Paver Driveway Installation Services in Scottsdale, Arizona
For many years, the driveway leading to a home was gravel, concrete, or perhaps asphalt. These materials, although practical, pale in comparison to driveway paving stones. There is a great deal more to choosing interlocking driveway pavers in Scottsdale, AZ than what one might think.
In many cases, a poured concrete drive can cost a little less than a paver driveway. However, alternative materials, such as asphalt are far less durable and difficult to repair without destroying the overall appearance. Durability and ease of repair are issues that must be factored in when deciding on the driveway surface. |
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Brick Paver Benefits
Brick pavers provide several real benefits, making them great value, even when compared to a travertine driveway. Concrete driveway pavers are readily available in various shapes, colors, and surface finishes, and can be laid in interesting patterns to compliment the style of the home. The design possibilities are virtually endless.
There are benefits to a brick paver driveway, including:
Durability and Strength:
A brick driveway can withstand years of high-load situations, making them suitable for many different landscape designs. Modern driveway pavers last considerably longer than what might be expected from a poured concrete or asphalt surface.
Low Maintenance:
Bricks, by far, are the best pavers for a driveway. Maintenance is minimal, and the durability is not in doubt. Bricks have been used for centuries, many brick roads are still in existence. Poured concrete, even when liberally laced with reinforcing mesh tends to crack.
The Surface is Non-Slip:
Brick pavers are manufactured from abrasive material, and have a textured surface, making them slip and skid resistant.
Eco-Friendly:
The pavers used in a pavestone driveway are produced from natural clay. Clay does not lose color under the Arizona sun, as such a driveway paved with brick is not only beautiful, it is environmentally sound and appreciates the value of the home.
Setting Brick Pavers on a Sand base
Paver installation begins when Artisan Block Masonry Scottsdale start grading and compacting the soil on which the pavers eventually sit. Paver driveway installation includes a drainage layer under a layer of aggregate.
Firstly, the aggregate is rough screeded. This step gets the level close to the design level. The depth of aggregate depends a great deal on the intended usage. In areas where heavy vehicles are expected, the aggregate base may be as deep as 12 inches. However, for light vehicular and pedestrian traffic, four to six inches is ideal. It is this base layer that serves as a support for the pavers which are set on sand.
In addition to establishing the grade, the aggregate base facilitates drainage and water run-off.
Once the sand layer has been compacted and screeded to the correct height, the pavers are set.
Many homeowners opt for a pervious driveway. Pervious pavers or permeable driveway pavers are one in the same thing. Pervious and permeable are often confused with porosity. Although the words are somewhat similar, they mean something very different. Porosity refers to the open spaces and cavities, both of which tend to hold water. Permeability, on the other hand, is a measure of how easy it is for rainwater to move through a porous paver.
When installed by professionals, pervious pavers do have many real benefits. When used on a driveway, localized replacement of individual pavers can be made without leaving unsightly patches. These pavers are also safer as they provide better traction for both people and vehicles. There is also no need for an entire driveway replacement to occur since only parts of the surface would need to be replaced.
Regardless of the specific pavers, once they have been placed on the sand base, they are compacted using a vibratory tamper. To ensure that the tamper does not damage the paving stones, a rubber mat is used to isolate the compacter from the pavers.
Once the individual pavers have been placed and compacter, the joints are filled with sand. Once the sand has been swept into the joints, the entire driveway is compacted again, filling the joints. This process helps to retain the pavers in place.
Although the cost is a little higher, many homeowners opt for polymeric sand. Polymeric sand, once exposed to moisture, hardens and sets firmly. Polymeric sand resists wash-out and erosion as well as helping to prevent weed growth between pavers.
A critical concern with any block paving driveway is edge restraint. There are a few ways to go about this, all of which are well known and used by paver installation companies near me. Edge restraints range from commercially available paver edging strips to spikes driven into the ground, to poured concrete sidewalks and curbs.
