Paver Walkways & Driveways

Poured concrete might seem like the simple choice for walkways and driveways, but pavers offer advantages that make them worth the extra investment. When concrete cracks, which it almost always does eventually, you're stuck with an ugly repair that never quite matches. With pavers, you can replace individual units without tearing up the whole surface.

Pavers also give you design flexibility. You can create patterns, borders, and color combinations that plain concrete can't match. A well-designed paver walkway or driveway adds serious curb appeal to your home. Real estate agents tell us that buyers notice these details and are willing to pay more for homes with quality hardscaping.

Maintenance is simpler too. If tree roots lift a section or utilities need access, our Berkeley masonry experts can remove pavers, do the work, and reinstall them. Try that with concrete and you'll end up with an obvious patch. Pavers are designed to be lifted and reset without damage. That flexibility saves you money over the life of your property.

Not all pavers are the same. The material you choose affects both appearance and performance. Here are your main options.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are the most popular choice for good reason. They're affordable, durable, and come in countless colors and shapes. Modern manufacturing means they can mimic the look of brick, stone, or even wood. They handle vehicle traffic well and resist cracking better than poured concrete. Most come with a manufacturer's warranty covering structural integrity.

Brick Pavers

Clay brick pavers offer timeless beauty and natural color that won't fade. They're perfect for walkways in Berkeley's historic neighborhoods. Brick is slip-resistant when wet and develops character as it ages. These pavers cost more than concrete but last just as long. If you want a traditional look that never goes out of style, brick is your answer.

Natural Stone Pavers

Flagstone, bluestone, and granite pavers bring upscale appeal to any property. Each stone is unique, creating a high-end custom look. Natural stone works especially well for front walkways where you want to make a strong first impression. These pavers cost the most but offer unmatched beauty and durability. They're an investment that pays dividends in curb appeal and property value.

We help you select pavers that fit your needs and budget. During your consultation, we show you samples and explain which options work best for your specific project. Whether you're building a simple walkway or a large driveway, we match the right paver to the job.

A paver surface is only as good as what's underneath it. Poor base preparation leads to sinking, shifting, and uneven surfaces within a few years. We do it right from the start so your pavers stay level and stable for decades.

Excavation and Base Work

We dig down to stable soil, typically 7 to 12 inches depending on the application. Driveways need deeper excavation than walkways because they support heavier loads. We remove all organic material and unstable soil. Then we install a compacted gravel base in layers, using a heavy plate compactor between each layer. This creates a rock-solid foundation that won't settle.

Edge Restraints

Pavers need something to hold them in place at the edges. We install plastic or aluminum edge restraints that lock the pavers together. Without proper edging, pavers spread apart over time, creating gaps and uneven surfaces. This step is critical but often skipped by inexperienced installers. We never cut corners on edge restraints.

Proper Slope and Drainage

Water management matters just as much as structural support. We grade your walkway or driveway with a slight slope so water runs off instead of pooling. For driveways, we make sure water flows toward the street, not your garage or foundation. If your property has drainage challenges, we can coordinate retaining wall construction or install drainage systems to handle runoff properly.

Joint Sand Application

After setting the pavers, we sweep polymeric sand into the joints. This sand contains additives that make it harden when wet, locking pavers in place and preventing weed growth. Regular sand washes out over time, but polymeric sand stays put. It's one of the improvements that makes modern paver installations last longer than older methods.

Most walkway projects take 2 to 3 days. Driveways take 4 to 7 days depending on size and complexity. We work efficiently without rushing. Every step gets done right so you get a finished product that performs well and looks great. If you're also updating other outdoor features, we can coordinate with patio installations or other projects for a cohesive look across your property.