Paver Walkways & Driveways

When you are ready to upgrade your walkways or driveway, you have three main options: poured concrete, asphalt, or pavers. At CDM Concord Masonry, we specialize in paver installations because they offer advantages that plain concrete and asphalt simply cannot match.

Pavers are individual units that interlock to create a flexible surface. This flexibility is actually a strength, not a weakness. When the ground shifts slightly due to settling or tree roots, pavers move with it instead of cracking like concrete does. If you have ever seen a concrete driveway covered in cracks after just a few years, you understand why this matters.

The beauty factor is huge too. Poured concrete gives you one color and one texture. Pavers come in dozens of colors, shapes, and patterns. You can create herringbone designs, borders in contrasting colors, circular features, and custom layouts that turn your driveway or walkway into a design element instead of just a functional surface.

Maintenance and repairs are much easier with pavers. When concrete cracks, you are looking at major repair work or complete replacement. With pavers, if one gets damaged or stained, we simply pop it out and replace it. You cannot even tell where the repair was made. This saves you money over the life of your hardscape.

Pavers also handle our California climate better than alternatives. They do not absorb as much heat as asphalt, so they stay cooler underfoot during summer. Water drains through the joints instead of creating puddles. And when you need to access underground utilities, we can remove and reinstall pavers without leaving permanent scars in your driveway.

The variety of paver styles available today is incredible. Whether you want a classic look or something contemporary, there is a paver that fits your vision and budget.

Concrete Pavers

Modern concrete pavers are a far cry from the simple gray blocks of decades past. Today's options include pavers that mimic natural stone, aged brick, or smooth contemporary tiles. The manufacturing process creates consistent sizes and shapes that install quickly and look uniform. Colors range from earth tones and grays to warm reds and tans. Many pavers feature built-in color variation within each piece for a more natural appearance.

Concrete pavers are the most budget-friendly option while still delivering excellent durability and appearance. They work equally well for walkways and driveways. The key is choosing quality pavers from reputable manufacturers. Cheap pavers fade quickly and may crack under vehicle loads.

Clay Brick Pavers

Clay brick pavers offer timeless beauty that fits perfectly with traditional and historic home styles. The color goes all the way through the brick, so scratches and chips do not show as noticeably as they would on surface-colored concrete. Brick naturally develops a beautiful patina over time that adds character rather than looking worn out.

For Concord homeowners with older homes, brick pavers create authentic period charm. We can match the color and style to your home's existing brick, creating a cohesive look from your house to your driveway and walkways.

Natural Stone Pavers

If you want the ultimate in natural beauty, stone pavers deliver. Options include bluestone, granite, limestone, and more. Each piece is unique with its own color variations and texture. Stone pavers cost more than concrete or brick, but they offer unmatched elegance and durability that can last centuries.

Popular patterns include:

• Running bond for a classic linear look that makes spaces appear longer
• Herringbone for visual interest and maximum structural stability
• Basketweave for traditional charm that works well with historic homes
• Random patterns that create organic, natural-looking surfaces
• Circular designs perfect for focal points and entries

Beautiful pavers sitting on a poorly prepared base will fail within a few years. Professional installation requires proper excavation, base preparation, and edge restraint. This is where many DIY projects and cut-rate contractors go wrong.

We start every paver project by excavating to the proper depth. For walkways, that is typically 8-10 inches. Driveways need 10-12 inches to handle vehicle loads. This excavation removes unstable soil and creates room for the base layers that provide long-term stability.

The base itself consists of multiple layers. First comes geotextile fabric that prevents base materials from mixing with the soil below. Then we add 4-6 inches of crushed aggregate, compacting it thoroughly with professional equipment. A layer of bedding sand goes on top, screeded perfectly level to create an even setting bed for the pavers.

Edge restraint is critical but often overlooked. Without solid restraint at the perimeter, pavers gradually spread apart as vehicles drive over them. We install commercial-grade edge restraint that holds everything locked in place permanently. This is one detail that separates professional work from amateur attempts.

After placing and leveling each paver, we sweep polymeric sand into the joints. This sand hardens when wetted, locking pavers together and preventing weed growth. The result is a surface that acts like a single unit while maintaining the flexibility that makes pavers so durable.

For projects that include changes in elevation, we can coordinate your paver work with retaining wall installation to create seamless transitions. Many homeowners also add custom paver patios to complement their new walkways and create unified outdoor living spaces.