The majority of issues that arise with sand set paver installation arise from maintaining edge level, and sinking pavers. Edge restraints hold pavers in place.
The Advantages of Pavers Set in Sand
There are numerous advantages to sand set pavers, including:
Steps for Driveway Paver Installation
First off, installing driveway pavers is not an easy or simple task, it is always best to give the job to a team of professionals, people who have the right tools and know the proper installation techniques.
As a note of caution. Before the start of any work, contact the utility companies. Have them visit the site and check for underground piping or cables. Once utilities, if any, have been located and identified, stake out the location and depth.
Excavation:
Once the location of the driveway has been determined and marked, existing pavement and turf must be removed. Excavate to the correct depth. The correct depth includes the thickness of the paver, the depth of the sand setting bed, and the depth of the base material.
The installation company knows how much soil must be removed, a lot depends on the propensity of the soil in the driveway area to hold water or saturate. Depending on the specifics of the site, the base thickness ranges from 6 to 12 inches.
Compaction of the Subgrade:
Once the excavation has been completed, and before the geotextile fabric is laid, the subgrade must be properly compacted. The type of compactor used by professionals depends on the soil. If the subsoil is clay, a roller is used. If the subsoil is sand, a plate compactor is sufficient.
In the event, the installation is pavers over a concrete driveway, a level layer of sand, one to two inches thick is all that is needed. Many people, especially those with active youngsters prefer rubber pavers for their driveway.
Install Geotextile Fabric:
Geotextile fabric is often used in moist or wet areas, or in areas where the soil is expansive. If geotextile fabric is used, it must be used to separate virgin soil from the built-up base.
Base Material Installation:
The base material, which, depending on conditions, can be as much as 12 inches deep, must be installed in layers not exceeding four inches per lift. The material used for the base should be easily compactable granular type, the most common is gravel. Once the base material has been spread appropriately, it is compacted.
Edge Restraint Installation:
Edge restraints are set and secured with steel spikes. The importance of edge restraints cannot be over-emphasized as they provide lateral resistance to driveway loading, maintain continuity, and interlock the pavers.
Spread the Setting Bed and Install the Pavers:
Once the base material has been compacted, the contractor spreads a one to a two-inch sand base. The ideal base material is coarse-washed concrete sand or granite stone dust. Over this, a herringbone driveway or other pattern is installed.
Once the pavers have been laid, polymeric sand is swept into the joints and then compacted. This process continues until the joints are full, making for a solid surface. Many homeowners take the final step of sealing the drive, helping to protect the pavers from staining.
Pavers are ideal for driveways and other low-traffic areas. However, they are not recommended for use in areas that must accommodate high-speed or high-volume vehicle movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have some more questions on paver driveway installation services? Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions to address your concerns or clarify any specific concepts.
Do Pavers Make a Good Driveway?
Yes, pavers are great for your driveway for a number of reasons. They are significantly stronger than concrete, slip resistant, and less prone to cracking. These are all crucial factors you want to pay attention to when installing a new driveway. Then, there’s also the added bonus of curb appeal. Paver driveways are known for being aesthetically pleasing.
Many homeowners prefer pavers because of its superior quality. A few of the other reasons why pavers make a good driveway include:
Therefore, if you’re looking to remodel your driveway, you should strongly consider going with pavers.
How Long Do Pavers Last in a Driveway?
When installing something as big as a driveway, you want to ensure that it lasts for many years to come. While the type of paver plays a crucial role when determining durability, most paved driveways last anywhere between 25 to 100 years. Do you want to know what's even better? If properly installed and maintained, they can last even longer.
Another benefit is that even if one of the pavers is damaged, you can repair the individual paver without replacing your entire driveway. This also increases the lifespan of pavers. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for asphalt or concrete slabs.
Since the type of paver plays a vital role, let’s look at the lifespan of the different types of pavers:
Do Paver Driveways Increase Home Value?
