Are Concrete Pavers Right for You?
Though they are often referred to as “cement pavers,” that term is a bit misleading.
Concrete paversare made with a dry concrete mix containing cement, sand, gravel, and pigments.
The Spruce / Sarah Lee
Concrete pavers often carry a lifetime warranty for integrity.
Maintenance and Repair
Concrete paver driveways require very little routine maintenance.
An occasional sweeping or hose rinsing will keep them clean enough.
Illustration: The Spruce / Elise DeGarmo
If weeds find their way through the surface, just remove them as soon as they appear.
Stains can usually be removed with aconcrete cleaner, but check with the manufacturer for recommendations.
The smooth surface on concrete pavers can degrade over time, especially if subjected to anti-ice salt.
Illustration: The Spruce / Elise DeGarmo
The pavers can be protected from this to some degree by regular tool of a sealer.
A properly installed and maintained concrete paver driveway can be expected to last 25 to 50 years.
Concrete pavers can work well with almost any home design, but the looks tend to be quite uniform.
The Spruce / Sarah Lee
Natural cobblestones or clay brick pavers are a better visual fit for older, more classic home styles.
Then, a gravel base is laid down and compacted thoroughly, followed by a layer of sand.
The base is also graded with a slight slope to facilitate water runoff.
The Spruce / Sarah Lee
To plant the pavers, simply set them in place and fit them tightly together.
The pavers can be cut with a masonry saw to fit at edges and corners.
Patterns such as a staggered brick-wall style layout or herringbone are popular options.
The Spruce / Sarah Lee
Additional sand is swept over the surface to fill any gaps.
The entire process serves to tighten the surface into a rigid, more monolithic structure.
But expect to devote several full days to do the job adequately.
To find sources, check online for local concrete fabricators and landscape supply outlets.
Concrete Pavers vs.
Unlike poured concrete, concrete paver driveways do not require a curing period.
Once installed, they are ready to use.
They also offer more traction when wet than poured concrete does.
Another benefit of concrete pavers is that individual pavers can be removed and replaced, if necessary.
