Paving Stone Driveway Worth the Cost?

Paving Stone Driveway Worth the Cost?

Paving Stone Driveway Considerations

Two of the most appealing benefits of an interlocking paving stone driveway is the added curb appeal and the very low maintenance. Compared to blacktop and concrete, a well designed and installed paving stone driveway will give you decades of performance without any major maintenance involved. They withstand de-icing salts and are easy to clean. Let's look at all the benefits a paving stone driveway can offer.

Curb Appeal

When thinking about the curb appeal of your home, the driveway is just as important as the walkway leading to the front door. Paving stones make it possible to incorporate creative designs in to the overall plan and are available in many color pallets to compliment any style. Blacktop driveways are functional - paving stones are beautiful and functional. Shapes, sizes colors and textures are endless choices when it comes to selecting pavers for your driveway. From classic herringbone patterns to random stone patterns and most recently larger paving slabs, paving stones for your driveway signify quality.

Longevity

With the proper drainage and installation, and occasional cleaning an interlocking pavement system in your driveway will last 30-40 years with very little maintenance. Paving stone roads have been in existence for hundreds of years and are still being used in parts of Europe. Compared to a blacktop driveway, the initial cost is high but there is no need to resurface, fill cracks, sealcoat and eventually replace. The choice to use paving stones for your driveway is a long term investment that will provide you decades of use.

Durability

Concrete paving stones are 3X more durable than poured concrete drivways and are designed to withstand the freeze-thaw cycles in the northern climates. Unlike asphalt and poured concrete, concrete pavers eliminate cracking across the field. They are resistant to de-icing salts and are easily repaired if needed.

Don-t be fooled by improper installation practices from unexperienced or unscrupulous contractors where after one cold season, the pavers are settling and moving. This is a common issue in the industry and commonly due to the lack of base prep and/or not following manufactures guidelines. Base prep is the key ingredient to the longevity of your paving stone driveway. Without it, the driveway won't last.

The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute; (ICPI) is the North American trade association representing the interlocking concrete paving industry. Here's what they list as some of the proven durability:

1. Superior physical properties of pavers provide longer pavement life, reduced maintenance costs and extend the replacement cycle while conserving the use of raw materials.
2. Concrete pavers improve the quality of life for an environment and its users.
3. Concrete pavers provide sustainable ecological solutions proven to last.

When you upgrade the curb appeal of your home, you add value which will offset the cost when it comes time sell. A paving stone driveway will increase the value of your home just for its longevity.