If you want to add value to your property and improve your home’s curb appeal, installing a paver driveway is a great way to do this. Paver driveways increase your home value by:
Driveways are what welcome people to your home. Concrete driveways generally don’t make a good impression since they’re often discolored and damaged. Paver driveways, on the other hand, generally have beautiful colors, textures, and clean lines. This sets the tone for a positive experience. Furthermore, since pavers are available in a wide range of styles and materials, you can find something that matches the rest of your property or your vision. By syncing the design of your driveway to the rest of your property, you’re enhancing the curb appeal.
Moving on to durability – driveways have to withstand a great deal of pressure, from foot traffic to cars. You need a material that can withstand heavy loads! Pavers can withstand up to four times the weight that poured concrete can. Therefore, you can expect fewer cracks and costly repairs.
Sustainability is now considered a must-have. Permeable pavers filter and drain rainwater, which keeps debris and pollutants out of your waterways. This is something that environmentally conscious homebuyers will look for, thereby increasing the value of your home.
Is a Paver Driveway Cheaper Than Concrete?
All things considered, paver driveways are cheaper than concrete driveways. When looking at cost, you need to consider the initial and long-term costs. In terms of initial costs, concrete is cheaper than pavers. However, when looking at long-term costs, paver driveways are the cheaper option.
This is because paved driveways have greater durability and value than concrete. Concrete requires more repairs than pavers over its lifespan. In fact, concrete driveways are known for cracking and shifting. The only thing you can do in this situation is patch it up or replace the entire concrete slab, which is generally extremely costly.
While pavers are more expensive per square meter, they are the more flexible and durable option. Pavers are available in individual slabs, meaning you can replace or repair a single slab rather than the entire driveway. Furthermore, they are more resistant to cracks, meaning they won’t need to be repaired as often. While these factors might not seem so important to you when looking at the initial cost of the project, they can end up saving you thousands of dollars over the years.
Are Pavers Better Than Concrete for a Driveway?
Cost is only one of the factors to consider when choosing between pavers and concrete. You also need to consider aesthetics, maintenance, strength and durability, repairs and replacements, and drainage. While this might seem like a lot to consider, it shouldn’t stress you out since pavers take the cake on all these factors.
We've already established that pavers are more cost-effective in the long term. Next, pavers are available in a wide variety of designs and colors, meaning that you can achieve the unique aesthetic you're after. With concrete, there's not much you can do. Pavers give you an added sense of personalization.
In terms of maintenance, pavers do not discolor or crack as easily as concrete, making them easier to clean and look after. Furthermore, if the paver is installed correctly, it is four times as durable as concrete. This means it will not crack or thaw the way that concrete does. Therefore, in terms of strength and repairs, paved driveways are the winner.
Pavers can drain moisture easier than concrete because of the prevalence of joints between the individual pavers. It essentially offers a built-in drainage system, unlike concrete slabs.
How Thick Do Pavers Need to Be for a Driveway?
If you want to prevent cracks and other types of damage, you need to ensure that you install pavers with the right thickness. On average, paver driveways are between 2 and 3/8 inches thick. This is approximately 60mm.
However, you also need to consider the base of the driveway, which is below the pavers. The base generally consists of a crushed concrete base and bedding sand. Strong bases are generally 4-6 inches thick.
The correct thickness ensures proper weight distribution and prevents damage. While thin pavers are a more affordable option, they are more prone to cracking or weeds growing through.
Give Us A Call With Any Further Questions!
Did we answer all your questions? If you have any more concerns relating to paver driveway installation services, please feel free to contact us. We’re more than happy to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Brick pavers provide several real benefits, making them great value, even when compared to a travertine driveway. Concrete driveway pavers are readily available in various shapes, colors, and surface finishes, and can be laid in interesting patterns to compliment the style of the home. The design possibilities are virtually endless.
