Pavers...need recommendations

[gto65goat]

Plan to use Pavers from my carport to my Garage (approx. 50' from each other).
I'm concerned about the weight of my (2) cars cracking the Pavers as I drive over them.
I know the Home Depot, and Lowes carry pavers, but they appear to be for gardens versus driveways.
Suggestions?
Thank you!!

 

[trovato]

I have a driveway of Unilock pavers. I've seen them used at the Unilock facility where the trucks drive to the loading dock. They don't crack. I'm not sure about what HD or Lowes carries. If you are using "appropriate" pavers, the limiting factor is the base, not the paver.

http://www.unilock.com/

 

[CraigFL]

Pavers that are made from concrete products are very strong. The ones you see at Lowes & HD are probably concrete. They are suitable for driveways but to keep the craking to a minimum you will need to be sure you have a good base and good prep for it. Look for some of the videos available from HOMETIME TV program since they have done several installs. Using the right base material plus tamping it will give it the strength you need. A surface like this is never permanent, especially in climates where freezing/thawing occurs.

 

[nova65ss]

Definitely need to dig out at least 12" and replace with sand/ sand mixture. We had a patio installed last week and it was a long process, took them 2 days to do 400 s.f. with a few curves. It is not cheap either about 12.00/ s.f. but it is definitely strong and would feel comfortable driving over it.


Jimmy

 

[BoCRon]

I like these. You can find them at Home Depot Landscape Supply (different than a regular Home Depot).

http://cobblesystems.com/

Annette

 

[Ed and Sandra]

Definitely need to dig out at least 12" and replace with sand/ sand mixture. We had a patio installed last week and it was a long process, took them 2 days to do 400 s.f. with a few curves. It is not cheap either about 12.00/ s.f. but it is definitely strong and would feel comfortable driving over it.


Jimmy

Jimmy,

Was that an "all in" cost meaning including excavation, foundation prep, installation and materials? If it is, it sounds like a darn good price compared to some estimates we're getting. Our driveway is cracking a bit in the vicinity of the front columns.

We're investigating having a section of the concrete 17'w x 8'd removed (136 sq. ft.) and replaced with proper pavers. The only bid we've obtained so far was $2,900. That included cutting and removing the concrete but we think that's very high and are pursuing other bids.

Here's some good info about doing driveway pavers.

http://www.belgard.biz/consumers.htm

By the way, the company that provided the bid for doing the small section gave us an estimate for doing the whole driveway keeping the existing concrete as the base: $27,000

Best regards,
Ed and Sandra

 

[nova65ss]

Hey Ed and Sandra,

That was all inclusive but we did not need to remove any concrete just earth. It was also the best price we got which was from a guy I did some work for so I kind of knew him. I got other estimates at around 15-18 / s.f. I can get some pics if you like and they are also Belgard Dublin Cobble stones.

Jimmy

 

[CraigFL]

When people say you need "sand" for a base, you should be using what is called "sharp" sand. This means the granules are NOT round like little ball bearings so the sand when wetted will pack very solid. This is also true for the crushed stone part of the base.

 

[PAToyota]

Craig is right - "sharp" or "masonry" sand as opposed to "beach" or "play" or "washed" sand.

 

[gto65goat]

I really want to "thank you" for all your replies and suggestions.
I had no idea about the "sand" choices.

 

[rt66jt]

A properly installed quality paver will more than support your vehicles. Good pavers have a p.s.i. rating equal to concrete. Many commercial parking lots and drives are being done in pavers to help control rain run-off. As for the base, start with what we call "crusher" or "quarry waste." This will have stones from 3/4" down to fines(dust). This must be compacted. Many landscapers like to set pavers in screenings, also known as dust, but the manufacturers call for sand. Some just call for sharp sand, others specify concrete sand, which is sharp and also contains some largers grains(small pebbles). I suggest you use whatever the manufacturer specifies, or forget about warranty claims if there is a failure.

 

[wilbilt]

As with most things, it's all in the prep.
A well-compacted base will support a lot of weight.