Create stunning curb appeal with durable paver walkways and driveways that never crack like concrete.
Your walkways and driveway are the first things people notice when they visit your home. Cracked concrete and plain asphalt make your property look dated and neglected. Paver walkways and driveways give you a high-end look with incredible durability and virtually no maintenance. At DEM Des Moines Masonry, we design and install paver hardscapes that boost your home's value and create lasting first impressions.
Whether you want a simple walkway from your driveway to your front door or a complete driveway replacement with decorative borders and patterns, we handle every detail from excavation to final cleanup. Pavers outlast concrete, allow easy repairs if needed, and come in hundreds of colors, sizes, and patterns to match any architectural style. We also design proper drainage solutions that prevent water pooling and ice buildup, keeping your walkways safe year-round.
Most Des Moines homeowners default to poured concrete for walkways and driveways because it seems like the cheaper, simpler option. But concrete comes with serious drawbacks that cost you money and frustration over time. Pavers solve these problems while delivering a premium look that dramatically improves your property.
Iowa's freeze-thaw cycles destroy concrete. Water seeps into tiny cracks, freezes, expands, and creates bigger cracks. Within a few years, you will see spider cracks spreading across your concrete. Within ten years, you will likely have major structural cracks that require expensive replacement.
Pavers handle freeze-thaw cycles differently. The individual pavers can shift slightly with ground movement without cracking. The sand between pavers allows for this natural movement. If settlement does occur in one area, we can lift those pavers, add base material, and relay them without tearing out the entire surface like you would with concrete.
Yes, pavers cost more upfront than basic concrete. But when you factor in the longer lifespan, easier repairs, and increased home value, pavers deliver better return on investment. Similar to our custom patio installations, we help you select materials and designs that fit your budget while maximizing value.
Walkways serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. They guide visitors to your entrance, protect your lawn from foot traffic, and frame your landscaping. A well-designed walkway improves your home's curb appeal while making your property safer and more functional.
Main walkways to your front door should be at least 4 feet wide to allow two people to walk side-by-side comfortably. Narrower side walkways to gates or utility areas can be 3 feet wide. We design gentle curves that look natural and invite people forward, avoiding harsh 90-degree turns that feel awkward.
Slope and drainage matter too. Your walkway should slope slightly away from your house to direct water properly. We also consider how water flows across your yard during heavy rain and design the walkway to work with natural drainage patterns rather than creating pooling problems.
We excavate to a depth of 8 to 10 inches for walkways, removing sod and soil. Then we install a geotextile fabric that prevents weeds and stops the gravel base from mixing with the soil below. We add 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel base, checking for proper grade and compaction at each layer.
Next comes a layer of bedding sand that we screed perfectly level. We then lay your chosen pavers in the selected pattern, cutting pieces as needed to fit curves and edges. Edge restraints along both sides lock everything in place and prevent the walkway from spreading over time. Finally, we sweep polymeric sand into all the joints and activate it with water to create a solid, weed-resistant bond.
This process creates a walkway that stays level, drains properly, and looks great for 25 years or more. We can also incorporate paver steps where your yard slopes, creating a cohesive look from street to front door.
Driveways face much tougher conditions than walkways. They support vehicles weighing thousands of pounds, endure constant traffic, and take the brunt of snowplows and salt in winter. Our paver driveway installations use heavier-duty materials and thicker base layers to handle these demands.
We excavate driveways to 10 to 12 inches deep and install 6 to 8 inches of compacted gravel base, significantly more than walkways need. We use a plate compactor or roller to achieve maximum density, eliminating air pockets that could lead to settling. For driveways, we also recommend thicker pavers, typically 2.375 inches or 3.125 inches thick, compared to the 2.375-inch pavers used for most walkways.
Edge restraint is critical for driveways. We install heavy-duty edge restraints along the perimeter and often add a soldier course, which is a border of pavers turned perpendicular to create a frame. This prevents the field pavers from shifting under vehicle loads.
Paver driveways offer incredible design flexibility. You can create two-tone borders that define the edges, incorporate decorative bands, or use contrasting colors to highlight parking areas. Popular patterns include running bond for a classic look, herringbone for maximum interlock strength, or basket weave for traditional charm.
We can also design driveways that complement your other hardscaping. Matching or coordinating your driveway pavers with your walkways and patio creates a unified, professionally designed appearance. Ready to get started? Explore our full range of masonry services in Des Moines.
Paver walkway installation typically costs $18 to $30 per square foot, while paver driveways run $20 to $35 per square foot due to thicker base requirements and heavier pavers. Concrete pavers at the lower end of this range still offer excellent durability and appearance, while natural stone pavers cost more but deliver unmatched beauty. A standard 15-foot by 40-foot driveway averages $12,000 to $21,000 installed, while a 3-foot by 25-foot front walkway runs $1,350 to $2,250. Factors affecting cost include site accessibility, amount of excavation needed, design complexity, and material choices. We provide detailed written estimates that break down all costs so you can make informed decisions.
Properly installed paver walkways and driveways should last 25 to 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. The key factors are quality base preparation, proper drainage, and using appropriate paver thickness for the application. Concrete pavers carry warranties of 25 to 50 years, while natural stone pavers essentially last forever. The polymeric sand between pavers may need replacement every 10 to 15 years, and you might need to add base material and relay a few pavers if settling occurs in isolated spots. But overall maintenance is minimal compared to concrete that cracks and asphalt that needs resurfacing every 10 to 15 years. Your investment in quality paver installation pays off with decades of trouble-free use.
Sealing is optional but recommended for most paver installations, especially driveways. Sealer protects against oil stains, prevents color fading, inhibits weed growth, and makes cleaning easier. It also hardens the polymeric sand between pavers for added stability. We typically recommend waiting 60 to 90 days after installation before applying the first coat of sealer to allow efflorescence to dissipate. Then reseal every two to three years for driveways or every three to five years for walkways. For daily maintenance, just sweep off debris and rinse occasionally with a hose. The polymeric sand we install resists weeds and stays in place much better than regular sand, minimizing upkeep between sealing cycles.
Let's discuss your project and show you paver options that fit your style and budget. Free estimates with honest advice.
