Ugly paver color- Can the pavers be stained?

Debbie Adolph
by Debbie Adolph
We just had EP Henry pavers put down in our shore house backyard. Unfortunately when the job was done we were not there. When we saw the finished patio, I was in shock. The color isn’t what I chose and I hate it. Can the pavers be stained? Right now they are RED and I wanted a very light gray.

  6 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 17, 2018

    I would not accept it.call the installer

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on May 17, 2018

    Hi Debbie, they make acid stains specific for concrete/cement - I would definitely look into those. Will the company that put it down not offer to do anything for you to help with the situation?

  • What did your contract specify? If they put down something that was not in your contract, they need to replace at their cost. Plain and simple. Did you not receive progress photos via text or email where this could have been rectified before the project was complete? Start with that before spending yet more money.

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on May 17, 2018

    Hi Debbie,

    Did you have a contract with this company to put in the proper colored pavers? If you do, call them and have them come back to fix it. If you don't have a contract, that poses a problem. You can stain pavers, however it's difficult to do it lighter as opposed to darker. Most people want to darken faded pavers. If you put gray stain over red pavers it could come out pink :( You might be able to paint them with an opaque paint, but you'll need one for outdoors that will stick. Talk to the staff at a paint store to see if they have a product they know will work. Another option would be to call the manufacturer for their suggestion. I do hope you have a contract with the company who installed them because that's the best way to get this fixed. Wishing you the best.

    • See 1 previous
    • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on May 18, 2018

      If you told him on the phone, he should have written it down. I'm glad he's trying to find a way to fix it. You might want to google your question because there a ton of articles out there that you can read. The ones I found basically said that you can't stain a darker paver to a lighter color. If you have the time to devote to the search, you might be able to find something else. Good luck.

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on May 17, 2018

    I, too would contact the contractor about the boo-boo with the colors. You paid for one and they got it wrong, they should rectify it for you before you do anything to it.

  • William William on May 17, 2018

    The company that installed the pavers should correct the problem. Your contract should be proof on what you chose and not what they put in.