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 |  | Concrete Paver Driveway: $1,800-$4,500 for 12'x25' |  | Brick Paver Driveway: $3,000-$9,000 for 12'x25' |  | Cobblestone Driveway: $6,000-$21,000 for 12'x25' |
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There are three types of pavers that are used to create driveways: manmade interlocking concrete pavers; clay bricks; and thin, flat pieces of natural stone. These can also be used in walkways or patios, but each of these three types of pavers makes a unique statement as a driveway.
Typical costs: | - A professionally installed interlocking 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; the depth of the base material; any slopes or curves; and local rates. A concrete paver driveway can be used immediately after installation, and typically lasts 25-50 years. Concrete is typically the least expensive and easiest to install of the three types of driveway pavers, and come in a wide variety of looks from traditional charm to modern sleekness.
- Installing a brick driveway typically costs $10-$30 or more a square foot, or $3,000-$9,000 for 12'x25' or $9,600-$28,800 for 24'x40'. Thicker than the bricks used to construct buildings or walls but still made with natural clay and fired in a kiln, brick pavers stand up to normal driveway usage and provide the classic look of brick. A properly installed brick driveway typically lasts 25 years or longer.
- Installation of a cobblestone driveway can cost $20-$70 or more a square foot, or about $6,000-$21,000 for 12'x25' or $19,500-$$65,000 for 24'x40', depending on the quality and size of cobblestones, the intricacy of the pattern, the extent of the prep work needed and local rates. Typically made of small cut pieces of granite, a cobblestone driveway typically provides an old world charm, and can last up to 100 years.
- Driveway 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 can cause the bricks to settle unevenly. Depending on the type of pavers, installation involves removing any landscaping or existing pavement; excavating 8"-14"; compacting and leveling the subsoil for strength and proper drainage; adding a 6"-12" base of compacted and leveled gavel; adding a 1"-3" layer of bedding sand; and installing the pavers.
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.
Shopping for a paver driveway: | - Be certain which type of pavers are being purchased: interlocking concrete pavers may sometimes be called brick pavers when they are shaped like traditional rectangular clay bricks, but they are made of concrete, not clay, and are typically less expensive. TodaysHomeowner.com lists the pros and cons of clay bricks and concrete pavers[1] .
- Driveway pavers 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 masonry skills. Ask family, friends, neighbors or the staff at local home improvement or hardware centers for recommendations. The Stone Foundation provides a directory of stonemasons and contractors by state[2] .
- 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: | - www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-choose-between-brick-and-concrete-pavers/
- www.stonefoundation.org/membersusa.html#TX
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