There are benefits to a brick paver driveway, including:
Durability and Strength:
A brick driveway can withstand years of high-load situations, making them suitable for many different landscape designs. Modern driveway pavers last considerably longer than what might be expected from a poured concrete or asphalt surface.
Low Maintenance:
Bricks, by far, are the best pavers for a driveway. Maintenance is minimal, and the durability is not in doubt. Bricks have been used for centuries, many brick roads are still in existence. Poured concrete, even when liberally laced with reinforcing mesh tends to crack.
The Surface is Non-Slip:
Brick pavers are manufactured from abrasive material, and have a textured surface, making them slip and skid resistant.
Eco-Friendly:
The pavers used in a pavestone driveway are produced from natural clay. Clay does not lose color under the Arizona sun, as such a driveway paved with brick is not only beautiful, it is environmentally sound and appreciates the value of the home.
Setting Brick Pavers on a Sand base
Paver installation begins when Artisan Block Masonry Scottsdale start grading and compacting the soil on which the pavers eventually sit. Paver driveway installation includes a drainage layer under a layer of aggregate.
Firstly, the aggregate is rough screeded. This step gets the level close to the design level. The depth of aggregate depends a great deal on the intended usage. In areas where heavy vehicles are expected, the aggregate base may be as deep as 12 inches. However, for light vehicular and pedestrian traffic, four to six inches is ideal. It is this base layer that serves as a support for the pavers which are set on sand.
In addition to establishing the grade, the aggregate base facilitates drainage and water run-off.
Once the sand layer has been compacted and screeded to the correct height, the pavers are set.
Many homeowners opt for a pervious driveway. Pervious pavers or permeable driveway pavers are one in the same thing. Pervious and permeable are often confused with porosity. Although the words are somewhat similar, they mean something very different. Porosity refers to the open spaces and cavities, both of which tend to hold water. Permeability, on the other hand, is a measure of how easy it is for rainwater to move through a porous paver.
When installed by professionals, pervious pavers do have many real benefits. When used on a driveway, localized replacement of individual pavers can be made without leaving unsightly patches. These pavers are also safer as they provide better traction for both people and vehicles. There is also no need for an entire driveway replacement to occur since only parts of the surface would need to be replaced.
Regardless of the specific pavers, once they have been placed on the sand base, they are compacted using a vibratory tamper. To ensure that the tamper does not damage the paving stones, a rubber mat is used to isolate the compacter from the pavers.
Once the individual pavers have been placed and compacter, the joints are filled with sand. Once the sand has been swept into the joints, the entire driveway is compacted again, filling the joints. This process helps to retain the pavers in place.
Although the cost is a little higher, many homeowners opt for polymeric sand. Polymeric sand, once exposed to moisture, hardens and sets firmly. Polymeric sand resists wash-out and erosion as well as helping to prevent weed growth between pavers.
A critical concern with any block paving driveway is edge restraint. There are a few ways to go about this, all of which are well known and used by paver installation companies near me. Edge restraints range from commercially available paver edging strips to spikes driven into the ground, to poured concrete sidewalks and curbs.
The majority of issues that arise with sand set paver installation arise from maintaining edge level, and sinking pavers. Edge restraints hold pavers in place.
The Advantages of Pavers Set in Sand
There are numerous advantages to sand set pavers, including:
- They are economical
- Initial installation cost is low
- Pavers accommodate minor movement without cracking or breaking
- Easily replaced using commonly available materials
- Easy access to underground utilities
Steps for Driveway Paver Installation
First off, installing driveway pavers is not an easy or simple task, it is always best to give the job to a team of professionals, people who have the right tools and know the proper installation techniques.
As a note of caution. Before the start of any work, contact the utility companies. Have them visit the site and check for underground piping or cables. Once utilities, if any, have been located and identified, stake out the location and depth.
Excavation:
Once the location of the driveway has been determined and marked, existing pavement and turf must be removed. Excavate to the correct depth. The correct depth includes the thickness of the paver, the depth of the sand setting bed, and the depth of the base material.
