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 |  | Do-It-Yourself: $3,000-$7,500 for 12'x25' |  | Professionally Installed: $6,000-$21,000 for 12'x25' |
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Cobblestones are typically small cut pieces of granite. Also called Belgian block pavers or paving stones, they are one of the most durable driveway materials, and provide an "old world" charm.
Typical costs: | - Professional 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.
- A cobblestone driveway can be a do-it-yourself installation, but it is labor-intensive and requires the use of a plate compactor (typical rental $50-$60 half-day or $75-$170 daily, depending on size and if it is reversible). Cobblestones come in a variety of sizes, and it can cost $10-$25 or more a square foot for do-it-yourself materials, or $3,000-$7,500 for 12'x25; or $9,600-$24,000 for a 24'x40'. For example, at Earth Materials LLC[1] in Orange, CT, 4"x4"x4" pink cube cobblestones cost $3 each and 11"x8"x4" black jumbo cobblestones are $6 each; at Willis Dimension Stone[2] in Georgia it's $270 a ton for 4"x4"x4" Savannah gray granite cobblestones and $140 a ton for jumbo cobblestones.
- Because there are so many factors that affect the cost, 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 cobblestone driveway is only as good as the surface beneath it; over time, a poor foundation will allow the cobblestones to settle unevenly. Any landscaping or existing pavement should be removed, and the area excavated. The subsoil should be compacted and leveled for proper drainage, then topped with an 8"-12" layer of compacted and leveled gavel.
- Cobblestones need to be installed by one by one. Haduck Masonry in Pennsylvania provides a video of masons installing a cobblestone driveway[3] on concrete with Portland cement semi-dry mix between the stones.
- AskTheBuilder.com explains how to edge with dry-laid cobblestones[4] and HomeGuides.SFGate.com explains how to install mortared cobblestone edging[5] around an asphalt driveway.
- If properly maintained, a cobblestone driveway can last up to 100 years or more. In cold climates, a truck-mounted snowplow blade should never be used to clear snow from a cobblestone driveway; a snow blower or snow shovel should be used instead.
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 cobblestone driveway: | - A cobblestone driveway is typically installed by stone masons, particularly when laid wet; a general building or landscaping contractor may take on the job as part of a larger project, and sub out the driveway work. However, ThisOldHouse.com[6] suggests being wary of landscapers who install cobblestones as a sideline, as specialized skills can be an asset.
- The Stone Foundation provides a directory of stonemasons and contractors by state[7] .
- Get several estimates; ask for and check references (if possible, visit a driveway that is about four or five years old, to see if any of the cobblestones have settled unevenly); and make sure the company is properly insured and licensed.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: [email protected] in 07923, NJ. | Posted: April 26th, 2016 06:04AM |
| Contractor: joe |
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External Resources: | - www.earthmaterials.com/1_cobblestone.htm
- www.wdstone.net/html/cobblestone.html
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=tipc_fFVp2o
- www.askthebuilder.com/edging-with-granite-cobblestones/
- homeguides.sfgate.com/install-cobblestone-edging-24057.html
- www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,218415-8,00.html
- www.stonefoundation.org/membersusa.html#TX
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