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 |  | Do-It-Yourself: $900-$3,600 for 12'x25' |  | Professional Installation: $1,800-$4,500 for 12'x25' |
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Concrete driveway pavers are roughly the equivalent of cobblestones or clay bricks, but in a man-made form. Tinted concrete is poured into molds and hardened. This creates a uniform shape with interlocking edges, which increases overall strength and makes for easier installation. These pavers come in a range of types, sizes, styles and colors, creating a unique and durable driveway with a look that can vary from old world charm to ultra-modern sleekness.
Typical costs: | - A professionally installed concrete paver driveway typically costs about $6-$20 or more a square foot, or $1,800-$4,500 for a 12'x25' driveway or $5,800-$14,500 for a 24'x40', depending on the pavers chosen; the complexity of the design; the amount and type of landscaping or existing pavement that has to be removed; and local rates.
- Because pavers are relatively small and lightweight compared to other paving materials, do-it-yourself installation is a possibility, although it can be labor-intensive, and require the use of a plate compactor (typical rental $50-$60 half-day or $75-$170 daily). The pavers themselves typically cost about $2-$10 a square foot, or $600-$3,000 for 12'x25' or $1,900-$9,600 for 24'x40'.
- With pavers, a gravel base and rental equipment, total costs for a do-it-yourself installation can be about $3-$12 a square foot, or $900-$3,600 for 12'x25' or $2,600-$10,900 for 24'x40'.
- Paving contractors typically do not charge by the square foot, but instead quote their total price for a specific project.
What should be included: | - A paver driveway is only as good as the surface beneath it; over time, a poor foundation will cause the pavers to settle unevenly. Any landscaping or existing pavement should be removed, and the area excavated 6"-12". The subsoil should be compacted and leveled for proper drainage, then topped with a 4"-12" layer of compacted and leveled gavel. Agape Retaining Walls in St. Louis, MO explains how to install an interlocking concrete paver driveway[1] .
- A paver driveway can be used immediately after installation, and typically lasts 25-50 years, if properly installed and maintained. Pavers can get stained, but usually can be cleaned with a simple detergent and water; some stains might require the paver to be flipped over, or replaced. After the installation is complete, save any left-over pavers as possible replacements.
- DIYNetwork.com provides explains how to install a cobblestone-style concrete paver driveway[2] , calling this a moderate-to-hard project that can take several weekends and cost $1,000-$2,500, and recommending either hiring a contractor or renting a backhoe/excavator ($100-$200 daily for a small model) to remove any existing concrete or asphalt.
Additional costs: | - Because a driveway connects to a public street, there may be local regulations governing the width of the driving and the materials used to build it. Typically a permit will be required, and permit fees can vary from nominal to pricey, depending on location.
- It is not required, but some types of concrete pavers can be sealed after installation, to protect against staining, then resealed every two to three years. Do-it-yourself materials typically cost $50-$200 or more, depending on the size of the driveway; hiring someone to seal a concrete paver driveway can cost $150-$500 or more.
Shopping for a concrete paver driveway: | - An interlocking concrete paver driveway can be installed by a landscaping contractor, a paving contractor, a masonry contractor, a general building contractor (although the work may be subbed out to a specialist) or a handyman or other casual labor with strong excavation, grading and other installation skills. Ask family, friends, neighbors or the staff at local home improvement or hardware centers for recommendations.
- Get several estimates; ask for and check references (if possible, visit a driveway that is at least four years old, to see if any of the pavers have settled unevenly); and make sure the company is properly insured and licensed.
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External Resources: | - agaperetainingwalls.com/blog/2010/09/19/how-to-install-an-interlocking-concrete-pa...
- www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-lay-a-cobblestone-driveway/index.html
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