The installation company knows how much soil must be removed, a lot depends on the propensity of the soil in the driveway area to hold water or saturate. Depending on the specifics of the site, the base thickness ranges from 6 to 12 inches.
Compaction of the Subgrade:
Once the excavation has been completed, and before the geotextile fabric is laid, the subgrade must be properly compacted. The type of compactor used by professionals depends on the soil. If the subsoil is clay, a roller is used. If the subsoil is sand, a plate compactor is sufficient.
In the event, the installation is pavers over a concrete driveway, a level layer of sand, one to two inches thick is all that is needed. Many people, especially those with active youngsters prefer rubber pavers for their driveway.
Install Geotextile Fabric:
Geotextile fabric is often used in moist or wet areas, or in areas where the soil is expansive. If geotextile fabric is used, it must be used to separate virgin soil from the built-up base.
Base Material Installation:
The base material, which, depending on conditions, can be as much as 12 inches deep, must be installed in layers not exceeding four inches per lift. The material used for the base should be easily compactable granular type, the most common is gravel. Once the base material has been spread appropriately, it is compacted.
Edge Restraint Installation:
Edge restraints are set and secured with steel spikes. The importance of edge restraints cannot be over-emphasized as they provide lateral resistance to driveway loading, maintain continuity, and interlock the pavers.
Spread the Setting Bed and Install the Pavers:
Once the base material has been compacted, the contractor spreads a one to a two-inch sand base. The ideal base material is coarse-washed concrete sand or granite stone dust. Over this, a herringbone driveway or other pattern is installed.
Once the pavers have been laid, polymeric sand is swept into the joints and then compacted. This process continues until the joints are full, making for a solid surface. Many homeowners take the final step of sealing the drive, helping to protect the pavers from staining.
Pavers are ideal for driveways and other low-traffic areas. However, they are not recommended for use in areas that must accommodate high-speed or high-volume vehicle movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have some more questions on paver driveway installation services? Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions to address your concerns or clarify any specific concepts.
Do Pavers Make a Good Driveway?
Yes, pavers are great for your driveway for a number of reasons. They are significantly stronger than concrete, slip resistant, and less prone to cracking. These are all crucial factors you want to pay attention to when installing a new driveway. Then, there’s also the added bonus of curb appeal. Paver driveways are known for being aesthetically pleasing.
Many homeowners prefer pavers because of its superior quality. A few of the other reasons why pavers make a good driveway include:
- You don’t have to replace the entire driveway if one of the pavers wears out – you can simply replace the individual paver, saving you a great deal of time, stress, and money.
- You can easily remove any weeds that grow between the joints of the pavers. However, if you have a concrete driveway, the roots might cause the slabs to crack.
- After installation, pavers don’t need any time to cure. In fact, they offer better traction when wet.
- Pavers are extremely durable, often lasting up to 50 years. However, if properly maintained, it can last even longer.
- They are less prone to cracking, making them a stronger alternative than concrete.
Therefore, if you’re looking to remodel your driveway, you should strongly consider going with pavers.
How Long Do Pavers Last in a Driveway?
When installing something as big as a driveway, you want to ensure that it lasts for many years to come. While the type of paver plays a crucial role when determining durability, most paved driveways last anywhere between 25 to 100 years. Do you want to know what's even better? If properly installed and maintained, they can last even longer.
Another benefit is that even if one of the pavers is damaged, you can repair the individual paver without replacing your entire driveway. This also increases the lifespan of pavers. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for asphalt or concrete slabs.
Since the type of paver plays a vital role, let’s look at the lifespan of the different types of pavers:
- Concrete brick pavers: With regular maintenance, these materials often last between 25 and 50 years. They're fun to work with since they have a variety of shapes and colors to choose from.
- Brick pavers: This classic and durable option is certainly a very popular option for driveway projects. If looked after properly, they can last for more than 25 years.
