Paver Walkways & Driveways

When you need to replace or install a walkway or driveway, pavers offer significant advantages over poured concrete. While concrete initially costs less, it cracks over time as soil settles and temperature changes cause expansion and contraction. Once concrete cracks, repairs look obvious and often fail to match the original surface. Pavers eliminate these problems by allowing slight movement without visible damage. Individual pavers can be replaced if needed without affecting the surrounding area, making repairs simple and nearly invisible.

Beyond practical benefits, pavers simply look better than plain concrete. You can choose from hundreds of colors, shapes, and patterns to create a custom look that complements your home architecture and landscape design. Herringbone patterns, basketweave designs, circular accents, and border treatments add visual interest impossible with concrete. Pavers also provide better traction when wet, making them safer for walkways and driveways. The texture and joint patterns prevent the slippery surface that smooth concrete creates in rain or morning dew.

Here in Sunnyvale, we install paver walkways and driveways that enhance property values while providing decades of reliable service. Unlike asphalt that requires regular sealing and deteriorates in heat, or concrete that cracks and stains, properly installed pavers maintain their appearance and functionality for 25 years or more with minimal maintenance. At SV Sunnyvale Masonry, we have the experience and skills to design and install paver projects that look stunning and perform flawlessly. From simple front walkways to elaborate driveway designs, we deliver quality craftsmanship on every project.

Selecting appropriate pavers for walkways versus driveways requires understanding the different demands each application places on the materials. While many pavers work for both uses, some perform better under vehicle traffic while others excel for pedestrian areas.

Paver Options for Different Applications:

• Concrete pavers offer exceptional strength for driveways, available in countless colors and shapes
• Brick pavers provide classic beauty perfect for walkways and traditional home styles
• Natural stone pavers like bluestone or flagstone create elegant walkways with unique character
• Permeable pavers allow water drainage, reducing runoff and meeting environmental requirements
• Porcelain pavers deliver modern appeal with extreme durability and minimal maintenance needs
• Travertine pavers offer luxury appearance that stays relatively cool underfoot

For driveways, you need pavers rated for vehicular traffic with proper thickness and strength. We typically recommend concrete pavers at least 2.5 inches thick for driveways. Thicker pavers resist cracking under vehicle weight and provide better long-term performance. Color choices should consider how dirt and tire marks will appear over time. Darker colors and varied patterns help hide normal wear better than light, uniform surfaces.

Walkways allow more flexibility in material selection since they do not bear vehicle loads. You can use thinner pavers and more delicate materials like natural stone without durability concerns. This opens up design possibilities for creating stunning pedestrian paths. We help you select materials that match your aesthetic goals while ensuring they will handle your specific use requirements. Whether you are designing a grand driveway entrance or a simple garden path, our expertise in paver installation ensures excellent results.

The difference between a paver installation that looks great for decades and one that fails in a few years comes down to proper preparation and installation techniques. We follow industry best practices that ensure your investment delivers the performance and appearance you expect.

Proper Base Preparation

Everything starts with the base. We excavate to appropriate depth depending on soil conditions and intended use. Driveways require deeper excavation and thicker base layers than walkways. We remove unstable soil and install compacted gravel in lifts, checking compaction at each stage. Proper grading ensures water drains away from buildings and does not pool on the surface. Edge restraints are installed to prevent paver migration over time. This critical foundation work determines whether your pavers stay level and stable for decades or develop problems quickly.

Expert Paver Installation

We lay pavers in your chosen pattern with precision, maintaining consistent joint spacing and straight lines. Cutting pavers for edges and curves requires skill and the right equipment for clean, professional results. We check levels constantly to ensure smooth surfaces without lips or dips. After placing all pavers, we sweep polymeric sand into joints, which locks pavers together and resists weed growth. We compact the entire surface to seat pavers firmly. The result is a beautiful, stable surface that performs correctly under your specific use conditions.

Quality Materials and Workmanship

We source premium pavers from reputable manufacturers and install them according to specifications. Proper joint widths, adequate edge restraint, correct base depth, and thorough compaction all contribute to long-term success. Drainage considerations are integrated into every design. Our attention to detail ensures your paver walkway or driveway looks professionally installed and performs reliably for decades. We bring the same commitment to quality that we apply to all our work, from retaining walls to complete hardscape installations.