How to Decide if Your Interlock Patio Needs to be Replaced or Just Lifted and Relayed

Written by: Anthony Venchiarutti, Aug 19, 2025

Have you noticed that your patio, walkway, or driveway has recently sunk, become uneven, developed cracked stones or has pieces popping up creating a tripping hazard? Deciding whether to replace the stone or do a lift and relay with your existing stone can feel a little overwhelming.  In this post we’ll show you how to elevate your patio and make the right decision for your home.

Signs You May Need to Replace the Stone

• Cracking or crumbling stones: If multiple stones are broken or damaged, a full replacement may be necessary.

• Worn materials: Chips, cracks, scratches, faded colouring, or stains that cannot be power-washed off are all signs the stone may need replacing.

• Outdated style: If you’ve recently renovated your home and your current interlock no longer complements your new design, replacement might be the best option.

Signs a Lift and Relay Could Be Enough

• The pavers are intact but are uneven or loose: If most of the stones are in good condition but slightly uneven or there is minor erosion, a lift and relay could solve the problem.

• Satisfied with style and colour: If you like the look of your pavers but your patio is uneven or has minor tripping hazards, lifting and relaying the stones is usually sufficient.

  
  

Factors to Consider Before Deciding

Cost.

• Replacement: Can be expensive depending on stone type, size, thickness, colour, labour charges, disposal, and accessibility of the job.

• Lift & relay: Saves on the cost of new stone, but may require more labour depending on the situation.

Longevity.

• Replacement: Assuming the base is done correctly, a new patio can last 20–30+ years, depending on the location.

• Lift & relay: If the original base is in good condition and the stone is intact, a lift and relay can last just as long.

  
  
  

  

Job Length.

• Depending on a number of factors, a full patio replacement can take a similar amount of time as a lift and relay.  Some factors include: 

  • Accessibility: Is there enough space for a machine to be used to remove and dispose of the old pavers? Is there enough space to bring skids of stone to the work area? Or will this have to be done by hand?

  • Grade and size. Does the grade of the new patio have to be changed at all? Will the new patio be bigger?

  • Size of the new stone.  Can the new stone be lifted by a single person or is a machine needed?

• Reasons a lift and relay might take longer than a full replacement

  • Safe handling.  Stones must be lifted carefully to avoid scratches, chips or being broken

  • Cleaning and scraping. When lifting the stone, the joint material must be scraped off and the surface of the stone cleaned from any dirt or surface stains

  • Accessibility. Is there any room for the stone to be neatly stacked while the grade is prepared?

If you are still unsure about the state of your patio, walkway or driveway, it is a good idea to contact your local landscape professional.  They can provide a proper assessment and help you determine the best solution for your situation. 

Elevate your outdoor space with Wildrock Construction

Whether you need a full patio replacement or a lift and relay, Wildrock Construction specializes in premium interlocking, stonework, planting and other forms of landscaping across Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Etobicoke, Vaughan and surrounding areas. 

Call us today at 905-484-8333 or email us at Anthony@wildrockconstruction.ca