Installing a stone driveway … tips for do-it-yourselfers

Homeowners from coast to coast are discovering the benefits of building a stone driveway. Not only do patio stone driveways increase the value of your home, but they're beautiful and virtually maintenance-free! Guaranteed to last a lifetime, paver stones are non-slip, non-skid and weather-resistant to even the harshest conditions. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer and up to the challenge, here are some useful tips from Systems Paving.

• Design your paver stone driveway by sketching it out on graph paper. Choose a paver pattern and color that will enhance your home’s exterior.
• Check with local authorities. To avoid an excavation catastrophe, call your local utility companies to mark all underground cables and pipes.

• Prepare carefully for your new paver stone driveway. Remove the existing concrete or asphalt surface. Then install, level and compact an approved base.
• Set the paver stones in place. Do not slide the pavers! Sliding digs into the base and creates an unattractive uneven project. Make sure the joint lines are absolutely straight and the rows are perfectly aligned.  Edge restraints are not optional -they hold the paver stones in place and prevent ‘edge creep.’

• Finish your patio stone driveway. Apply a layer of approved sand and sweep thoroughly into the joints. Compact again and do a final sweep and hose-wash. Now you’re done!

You may wonder if you’re up to the task of installing your own paver stone driveway. If you’d like a lifetime product guarantee, an opportunity to preview your driveway project with our exclusive PaverImage® software, and free demolition and removal of your existing cracked or disfigured asphalt driveway, contact your local Systems Paving Hardscape Specialist today!