Paver Walkways & Driveways

When it comes to walkways and driveways, you have choices. Traditional poured concrete and asphalt have been around forever, but paver installations offer significant advantages that make them worth considering. Pavers resist cracking better than concrete because the individual units can move slightly with ground movement and freeze-thaw cycles. If a paver does get damaged or stained, you can replace just that one piece instead of tearing out and replacing an entire section.

Pavers also offer design flexibility that concrete and asphalt cannot match. You can create patterns, borders, and custom designs with different colors and sizes. Curves and rounded edges are easy with pavers but difficult and expensive with concrete. This means your walkway or driveway can be uniquely yours, adding character and curb appeal that sets your home apart. In Springfield's real estate market, attractive hardscaping can significantly increase your property value.

At SFM Springfield Masonry, we install paver walkways and driveways that combine beauty with performance. We use proper base preparation and installation techniques that ensure your pavers will stay level, drain properly, and look great for decades. From selecting the right products to executing flawless installation, we handle every detail. Whether you want a simple front walkway or an elaborate driveway with decorative borders, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life.

Choosing the right pavers involves considering appearance, durability, and budget. Let us walk you through the main options so you can make an informed decision for your project.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are the most popular choice for residential walkways and driveways. They come in countless shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Modern manufacturing creates pavers that look like natural stone but offer consistency and affordability. They are strong enough to handle vehicle traffic when properly installed, and they resist fading and weathering. Concrete pavers work well for both walkways and driveways, and they coordinate beautifully with our custom patio installations for a unified outdoor design.

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers create a classic, timeless look that never goes out of style. The warm red and brown tones add charm to any property. Brick pavers are incredibly durable and can last a lifetime with proper installation. They work particularly well for walkways and are strong enough for residential driveways. The uniform size of brick pavers makes it easy to create traditional patterns like herringbone, basketweave, and running bond that add visual interest.

Natural Stone Pavers

Natural stone pavers like bluestone, granite, and sandstone offer unique beauty and character. No two stones are exactly alike, giving your walkway or driveway a distinctive, high-end appearance. Natural stone is extremely durable and ages gracefully, developing a beautiful patina over time. While natural stone costs more than concrete or brick, many homeowners feel the authentic appearance and lasting quality justify the investment.

Permeable Pavers

Permeable pavers are designed with gaps that allow water to drain through the surface rather than running off. This reduces puddling, helps manage stormwater, and is better for the environment. Some municipalities offer incentives for permeable paving. These pavers work well for driveways and walkways where drainage is a concern. They look similar to traditional pavers but function differently beneath the surface.

Benefits of choosing paver walkways and driveways:

• Individual pieces resist cracking from ground movement
• Damaged pavers can be replaced without replacing entire sections
• Wide variety of colors, shapes, and patterns available
• Easier to create curves and custom designs than concrete
• Typically lasts longer than asphalt with less maintenance
• Better drainage prevents puddling and ice buildup
• Adds significant curb appeal and property value
• Can be installed in stages if needed for budget flexibility

The key to paver walkways and driveways that last is proper preparation and installation. We start by carefully planning the layout and grading. For driveways especially, proper slope is critical for water drainage. We stake out the area and mark utility lines before any digging begins. Understanding your specific site conditions allows us to design a solution that will perform well for your property.

Excavation and base preparation are where quality installations are made. We dig out the area to the proper depth, which is typically deeper for driveways than walkways due to the greater load they must support. The subgrade is carefully graded and compacted to create a stable foundation. We then install a base layer of crushed stone, typically 4 to 6 inches for walkways and 6 to 8 inches for driveways. This base is compacted in layers to create a solid, stable platform that will not settle over time.

Edge restraints are installed next to keep pavers from shifting laterally. Then we lay a layer of bedding sand that provides the final leveling surface for the pavers. Each paver is carefully placed according to the pattern you have chosen, with consistent spacing maintained throughout. We cut pavers as needed to fit edges and curves cleanly. Similar to our retaining wall work, proper base preparation and drainage considerations are essential for long-lasting results.

After all pavers are set, we sweep polymeric sand into the joints. This sand locks the pavers together and prevents weeds from growing between them. The entire surface is then compacted with a plate compactor, which settles the pavers firmly into the bedding sand and activates the polymeric sand. Finally, we clean the surface and make any final adjustments. The result is a beautiful, durable surface that will serve you well for many years with minimal maintenance required.