If you’re planning to have a stone paver driveway installed on your property, there are many factors to consider. These include the cost of installing a stone driveway, the type of pattern you want, and maintenance requirements. You’ll also want to consider safety precautions when working with a stone driveway.
Cost of stone paver driveway installation
The cost of installing a new stone paver driveway varies depending on the size of the property and the type of pavers you choose. A smaller driveway, about one thousand square feet, may cost $8,640, while a long driveway, measuring 24 feet by 36 feet, can cost anywhere from $25,920 and up. The long driveway is ideal for homes with several vehicles, as it will create a more upscale feel and add to the appeal of the property.
The first step is clearing the land. The cost of clearing land can range from $0.50 to $6 per square foot, depending on the size of the area and the difficulty of the terrain. Pavers require a deep, stable base, so excavation of 12 to 16 inches of soil will be required. This excavated soil can be reused for landscaping, which can reduce the cost. Not all stone pavers are created equally; the price will also depend on the soil conditions and climate conditions of your property.
The cost of installing pavers varies according to the type and size of the stones and the layout. A complex pattern requires more unique cuts and takes longer to install, which will add to the cost. However, simple patterns are more affordable than complex ones. Adding extras like steps, swivel seats, and flower boxes can also increase the cost.
When installing a brick paver driveway, the cost of labor, base material, and equipment fees is typically between $5 and $25 per square foot. There are several professionals who specialize in brick paver driveway installation. In most cases, hiring a professional is a better choice than hiring a design company to do the installation. A professional installer will be more experienced with brick pavers and will be able to provide a more accurate quote after reviewing the driveway area.
A paver driveway can add value to your home. A driveway that has been properly installed and maintained can add more than $10,000 to your home’s value. Depending on how much work you need to do to install a driveway, the cost can be anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000. A high-end cobblestone paver driveway will cost even more.
Options for pattern embellishments
Pattern embellishments can be used to add visual interest to a stone paver driveway. They can include smaller areas of the same pattern or a distinct inset design. You can also use different textured pavers to create borders or bands. These options are also great for complementing a farmhouse motif.
One of the most popular patterns is the herringbone. It is set at a 45-degree angle from the garage and provides maximum interlock. However, this pattern is not recommended for higher traffic areas. Other popular patterns include ashlar and basketweave. The former is suitable for residential areas but not recommended for heavy traffic areas.
Another pattern embellishment is the stacked bond. This pattern is typically used in driveways and walkways, and has a more structural look than the other options. It creates a focal point that is reminiscent of a carriage drop or driveway entrance. It can also create a fan or fishtail pattern.
Depending on the texture of the paving stone, different patterns can be used. For example, an antique cobble paver will give a different appearance than a slate paver. Using different textures will also add visual interest. If you choose tumbled pavers, for example, the surface will look more weathered. Another option is an embossed paver that has dimples.
Another popular pattern is a border. It is a simple way to add color and texture to a stone paver driveway. This is especially effective for larger driveways. But you must ensure that it stands out from the rest of the driveway. You can do this by using different textures, colors, and sizes to make the borders stand out.
Maintenance requirements
After a stone paver driveway installation, you should take a few steps to maintain it. The first step is cleaning the surface thoroughly. You should also clean the grout, chip away any loose stones, and weed the area. Performing these maintenance tasks on a regular basis will transform your outdoor living space.
Sealing the stones will help prevent stains and water from penetrating the surface. This procedure may need to be performed once or twice a year, depending on the traffic level. You can find stone surface sealers at most hardware stores. However, be sure to purchase the right one for your paver type.
Clean the paving stones regularly with a mild cleanser. Use a product that’s safe for concrete, such as Simple Green. You can also use a solution of water and white vinegar to remove dirt and grime. The solution should be applied for one hour and then scrubbed off.
Maintaining the stones should be done regularly to avoid fading and maintain their aesthetic appeal. Raking leaves and weeding around the pavers is also a good way to prevent the formation of stains. Using weed killer and a hose attachment will also help keep the pavers looking neat.
Like any other part of your house, your stone walkway or patio should be regularly cleaned and maintained. It deserves the same level of care you give to the interior of your home. Stone pavers rarely suffer from cracks, and when they do, you can easily fix them. Moreover, since the pavers are natural rocks, they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Therefore, you can customize the color and style of your stone paver driveway.
Natural stone pavers are durable and beautiful. But be careful to pay attention to their edges, since uneven surfaces can become a trip hazard. Using a level, check the pavers’ surfaces at least twice a year to ensure they’re even. If you can, use a 6-foot-level to ensure that the stones don’t shift.
The sand between stones is also important to keep clean. Plain sand will wash away easily every year, which means you’ll need to reapply it frequently. For extra protection, you should use polymeric sand, which consists of a mixture of fine sand and polymeric binders. This will prevent moisture from soaking the stone and will prevent plant growth between stones and pavers. It will also prevent rummaging bugs from making nests under bricks.
Safety precautions
When installing stone pavers, you must follow the proper safety precautions. First, you must check with the local utilities company to make sure that there are no underground utilities. This will help you avoid damaging or obstructing any pipes or cables. Moreover, you should follow the instructions on your tools and follow the warnings on their packaging. Also, make sure you wear safety glasses while working with sharp objects.
Secondly, the base of the driveway needs to be level. It should be at least 7 inches below the final elevation of the pavers. This should have a slope of 1/8” to 1/4” per foot. This way, water will not be able to enter the joints unless it puddles. Next, 3/4” of minus rock should be added to the excavated area. This will help the plate compactor glide smoothly across the entire area and compact the subgrade soils.
In addition to following the instructions, you need to make sure that the pavers are not shifted or bumped into one another. Lastly, you need to make sure that the sand is evenly distributed. You can screed the sand in small sections to keep it level.
While the paver base is strong and durable, it must still be pliable enough for the vehicle to drive on it. If the base is not firm enough, it will cause cracking and chips. Proper installation of the pavers will avoid these issues. A properly installed driveway will also be less prone to freeze-thaw issues. If you are concerned about snow removal, you may want to choose a permeable paver.
Another important step is cleaning the pavers with the right solution. You should use a mild detergent like Simple Green or a similar product. You should also use a rag to apply the solution so it doesn’t soak in and damage the pavers. In some cases, you may also want to use a pressure washer.
During installation, you should follow the instructions on the packaging. Before you start placing the pavers, make sure they are level and evenly spaced. Make sure to use the correct amount of polymeric sand. This will prevent the pavers from shifting during the plate compacting process. Using too much sand can make the pavers uneven and damaged. It is also important to tamp the sand evenly to avoid the pavers from shifting when compacting.
