Paver Walkways & Driveways

If you are considering a new walkway or driveway, you have probably looked at poured concrete. It seems like the simple, affordable option. But here is what most homeowners do not realize: concrete cracks. It is not a question of if, but when. Temperature changes, ground movement, and tree roots all cause concrete to crack and settle. Once it cracks, your only option is to replace the entire slab. That turns your affordable choice into an expensive mistake.

Pavers solve this problem completely. Individual pavers move independently, so they handle ground movement without cracking. If a section settles, we can lift those pavers, add base material, and relay them. You will never need to replace your entire walkway or driveway. This flexibility saves you thousands of dollars over the life of your home. At RST Rochester Masonry, we install paver systems that last decades with minimal maintenance.

Pavers also look significantly better than plain concrete. You can choose from hundreds of colors, patterns, and textures. Create borders, accents, and custom designs that complement your home. Add curves, circles, or geometric patterns. The design possibilities let you create something truly unique. Many of our clients say their new paver walkway or driveway was the best improvement they made to their property because it completely transforms their home appearance.

We use premium concrete pavers from leading manufacturers. These pavers are engineered specifically for harsh climates like Minnesota. They resist freeze-thaw damage, salt damage, and UV fading. Most come with twenty-five year warranties or longer. We stock dozens of styles, colors, and patterns in our showroom where you can see full-size samples.

Installation quality determines how your pavers perform. We follow strict standards that ensure lasting results. First, we excavate to the proper depth based on your soil conditions and the application. For walkways, we typically dig eight to ten inches deep. For driveways, twelve to fourteen inches. We compact the subgrade and install geotextile fabric to prevent base material from migrating into the soil.

Next, we add a thick base of crushed stone and compact it in layers. This base provides stability and drainage. We use laser levels and string lines to ensure proper grade and slope. The base must be perfect because it cannot be adjusted after pavers are installed. We then add a layer of bedding sand, screed it level, and begin laying pavers.

Each paver is placed according to your design pattern. We maintain consistent joint spacing and alignment. After all pavers are laid, we cut edge pieces to fit perfectly. We install edge restraints to prevent spreading. Finally, we sweep polymeric sand into the joints and activate it with water. This sand locks pavers together and prevents weed growth.

The entire process takes anywhere from a few days for a simple walkway to two weeks for a large driveway. We work efficiently while maintaining the quality that our reputation is built on. We protect your property, clean up thoroughly, and leave you with a beautiful finished product. Many clients tell us their paver installation exceeded their expectations and they only wish they had done it sooner. The same attention to detail goes into all our work, including retaining walls and other hardscape projects.