Paver Walkways & Driveways
Durable, beautiful paver installations that boost your curb appeal and stand up to Alabama weather.
Call (659) 228-0455
Why Pavers Beat Concrete and Asphalt
When you're looking at options for your walkway or driveway, you'll probably consider plain concrete or asphalt. They're common choices, but they have serious drawbacks. Concrete cracks. Asphalt deteriorates and needs frequent sealing. Both look plain and dated. Pavers solve all these problems while adding beauty and value to your property.
Pavers are individual units that interlock to create a flexible, durable surface. If the ground settles, pavers can shift slightly without cracking. If one paver gets damaged, you can replace just that piece instead of tearing out and replacing a whole section. This makes repairs simple and affordable. You'll never see those ugly crack lines snaking across your driveway.
The variety of colors, shapes, and patterns available with pavers is incredible. You can create borders, bands, geometric designs, or classic running bond patterns. Mix colors for visual interest or keep it simple with one tone. The design possibilities let you match your home's style perfectly. Whether you prefer traditional brick pavers or modern large-format units, we'll help you create an outdoor space that reflects your taste.
Here in Tuscaloosa, pavers handle our weather beautifully. They resist freeze-thaw damage better than concrete. They don't soften in summer heat like asphalt. Rain drains through the joints instead of pooling on the surface. Properly installed pavers last 30 to 50 years with minimal maintenance. That's a smart long-term investment.
Paver Walkway Applications
Walkways do more than just get you from point A to point B. They guide visitors, define spaces, and add structure to your landscaping. Let's look at the most popular walkway applications we install.
Front Entry Walkways
Your front walkway creates the first impression of your home. A beautiful paver walkway says you care about details and take pride in your property. We design front walks that complement your architecture and landscaping. Straight paths work well for formal homes. Curved walks soften the approach to cottage-style houses. We can add borders, inlays, or soldier courses to enhance the design.
Side Yard and Backyard Paths
Paths that connect different areas of your yard make your outdoor space more functional. Create a walk from your patio to the garden. Add a path from the back door to the garage. Define the route to your pool or shed. These practical additions also prevent worn patches in your lawn and keep feet cleaner by avoiding muddy grass.
Garden and Landscape Walks
Winding garden paths invite exploration and highlight your plantings. Use pavers to create interesting routes through flower beds and around trees. Natural stone or rustic brick pavers work beautifully in garden settings. We can design walks that flow naturally with your landscape while providing stable, clean footing.
Many homeowners coordinate their walkway with other hardscape features. If you're adding a custom patio, we can extend the same pavers to create connecting walkways. This creates visual continuity and makes your outdoor space feel planned and cohesive.
Paver Driveways That Last
Your driveway is one of the largest visible surfaces on your property. It takes constant abuse from vehicles, weather, and foot traffic. A paver driveway handles all of this better than concrete or asphalt while looking significantly better.
We build paver driveways with extra-thick base preparation to support vehicle weight. The typical base is 8 to 12 inches of compacted gravel, topped with sand for leveling. We use high-strength pavers rated for vehicular traffic. Proper edge restraints keep everything locked in place. The result is a driveway that won't crack, sink, or shift.
Design options for driveways include traditional running bond patterns, herringbone for maximum strength, or custom designs with borders and inlays. Some homeowners choose a different paver style for the apron where the driveway meets the street. Others add decorative bands or geometric patterns. We'll show you options that match your budget and style preferences.
Paver driveways also offer practical benefits. The textured surface provides better traction than smooth concrete, especially when wet. Water drains through the joints instead of running off in sheets. This reduces strain on storm drains and helps prevent erosion. In winter, any minor heaving from freeze-thaw cycles self-corrects as the ground settles back.
Maintenance is straightforward. Sweep regularly and rinse with a hose. If you get oil stains, spot-clean with degreaser. Every few years, you might want to top off the joint sand. That's it. Compare this to concrete that cracks and stains permanently, or asphalt that needs sealing every couple of years. Pavers are the low-maintenance choice.
Our Professional Installation Process
The difference between a paver installation that lasts 50 years and one that fails in 5 comes down to proper base preparation and installation technique. Here's how we ensure quality that stands the test of time.
Site Preparation and Base Construction
- •Excavation: We remove soil to the proper depth, accounting for base materials, sand, and paver thickness. Proper depth prevents settling and water pooling.
- •Grading and drainage: We slope the base so water flows away from buildings and low spots. Good drainage is critical for longevity.
- •Base installation: We install gravel in layers, compacting each layer with a plate compactor. This creates a rock-solid foundation.
- •Edge restraints: We install plastic or aluminum edge restraints to hold pavers in place and prevent spreading.
Paver Installation and Finishing
After base prep, we spread a layer of sand and screed it perfectly level. Then we begin laying pavers according to your chosen pattern. We work methodically to ensure consistent spacing and alignment. Cuts around curves and obstacles are made precisely with a masonry saw.
Once all pavers are in place, we sweep polymeric sand into the joints. This special sand hardens when activated with water, locking the pavers together and preventing weed growth. We compact the entire surface with a plate compactor and protective pad. Finally, we clean everything and activate the polymeric sand. The result is a beautiful, stable surface ready for use.
We coordinate with other masonry features like steps to create seamless transitions. Your walkway or driveway will flow naturally with your home's architecture and your property's landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Upgrade Your Walkway or Driveway?
Get a free consultation and quote. We'll show you samples and discuss your options.
Call (659) 228-0455