Paver Walkways & Driveways

Why Pavers Beat Concrete Every Time

When you need a new walkway or driveway, you have choices. You could pour plain concrete, but it cracks, stains, and looks boring. Or you could install pavers and get a surface that is stronger, more attractive, and easier to maintain. Pavers give you endless design possibilities, they handle freeze-thaw cycles better than concrete, and if a section gets damaged, you can replace individual pavers instead of tearing up and repaving the entire area.

Here in Little Rock, AR, pavers are becoming the top choice for homeowners who want a driveway or walkway that looks great and performs well. Concrete pavers come in dozens of shapes, sizes, and colors. Natural stone pavers like bluestone and flagstone offer timeless elegance. Brick pavers provide classic charm that complements traditional homes. Whatever style you want, pavers deliver.

We specialize in designing and installing paver walkways and driveways that enhance your property and stand up to heavy use. From your front entry to your backyard paths to your entire driveway, our experienced masonry team handles every aspect of the project with precision and care. We prepare the base properly, install pavers with tight joints, and finish with edge restraints and sealing to ensure your new surface lasts for decades.

Choosing the Right Pavers for Your Project

The first step in any paver project is selecting the right material. Your choice affects appearance, durability, cost, and maintenance requirements. Here are the most popular options we install in Little Rock.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are manufactured in molds and come in a huge variety of shapes, colors, and textures. You can find pavers that look like natural stone, brick, or even wood. They are durable, affordable, and consistent in size, which makes installation faster and more precise. Modern concrete pavers are engineered to withstand heavy loads, resist staining, and handle freeze-thaw cycles without cracking. They work well for driveways, walkways, and patios.

Natural Stone Pavers

Natural stone pavers include bluestone, flagstone, limestone, and granite. Each piece is unique, with natural color variations and textures that create an organic, high-end look. Stone pavers are extremely durable and age beautifully, developing a patina over time. They cost more than concrete pavers and require more skill to install due to their irregular shapes and thicknesses, but the result is worth it for homeowners who want a truly distinctive appearance.

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers offer classic, timeless appeal that works beautifully with traditional and colonial-style homes. They come in red, brown, tan, and charcoal tones and can be laid in various patterns like herringbone, basket weave, or running bond. Brick pavers are durable and slip-resistant, making them a great choice for walkways and driveways. Clay brick pavers are more expensive than concrete but offer superior color retention and longevity.

• ✓Custom paver walkway installation from front entries to backyard paths
• ✓Durable paver driveway construction that handles vehicles and heavy loads
• ✓Decorative borders, patterns, and inlays to enhance visual appeal
• ✓Proper base preparation and drainage to prevent settling and erosion

We help you choose pavers that fit your budget, match your home style, and meet your functional needs. We bring samples to your property so you can see how colors and textures look in your specific lighting and landscape conditions.

How We Install Pavers That Last

The key to a long-lasting paver installation is proper base preparation. Skipping steps or cutting corners leads to settling, shifting, and premature failure. We do not take shortcuts. We follow industry best practices to ensure your paver surface performs as it should for decades.

Step 1: Site Preparation and Excavation

We start by excavating the area to the proper depth, typically 8 to 12 inches depending on the application. Driveways require deeper excavation than walkways because they need to support heavier loads. We ensure proper slope for drainage so water runs off instead of pooling on the surface. Correct grading prevents water damage and keeps your pavers looking clean and functional.

Step 2: Base Layer Installation

We install a base layer of crushed stone or gravel and compact it thoroughly using a plate compactor or roller. This base provides a stable foundation that distributes weight evenly and prevents settling. Proper compaction is critical. Inadequate compaction causes pavers to sink and shift over time. We compact in lifts, adding a few inches at a time and compacting each layer before adding more.

Step 3: Sand Bedding Layer

On top of the compacted base, we spread a one-inch layer of coarse sand. This bedding layer allows us to set pavers to the correct height and provides a cushion that accommodates minor irregularities. We screed the sand to create a perfectly level surface before laying pavers. This attention to detail ensures your finished surface is smooth and even.

Step 4: Paver Installation

We lay pavers according to your chosen pattern, maintaining tight joints and consistent spacing. We start from a straight edge and work outward, checking alignment frequently. Cutting pavers to fit edges and curves requires skill and precision. We use wet saws and specialized tools to make clean cuts that look professional and fit perfectly.

Step 5: Joint Sand and Sealing

Once pavers are in place, we sweep polymeric sand into the joints. This specialized sand hardens when moistened, locking pavers together and preventing weed growth and insect intrusion. We then compact the pavers one final time to set everything in place. Finally, we apply a sealer to protect the pavers from stains, enhance their color, and make cleaning easier. Sealing is optional but highly recommended for driveways and high-traffic areas.

If you are planning other outdoor improvements, we can coordinate your paver project with custom stone and paver patios or retaining wall design and installation to create a cohesive outdoor space.

Design Ideas and Pattern Options

One of the best things about pavers is the design flexibility they offer. You can create simple, clean layouts or intricate patterns with multiple colors and shapes. Here are some popular design options we install.

Running bond is the simplest pattern, with pavers laid in straight rows like bricks in a wall. It creates clean lines and works well for modern designs. Herringbone is a classic pattern that offers excellent interlock and stability, making it ideal for driveways. Basket weave alternates pairs of pavers to create a woven appearance that adds texture and visual interest.

Circular and radial patterns work beautifully for patios and entryways, creating focal points that draw the eye. Borders and accent bands using contrasting colors or materials add definition and elegance. Random patterns with irregular stone create organic, natural-looking surfaces perfect for rustic or cottage-style homes.

We work with you to design a layout that complements your home architecture and reflects your personal style. We can show you examples of previous projects and help you visualize how different patterns and colors will look on your property.

Frequently Asked Questions