Why pavers instead of poured concrete
Concrete driveways in Florida crack as the slab settles and as tree roots push up from below. Once a slab cracks, patching rarely blends in. A paver driveway is made of thousands of separate units over a compacted base, so it flexes slightly instead of cracking, and a sunken or root-lifted section can be pulled up, re-leveled and relaid with the same pavers.
Pavers also come in many colors and patterns, and individual stained pavers can be swapped out instead of resurfacing the whole drive.
What goes into a driveway that lasts
- Digging out. Old concrete, grass and loose soil are removed down to a firm subgrade.
- Base. A layer of compacted crushed concrete or limerock base carries the weight of the car. A driveway needs a thicker, better-compacted base than a patio.
- Bedding sand. A thin, screeded layer the pavers sit in.
- Pattern. Herringbone patterns lock together best under turning tires and are the usual choice for driveways.
- Edge restraint. A concrete curb or soldier course along the edges stops the pavers from spreading.
- Joint sand. Sand, often polymeric, swept into the joints and compacted so the pavers lock in place.
Most driveway problems, such as dips under the tires and pavers drifting at the edges, trace back to a thin base or a missing edge restraint. Ask each company how deep their base is and how they restrain the edges.
What affects the price
- Size of the driveway in square feet.
- Tear-out. Removing and hauling away an old concrete slab adds cost.
- Paver type and thickness. Driveway-grade concrete pavers, travertine and brick are priced differently.
- Pattern and borders. Herringbone, curves and contrasting borders mean more cutting.
- Drainage. Regrading or adding drains so water runs away from the garage.
Permits and HOAs in Ormond Beach
Work on the driveway apron, the part between the street and the sidewalk, is in the city right-of-way and usually needs approval. Check with the City of Ormond Beach before work starts, and ask whether your contractor pulls the permit. Many Ormond neighborhoods also have HOAs that approve driveway colors and materials, so get that sign-off first.
Before you hire anyone
- Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation.
- Get the quote in writing, including tear-out, base depth, edge restraint, joint sand and cleanup.
- Ask what the workmanship warranty covers if pavers sink or shift.
- Be wary of anyone who wants full payment up front.
Ready for a free driveway quote?
Paver Driveways questions
How long does a paver driveway take to install?
Most residential driveways take a few days once work starts, including tear-out of the old slab. Larger driveways, curved designs and rain delays can stretch that out.
Can pavers go over my existing concrete driveway?
Sometimes. If the slab is sound and level, some companies lay thinner pavers over it with a bonded bed. A cracked or settling slab usually has to come out first, because the pavers will follow the cracks.
Will tree roots lift a paver driveway?
Roots can still push pavers up, but a lifted section can be pulled up, the root problem dealt with, and the same pavers relaid. With concrete, the slab cracks and has to be cut out and patched.
Can I drive on it right away?
Usually yes, once the joint sand is in and compacted. If polymeric sand is used, the company may ask you to keep off it for a day or so while it cures.