Paver Walkways & Driveways

Why Pavers Beat Concrete for Walkways and Driveways

Concrete slabs crack. That is just reality in Michigan where freeze-thaw cycles stress solid surfaces. Once a concrete driveway or walkway cracks, your repair options are limited and usually ugly. You end up with patches that never quite match or you tear everything out and start over.

Pavers solve this problem. Each individual paver can move slightly as the ground shifts with temperature changes. This flexibility prevents cracking. If a paver does get damaged from a snowplow or dropped tool, we replace just that one piece. The rest of your driveway or walkway stays intact.

Beyond durability, pavers give you design options that concrete cannot match. You can create patterns, borders, and color combinations that add character to your property. Our team at AA Ann Arbor Masonry helps you design walkways and driveways that work with your landscape and architecture.

Walkways That Welcome Visitors

Your walkway is the path everyone takes to reach your front door. A well-designed walkway makes a positive first impression and guides guests safely to your entrance.

Design Considerations

Walkways should be at least 36 inches wide for comfortable single-file walking. If you want two people to walk side by side, go 48 inches or wider. Curves add visual interest but should flow naturally with your landscape. We plan paths that avoid tree roots and provide proper drainage away from your foundation.

• Gentle curves look more natural than sharp corners
• Borders in contrasting colors define edges clearly
• Lighting integration points get planned during installation
• Slight slope prevents water from pooling on surface

Material Selection

Concrete pavers offer the widest range of colors, shapes, and textures. Brick pavers provide traditional charm and never go out of style. Natural stone pavers like bluestone cost more but deliver timeless elegance. We help you pick materials that match your budget and complement your home.

Similar to our retaining wall installations, proper base preparation ensures your walkway lasts for decades.

Driveways Built to Handle Heavy Loads

Driveways take more abuse than any other part of your property. Cars, trucks, snowplows, and delivery vehicles put constant stress on the surface. Your driveway needs a solid foundation and proper installation to handle this daily wear.

Base Construction

We excavate to proper depth and install a thick gravel base that provides drainage and support. The base gets compacted in layers using heavy equipment. This creates a stable platform that will not settle or shift under vehicle weight. Edges get reinforced to prevent spreading over time.

Paver Installation

Driveway pavers need to be thicker than walkway pavers to support vehicle weight. We use pavers rated for vehicular traffic and install them over a properly compacted base. Polymeric sand gets swept into joints to lock pavers together and prevent weed growth. The entire surface gets plate compacted to ensure pavers sit tight and level.

Drainage Planning

Water needs somewhere to go when it rains or snow melts. We slope driveways away from your garage and house. Edge drains capture runoff before it erodes your lawn or undermines the driveway base. Proper drainage extends your driveway's life and prevents ice buildup in winter.

Our driveway work follows the same quality standards we apply to custom patio projects. Every detail matters when you are building something that needs to last.

Frequently Asked Questions