Paver Walkways & Driveways

Why Choose Pavers Over Concrete or Asphalt

Paver walkways and driveways offer significant advantages over traditional poured concrete or asphalt. When concrete cracks, which it inevitably does, you face expensive replacement or unsightly repairs. Pavers are individual units that can shift slightly with ground movement without cracking. If a paver does get damaged, you simply replace that one piece rather than tearing out entire sections. This flexibility makes pavers ideal for Bay Area soil conditions where seasonal moisture changes cause ground movement that cracks rigid concrete surfaces.

Beyond practical advantages, pavers deliver superior aesthetics that increase your property value and curb appeal. They come in countless colors, shapes, and patterns that let you create custom designs impossible with poured materials. Paver surfaces also provide better traction than smooth concrete, reducing slip hazards in wet weather. The permeable options allow water to drain through rather than running off, which helps manage stormwater and can even qualify for rebates in some jurisdictions. When you invest in professional paver installation, you get a surface that looks better, lasts longer, and requires less maintenance than alternatives while adding real value to your home.

Paver Materials and Design Options

Choosing the right pavers depends on your application, traffic expectations, and design preferences. Concrete pavers dominate the market because they offer excellent durability at reasonable prices with nearly unlimited style options. Modern concrete pavers come in colors and textures that convincingly mimic natural stone, brick, or even wood. They work well for both walkways and driveways, with thicker versions engineered specifically to handle vehicle weights. Most concrete pavers carry warranties of 25 years or more against cracking and color fading.

Popular Walkway and Driveway Options:

• •Interlocking concrete pavers in geometric patterns for modern clean designs
• •Tumbled pavers providing aged, rustic appearance with softened edges
• •Clay brick pavers offering traditional charm and natural color variations
• •Natural stone pavers like granite, bluestone, or sandstone for luxury appeal
• •Permeable pavers allowing water infiltration for sustainable drainage solutions
• •Large format pavers creating contemporary looks with minimal joint lines

Pattern selection dramatically affects the final appearance of your walkway or driveway. Simple running bond patterns create clean, orderly looks that work with any home style. Herringbone patterns add visual interest and provide extra structural interlock that performs well under vehicle traffic. Circular or fan patterns create dramatic focal points at entries or patio transitions. We help you select combinations of colors, sizes, and patterns that complement your home architecture while meeting functional requirements for your specific application. Many homeowners choose to accent their main paver color with border courses in contrasting colors for added definition and style.

Professional Installation Makes the Difference

The longevity and performance of paver surfaces depend primarily on proper base preparation and installation technique. We excavate to appropriate depths based on your application and soil conditions. Walkways typically need six to eight inches of base material, while driveways require ten to twelve inches to support vehicle weights without settling. We install compacted aggregate base in lifts, thoroughly compacting each layer before adding the next. This creates a stable foundation that resists settling and maintains level surfaces for decades.

Edge restraints are critical components that prevent pavers from spreading and base material from migrating. We install commercial-grade edge restraints along all perimeters, securing them properly to contain the entire paver system. The bedding sand layer goes down next, screeded perfectly level to ensure consistent paver heights. As we install pavers, we maintain tight joints, straight lines, and proper patterns throughout the entire area. Cutting pavers to fit around obstacles and along edges requires precision to achieve professional results.

After all pavers are placed, we sweep polymeric sand into the joints and activate it with water. This specialized sand hardens to lock pavers together while remaining slightly flexible to accommodate minor ground movement. The polymeric sand also resists erosion, prevents weed growth, and keeps ants from colonizing the joints. We compact the entire surface with a plate compactor to set everything firmly and ensure uniform height. Proper drainage integration directs water away from your foundation and prevents pooling. The finished surface should feel solid, look perfectly aligned, and perform flawlessly for decades. If you are planning other hardscape features, we coordinate all installations for cohesive results.

Frequently Asked Questions