Leave paver driveway installation to a pro for a durable driveway your neighbor's envy
Nothing beats the look of paver stones arranged in a neat (or complex) pattern. Paver driveways generally cost more than other types, but they can really boost your home’s curb appeal.
While various pros can handle the job, a professional paver contractor or design company will likely have the most experience installing this type of driveway. The key is to find a reputable contractor who can help you choose the right type of paver stone and do the best work.
You’ll want to hire a paver installer or paver design company to complete this type of project. Many landscape design, hardscaping, and outdoor living companies install paver driveways.
Hiring someone with experience installing such driveways ensures your space is laid neatly and tightly to avoid cracking or shifting. This process is labor-intensive, so you’ll pay more than you would for the cost of an asphalt driveway. But when installed properly, your slab can last 20 to 30 years.
A professional can also advise you on how to choose the best pavers for your driveway. Brick, natural stone, and concrete all have their advantages, but your choice will ultimately depend on your home's aesthetic and your budget.
Technically, yes, you can install a paver driveway yourself with the right equipment. However, anytime you're working with heavy equipment like excavators, there's a risk.
Installing a paver driveway generally involves digging up the old driveway, laying a crushed stone foundation, installing edging, putting the paver stones in place, filling the gaps, and tamping it down.
Before laying even one first paver, take measurements of the area and determine the materials you need to do the job right. Also, the law requires you to call 8-1-1 first to ensure you won’t hit any underground lines when digging.
Think you can handle this type of work? Here’s how to install pavers like a pro.
Installing a paver driveway is a big job involving heavy equipment, precise measurements, and hard labor. If the three reasons below resonate, consider hiring a paving contractor near you.
You probably don’t have the equipment. At a minimum, you will need professional equipment like an excavator, a plate compactor, and a wet saw to cut and shape pavers. If you don’t already have this equipment lying around, it can be expensive to rent.
You want the job done right. The whole point of putting in a paver driveway is to have a sleek, professional look. A sloppy install almost guarantees expensive professional fixes and adjustments later as a part of your ongoing paver maintenance.
You don’t want to waste your free time. Installing a paver driveway requires hours of back-breaking work, even with the right equipment. Why not spend that time doing things you enjoy and let a professional take care of it for you?
If you love home projects like this, possess the necessary equipment (or can acquire them easily), and have experience doing this sort of thing, then, by all means, dive right in. If this task feels a little overwhelming, a professional can help ease the burden.
Paver installation is a long and laborious process, but in general, here’s how it will go.
After running an underground utilities check and testing the soil, the contractor will tear up the old driveway (if there is one) using an excavator, digging at least a foot deep.
Next, the contractor will lay a foundation of crushed stone into the excavated area. They will use a plate compactor to compact this layer, then add a second layer to give your hardscape stability, strength, and permeable power.
The contractor will install edging around the excavated area to hold the paver stones in place, kind of like an outline. They may use concrete or plastic for the edging.
When it comes time to lay the stones, the pro will place full-size pieces first and then cut smaller pieces to fill in the gaps. The result should be tight and even.
Finally, the contractors will fill the gaps with crushed stone or sand. Then, after sweeping off the excess stone with a broom, they will use the plate compactor again to tamp down the paver stones.
If going with a pro to install your paver driveway sounds like the right call, you’ll want to speak with at least three driveway paver contractors in your area. This will allow you to choose the lowest rate, fastest timeline, and/or company with the best reviews—in short, getting multiple quotes puts the power in your hands.
However, getting a quote from driveway pavers involves more than just telling them about the project and asking them how much the paver driveway will cost. It also means asking the contractors questions to make sure they’re a good fit for the job, such as:
How soon can you start the work, and how long will it take?
Are you licensed and insured for this kind of work? Are the actual pros who will be here doing the work also licensed?
Is a permit required for this kind of work, and is your company responsible for getting it?
What unanticipated costs often arrive with this kind of project?
How long after the driveway is installed before my family can begin driving on it?
Is the work under any kind of warranty? If so, how long does the warranty last?
Do you have examples of previous work your team has done? Can you provide any client testimonials?
Do you have recommendations for the best kinds of pavers, given the size and weight of our vehicles and our local climate?
