What this covers
A paver driveway is a system of individual units held together by a base, an edge and sand in the joints. The company excavates deeper than for a patio because of the vehicle load, compacts crushed stone in lifts, screeds a thin bed of sand, lays the pavers in the chosen pattern with a soldier or border course, and cuts the pieces at the edges. A rigid edge restraint keeps the field from spreading, and sand is swept and vibrated into the joints so the units lock together. Pavers can be lifted and relaid if a utility is repaired or a section settles, which is their practical advantage over a slab.
When to call
- A driveway you want to match a paver walk, patio or entry.
- A cracked slab where you would rather have a surface that can be repaired a section at a time.
- A sloped or curved drive where pavers can follow the shape.
What to expect
- Excavate and baseThe area is dug to depth and crushed stone compacted in layers.
- Bed and layBedding sand is screeded and pavers laid in the pattern with a border.
- Edge and cutEdge restraint is set and pieces cut to fit the edges.
- Lock inJoint sand is swept in and the surface compacted, then the drive is ready to use.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Will pavers shift under cars?
The base and the edge restraint hold the field in place. Most paver failures trace back to a shallow base, poor compaction or a missing edge restraint, so that is where careful work goes.
Concrete or clay pavers?
Concrete pavers come in more shapes and colors; clay pavers hold their color over time. Both carry driveway loads at the right thickness.
What about weeds and ants in the joints?
Polymeric joint sand hardens after it is wetted and resists weeds and washout. Ordinary sand is topped up over time.
Related: Concrete driveways · Sidewalk installation · Paver patios · All concrete and masonry
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.