Should there be gaps between the pavers from a landscape contractor?

Small, even gaps are normal and necessary for pavers to expand, contract, and drain properly. In Salt Lake and Davis Counties, contractors typically leave 1/8–1/4 inch joints, which are filled with polymeric sand to lock the surface and prevent weeds. If gaps are uneven, wider than 1/4 inch, or wash out quickly, it may signal poor installation. Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles make proper jointing especially important; without it, pavers can shift or crack. Ask your landscaper how they prepare the base and what sand they use. A detailed answer about compaction, edge restraints, and sand application shows they’re building for longevity.