How to Choose the Best Paver Stone Driveway - Models and prices
As a homeowner planning to install or improve a driveway, your goal is durability and aesthetic value.
There is no better time than now to get a paver driveway to improve property value and enhance your home’s appeal.
There are several options to choose from when it comes to a new stone paver driveway. Read on to compare the best materials to find the right fit for your home.
You can also find the right contractor for your project and receive multiple quotes to compare to help you plan your budget.
Just fill out the short online form on this page to connect with reputable contractors near you at no cost or obligation!
The Types of Paver Driveways
One of the biggest advantages of a driveway paver design is the ease and flexibility in choosing one that suits your home.
The reason why paver designs are much in demand is due to their wide variety. We present below the most popular materials for paver driveways.
- Paver/ Permeable Pavers
- Flagstones
- Cobblestones
- Concrete
- Bricks
These materials differ in shape, pattern, color, and size. Each one also has unique characteristics that offer pros and cons you should know about.
Let’s now tackle some important considerations in choosing your paver stone driveway.
What is your goal for your stone paver driveway?
While stone paver materials have common characteristics, they also have unique features. This means you need to know what they are so you can choose the right material to achieve your goal.
Is your location prone to heavy rains or flooding?
If where you live frequently sees heavy rains, a paver driveway is highly advantageous. Permeable driveways let the rain through which is absorbed by the aggregate base. This will prevent water buildup in your property.
Do you have issues with ice or snow?
Is ice and snow giving you problems in your existing driveway? You should know that a stone paver driveway can have a heating system underneath it.
Heat will melt off the ice and snow in your driveway which is absorbed into the soil to eliminate water buildup.
What is your budget?
Cost is always an important consideration for any type of renovation. The more durable driveways have a higher cost but they would require less maintenance over time. Stone pavers vary in price so you need to get multiple quotes to compare before you choose.
What are the local codes and regulations?
It is advisable to check the local codes and regulations so you are aware of what you can and cannot do. This will ensure you don’t have issues later on regarding your property.
The Pros and Cons of Paver Driveways
When you know what your goal is for your driveway, you can start to consider the stone paver that is right for you.
Let’s take a look at the different qualities of stone paver driveways so you choose the best for your project.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete is the most common form of paver driveway. They come in different designs and are very easy to install. As such, they are economical, convenient, and affordable for a paver driveway.
The disadvantage of concrete driveway pavers is the long-term cost. They fade and crack and would need maintenance over time.
Interlocking concrete pavers are more expensive than standard concrete pavers but they are more flexible and durable. Because of the higher upfront cost, interlocking concrete pavers may not be ideal for homeowners on a tight budget.
Brick Pavers
Brick pavers are very attractive and come in many different styles. They are also environment-friendly, too, but not as much as permeable pavers.
The maintenance cost for brick pavers can be high especially when you need to redo the driveway sooner than you expected. Brick stone pavers are ideal for homeowners with larger budgets.
Natural stone pavers
Bluestone, granite, marble, and travertine are natural stones that are uniquely attractive but less durable than concrete or bricks.
These stone pavers are available in colours like yellow, pink, tan, or gray. If you choose limestone or sandstone pavers, they need to be sealed as they can break down with acid rain exposure.
Gravel
As a paving material, gravel is eco-friendly and durable. It is also very affordable. Maintenance for gravel pavers is cheap, too, and can be done as often as you want.
However, a gravel paver driveway is not as appealing as other paver driveways and is not ideal for high-end properties. Gravel pavers also become uneven with rain and snow.
Building a new driveway is an investment that should improve the value of your home. Make sure to compare your options and consult an experienced contractor!
Connect with top driveway contractors in your area using our short online form at no cost!
The cost to Install Paver Stones in your Driveway
A high-quality concrete block, paving stone, or brick paver driveway could cost from $25 to $55 per square foot – or between $16,000 and $30,000.
The price of the pavers you choose will be a major factor in determining the overall cost of the project.
To replace an existing concrete driveway and install pavers, set aside an additional budget of $2-$5 per square foot for the removal of the old driveway.
Paver driveways can take about a week to install but will last from 30 to 75 years with proper installation and maintenance.
You can increase the value of your home by 69% return on investment when you install a paver stone driveway.
When is the best time to pave a driveway?
Installing paver stones should be done when the ground is not frozen. Like roofing work, driveway paving is best done when the weather is cooler, typically from June to September.
If you are serious about planning your project, look for a suitable contractor way ahead of time. If you wait until the last minute, you will find that most good contractors are already booked.
Cost of Labor for Laying Driveway Pavers
On average the cost to lay pavers is $10 to $30 per square foot. The actual cost varies based on the type of stone, the site preparation needed, the pattern and layout, and the size of the driveway, among others.
Landscapers may charge $60 to $100 per hour for prep work and driveway paver installation.
You need a good drainage system for a paved driveway. Your contractor must plan at least a 2% incline to prevent water buildup.
Other costs to consider for paver driveway installation
- Two workers can install pavers on 100 square feet in one day, unless the pavers have intricate patterns.
- Labor costs can increase if the driveway has a steep slope, has a turn-around area, has a curve, or with landscaping obstructions.
- A permit can cost from $50 to $250 although it may not be necessary depending on the size of the driveway.
- You may need to hire an engineer to test the soil composition and grading which could cost an additional $1,000 or less.
Stone pavers require a stonemason or a bricklayer as they are hard to cut. Installation can take from 3 to 5 days but the driveway can be used immediately after completion.
The average cost of a paver stone driveway with professional installation ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, based on a variety of factors.
Would you like to compare quotes tailored to your driveway? Just fill out our short online form now and receive offers with no obligation.
Concrete vs. Paver Driveways
A concrete driveway is a common choice for homeowners across Canada. It costs from $5 to $8 to install whereas a paver driveway costs $10 to $30 per square foot.
It is easy to see why many homeowners simply choose a concrete driveway to save on costs.
Why choose a stone paver driveway despite the higher price?
While the upfront cost of a concrete driveway is lower, paving stones need less maintenance and are easily replaced, even individually. Hence, they can last twice as long as a concrete driveway.
Paver driveways are not slippery when wet and are more comfortable under bare feet. In terms of longevity, stone paver driveways can last for 75 years.
Of course, there is also the obvious fact that a paver stone driveway will have a bigger impact on home value. A paver driveway will definitely add to your home’s curb appeal.
Cost To Upgrade a Concrete Driveway with Pavers
If you have an existing concrete driveway and you want to replace it with pavers, expect to spend from $15 to $35 per square foot. This includes the cost of demolition of the concrete, sub-preparation, and installation.
The removal of the concrete driveway alone may cost $4 to $6 per square foot.
The process of removal can take around 5 or 6 hours and the debris can be used in laying a new sub-grade. This means you can save money on disposal costs.
Feel free to get actual quotes for a concrete driveway replacement by filling out the short online form on this page.
How to hire a Driveway Paver Installer?
Hire a professional to ensure your driveway is built properly and will last for decades. You can get more value for your money and complete satisfaction with the results.
Ask smart questions from potential contractors including the following:
- Are you bonded and insured?
- How many years of experience do you have in driveway paver installations?
- Do you offer a warranty?
- How much is the down payment you require?
- Do you have photos of your most recent projects?
- Is prep work and cleaning included in your quote?
- When are you available to start? How long will the project take to complete?
By asking these questions, you can compare FREE and NO COMMITMENT quotes from our reliable partners with peace of mind.
Fill out the short online form on this page to receive competitive bids to compare.
