restore your patio with the durability and craftsmanship we’re known for throughout Central Missouri. Request a quote today—we’re here to help your outdoor space look and perform its best.