- Travertine pavers: This is one of the most popular options considering that it can last for over 100 years and looks extremely elegant. Apart from driveways, many homeowners use travertine pavers for pool decks.
Do Paver Driveways Increase Home Value?
If you want to add value to your property and improve your home’s curb appeal, installing a paver driveway is a great way to do this. Paver driveways increase your home value by:
- Enhanced curb appeal
- Durability
- Improved permeability
Driveways are what welcome people to your home. Concrete driveways generally don’t make a good impression since they’re often discolored and damaged. Paver driveways, on the other hand, generally have beautiful colors, textures, and clean lines. This sets the tone for a positive experience. Furthermore, since pavers are available in a wide range of styles and materials, you can find something that matches the rest of your property or your vision. By syncing the design of your driveway to the rest of your property, you’re enhancing the curb appeal.
Moving on to durability – driveways have to withstand a great deal of pressure, from foot traffic to cars. You need a material that can withstand heavy loads! Pavers can withstand up to four times the weight that poured concrete can. Therefore, you can expect fewer cracks and costly repairs.
Sustainability is now considered a must-have. Permeable pavers filter and drain rainwater, which keeps debris and pollutants out of your waterways. This is something that environmentally conscious homebuyers will look for, thereby increasing the value of your home.
Is a Paver Driveway Cheaper Than Concrete?
All things considered, paver driveways are cheaper than concrete driveways. When looking at cost, you need to consider the initial and long-term costs. In terms of initial costs, concrete is cheaper than pavers. However, when looking at long-term costs, paver driveways are the cheaper option.
This is because paved driveways have greater durability and value than concrete. Concrete requires more repairs than pavers over its lifespan. In fact, concrete driveways are known for cracking and shifting. The only thing you can do in this situation is patch it up or replace the entire concrete slab, which is generally extremely costly.
While pavers are more expensive per square meter, they are the more flexible and durable option. Pavers are available in individual slabs, meaning you can replace or repair a single slab rather than the entire driveway. Furthermore, they are more resistant to cracks, meaning they won’t need to be repaired as often. While these factors might not seem so important to you when looking at the initial cost of the project, they can end up saving you thousands of dollars over the years.
Are Pavers Better Than Concrete for a Driveway?
Cost is only one of the factors to consider when choosing between pavers and concrete. You also need to consider aesthetics, maintenance, strength and durability, repairs and replacements, and drainage. While this might seem like a lot to consider, it shouldn’t stress you out since pavers take the cake on all these factors.
We've already established that pavers are more cost-effective in the long term. Next, pavers are available in a wide variety of designs and colors, meaning that you can achieve the unique aesthetic you're after. With concrete, there's not much you can do. Pavers give you an added sense of personalization.
In terms of maintenance, pavers do not discolor or crack as easily as concrete, making them easier to clean and look after. Furthermore, if the paver is installed correctly, it is four times as durable as concrete. This means it will not crack or thaw the way that concrete does. Therefore, in terms of strength and repairs, paved driveways are the winner.
Pavers can drain moisture easier than concrete because of the prevalence of joints between the individual pavers. It essentially offers a built-in drainage system, unlike concrete slabs.
How Thick Do Pavers Need to Be for a Driveway?
If you want to prevent cracks and other types of damage, you need to ensure that you install pavers with the right thickness. On average, paver driveways are between 2 and 3/8 inches thick. This is approximately 60mm.
However, you also need to consider the base of the driveway, which is below the pavers. The base generally consists of a crushed concrete base and bedding sand. Strong bases are generally 4-6 inches thick.
The correct thickness ensures proper weight distribution and prevents damage. While thin pavers are a more affordable option, they are more prone to cracking or weeds growing through.
Give Us A Call With Any Further Questions!
Did we answer all your questions? If you have any more concerns relating to paver driveway installation services, please feel free to contact us. We’re more than happy to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.