Paver Walkways & Driveways

Why Pavers Outperform Plain Concrete

Poured concrete cracks. It's not a question of if, but when. Salem's clay soil shifts, tree roots push from below, and freeze-thaw cycles take their toll. When concrete cracks, you're stuck with ugly repairs or expensive replacement. Pavers offer a smarter solution that looks better and lasts longer.

Individual pavers flex independently as the ground moves beneath them. This prevents the cracking that ruins concrete slabs. If a paver ever does break, we replace just that single unit rather than tearing out entire sections. This flexibility saves you money over the life of your driveway or walkway.

Pavers also provide better traction when wet or icy. The textured surfaces and joints between pavers channel water away rather than creating slippery sheets. Your family and guests walk safely even during Salem's rainy months. Plus, pavers come in countless colors and patterns that plain concrete simply can't match. Our professional masonry installation ensures your pavers look great and perform flawlessly for decades.

Paver Driveways That Handle Real Traffic

Driveway Paver Advantages:

• No cracking or scaling like concrete driveways develop
• Easy repairs if damage occurs - replace individual pavers
• Better traction in rain, snow, and ice conditions
• Increases property value more than asphalt or concrete
• Available in patterns that complement your home's style
• Environmentally friendly - permeable options reduce runoff
• Can be installed in sections to match your budget
• Colors won't fade like cheap sealers on concrete

Paver driveways cost more upfront than concrete or asphalt. A typical two-car driveway runs $8,000 to $15,000 for quality pavers versus $4,000 to $7,000 for plain concrete. However, pavers last 40 to 50 years with minimal maintenance while concrete needs replacement after 20 to 30 years. Over the lifetime of your home, pavers actually save money.

We recommend interlocking concrete pavers for driveways because they handle heavy vehicle loads without shifting. These pavers are specifically engineered for traffic and come with manufacturer warranties. Thickness matters too. Driveway pavers should be at least 2.5 inches thick, compared to 1.5 inches for walkway pavers.

The base preparation determines whether your driveway lasts decades or starts settling within years. We excavate to proper depth, install compacted aggregate base, add sand leveling layer, and use edge restraints to lock everything in place. Shortcuts in base preparation cause 90 percent of paver driveway failures we're called to repair.

Creating Walkways People Actually Want to Use

Good walkways guide people naturally from driveways to front doors or from patios to garden areas. Bad walkways force awkward paths that people cut across grass to avoid. We design walkways that work with how people naturally move through your property.

Front walkways should be at least 4 feet wide so two people can walk side by side comfortably. Narrower paths feel cramped and make it hard to carry groceries or furniture. Side yard walkways can be 3 feet wide since they see less traffic. Curved walkways add visual interest but make sure curves are gentle enough that people follow them rather than cutting corners.

Lighting transforms walkways from daytime-only features into safe, attractive elements that work 24/7. Low-voltage LED lights cost pennies to operate and last for years. We coordinate with electricians to add lighting during paver installation, which costs far less than retrofitting later. Connecting walkways to patio spaces creates cohesive outdoor living areas.

Mixing paver colors and laying patterns adds personality without costing extra. Borders in contrasting colors define edges cleanly. Running bond, herringbone, and basket weave patterns each create different looks. We show you samples and photos of completed projects so you can visualize different options on your specific property.

Selecting Pavers That Match Your Style and Budget

The paver market offers overwhelming choices. Here's what actually matters. Standard concrete pavers provide excellent durability at reasonable prices. These come in dozens of colors, shapes, and textures. Premium pavers with tumbled edges and varied colors cost more but create higher-end appearances.

Clay pavers offer rich, natural colors that won't fade over time. These cost 30 to 50 percent more than concrete but provide authentic character. Natural stone pavers like granite or bluestone create truly custom looks but require bigger budgets. We help you balance appearance goals with realistic budgets.

Permeable pavers allow water to drain through rather than running off into storm systems. These benefit the environment and may qualify for stormwater credits in some jurisdictions. Permeable installations cost slightly more due to specialized base materials but provide excellent drainage in our wet climate.

Color selection matters more than most people realize. Earth tones complement most Salem homes. Gray pavers suit contemporary architecture. Warm browns and tans work with traditional styles. Avoid trendy colors that may look dated in five years. We recommend viewing pavers outdoors in natural light since showroom lighting distorts colors. Most manufacturers offer sample kits you can take home to see how pavers look against your house.

Common Paver Questions and Honest Answers