Paver Walkways & Driveways
Durable, beautiful paver installations that handle Florida weather and daily use.
Why Pavers Beat Concrete Every Time
When you're choosing between concrete and pavers for your walkway or driveway, pavers win on almost every count. They look better, last longer, and cost less to repair when problems happen. Concrete cracks and stains are permanent, but with pavers, you simply pop out the damaged piece and replace it. The rest of your walkway or driveway stays perfect.
Here in Cape Coral, FL, our sandy soil and occasional heavy rain create challenges for any hardscape. Pavers handle these conditions better than poured concrete because they flex slightly with ground movement instead of cracking. They also drain better, reducing puddles and water damage. When installed with proper base preparation, paver installations last decades without major issues.
Your Cape Coral masonry specialists know how to build paver walkways and driveways that look amazing from day one and stay that way for years. We handle everything from basic front walks to large circular driveways with decorative borders and custom patterns.
Design Options That Match Your Home
Pavers give you design flexibility that concrete can't match. You can choose colors, patterns, and borders that coordinate with your home's architecture and landscape. Let's look at popular options.
Paver Patterns
The pattern you choose affects both appearance and structural performance. Different patterns work better for different applications.
- •Running bond: Simple offset pattern like a brick wall. Classic look that works everywhere and provides good interlock strength for driveways.
- •Herringbone: V-shaped pattern that's extremely strong. Best choice for driveways because it resists shifting under vehicle weight. Takes longer to install but worth it for high-traffic areas.
- •Basket weave: Pairs of pavers alternating direction create a woven look. Great for walkways and areas where you want visual interest without being too busy.
- •Random multi-size: Mixing different paver sizes creates a natural stone appearance. Popular for upscale projects and homes with European or Mediterranean styling.
Color and Material Choices
Concrete pavers come in every color imaginable, from soft creams and tans to rich reds and charcoals. You can match your roof, coordinate with trim colors, or create contrast for drama. Many homeowners blend two or three colors for depth and visual interest.
Texture matters too. Smooth pavers create a formal, elegant look, while tumbled pavers have worn edges that suggest age and character. Some pavers include color variations within each piece, mimicking the natural variation you see in stone. We help you choose options that fit your style and coordinate with your patio or other outdoor features.
Building Driveways That Handle Heavy Loads
Driveways need extra attention because they support vehicle weight day after day. Here's how we build paver driveways that stay level and solid for decades.
Base Preparation for Driveways
The base is everything for a driveway. We excavate deeper than we would for a walkway, typically 8 to 12 inches depending on soil conditions and expected vehicle weight. This creates room for a substantial gravel base that distributes weight and prevents settling.
We use crushed stone in layers, compacting each layer thoroughly with a heavy plate compactor or roller. This process can't be rushed. Each layer needs proper compaction to create a stable, solid foundation. We also grade for drainage, making sure water runs off to the sides rather than pooling or flowing toward your garage.
The final layer before pavers is a bedding sand that creates a smooth, level surface. We screed this carefully to maintain proper slope for drainage while keeping the surface flat enough that pavers don't rock or settle unevenly.
Edge Restraints and Finishing
Edge restraints are critical for driveways. Without them, the pavers at the edges will gradually shift and spread, creating dips and uneven surfaces. We install commercial-grade plastic or aluminum restraints that lock the entire paver field together. These stay hidden below the final grade, so you don't see them but they do their job keeping everything in place.
After setting all the pavers, we sweep polymeric sand into the joints. This specialized sand contains additives that make it harden when wet. It locks pavers together, prevents weed growth, and keeps insects from tunneling between pavers. We activate it with water, then let it cure for 24 hours before allowing vehicle traffic.
The final step is a thorough cleaning to remove any haze or excess material. Your new driveway is ready for use, and unlike concrete that needs weeks to cure, you can drive on pavers the next day.
Common Questions About Paver Walkways & Driveways
How much does a paver driveway cost compared to concrete?
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Paver driveways typically cost 30 to 50 percent more upfront than plain concrete. However, they last longer and maintain their appearance better. When concrete cracks or stains, you're looking at expensive repairs or replacement. With pavers, you replace individual pieces as needed, which costs much less.
Pavers also add more value to your home. Real estate agents consistently report that homes with paver driveways and walkways sell faster and for higher prices than similar homes with concrete. The improved curb appeal and perceived quality make a real difference when it's time to sell.
Will grass or weeds grow between my pavers?
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When we use polymeric sand and install it properly, weed growth is minimal. The sand hardens in the joints, creating a barrier that prevents seeds from taking root. You might see an occasional weed try to grow, but it's easy to pull or treat with spot herbicide.
Regular polymeric sand needs reapplication every 3 to 5 years as it gradually washes out from rain and pressure washing. Newer products last longer, and some include additional weed inhibitors. We recommend which products work best based on your specific installation and maintenance preferences.
Can I add pavers to expand my existing driveway or walkway?
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Absolutely. One of the best features of paver installations is how easy they are to expand later. If you're using concrete pavers, we can usually find matching products even years after your original installation. Most manufacturers keep popular styles in production for long periods.
We carefully excavate and prep the new area to match the existing base depth and materials. This ensures the addition performs the same as your original installation. The transition line between old and new work is nearly invisible once we're done. Many homeowners start with a basic driveway and add decorative borders, turn-around areas, or extended parking spaces later as their budget allows.
Ready to Upgrade Your Driveway or Walkway?
Let's discuss your project and show you samples of our most popular paver styles and patterns. We also offer retaining wall design and installation for complete landscape solutions.
Call (239) 347-0846