Paver Walkways & Driveways

Paver walkways and driveways offer significant advantages over concrete or asphalt. They're more durable, easier to repair, and far more attractive. When a concrete driveway cracks, you face expensive repairs or complete replacement. With pavers, you simply replace the damaged pieces. This makes pavers a smarter long-term investment for your property.

Here in Salinas, CA, paver installations have become the preferred choice for homeowners who want quality and curb appeal. Pavers handle heavy vehicle traffic without cracking. They don't develop the unsightly oil stains that plague concrete driveways. The wide variety of colors, shapes, and patterns lets you create unique designs that complement your home's architecture.

At SLM Salinas Masonry, we install paver walkways and driveways that last decades with minimal maintenance. We don't take shortcuts on base preparation or edge restraints. Every project gets the same attention to detail whether we're building a small front walkway or a large circular driveway. Our installations stay level, drain properly, and maintain their appearance year after year.

The design possibilities with pavers are nearly endless. Your choices affect not just appearance but also functionality and longevity.

Paver Materials and Styles

Concrete pavers offer the widest range of colors, shapes, and textures. Modern manufacturing creates pavers that look like natural stone, aged brick, or contemporary geometric patterns. These pavers are extremely durable and handle freeze-thaw cycles without damage. They're also the most cost-effective option for large driveway installations.

Popular Pattern Layouts

Herringbone patterns provide superior interlocking strength, making them ideal for driveways. Running bond creates clean, linear looks for walkways. Circular and radial patterns work beautifully for driveway aprons and entry courts. We can also create custom borders, inlays, and accent patterns that personalize your installation.

Color and Texture Selection

Choose colors that complement your home's exterior. Warmer earth tones suit traditional homes. Grays and charcoals match contemporary architecture. Mixing colors creates visual depth and interest. Tumbled pavers provide an aged, European look. Smooth pavers offer clean, modern appeal.

Essential Installation Elements

Professional paver installation requires:

• Proper excavation depth based on use and soil conditions
• Compacted aggregate base for stability
• Bedding sand leveled and screeded precisely
• Edge restraints to prevent paver spreading
• Polymeric sand for joints that resists weeds and erosion
• Plate compaction to set pavers firmly

The difference between paver installations that last 30 years and those that fail in 5 years comes down to proper base preparation and installation technique. We don't rush through projects or skip steps to save time.

Base preparation starts with excavation to the proper depth. For walkways, we typically excavate 8 to 10 inches. Driveways require 12 to 14 inches to handle vehicle weight. We remove all organic material and unstable soil. The base gets built up in layers of crushed stone, with each layer compacted to 95% density or better.

Proper drainage prevents water accumulation that would undermine the base. We slope walkways away from buildings and install drainage systems when needed. For driveways, we consider where water will flow during heavy rain and plan accordingly. This attention to water management prevents the settling and sinking that plague poorly installed paver surfaces.

We integrate paver walkways and driveways with other hardscape features throughout your property. If you have or plan paver patios, we coordinate patterns and colors for a unified look. We also work around existing steps and masonry features to create seamless transitions between different areas of your landscape.