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Poured Concrete vs. Concrete Pavers For A Driveway

12K views 16 replies 11 participants last post by  COLDIRON 
#1 ·
I'm looking to get rid of a section of grass on the side of an existing driveway. I'm contemplating both methods. Anyone have an opinion or has done either method?
 
#2 ·
I assume this is the driveway in the front of your home. Because of this, whatever looks the best would be desireable.

If it was just one side, pavers might look strange, although your new concrete will not match the old.

It is was strips on both sides, pavers would certainly look the best and lend a bit more class than plain concrete.

Pavers are more DIY friendly since you can go at your own pace and do not have to know how to finish concrete.
 
#4 ·
I'm looking to get rid of a section of grass on the side of an existing driveway. I'm contemplating both methods. Anyone have an opinion or has done either method?
Unless you want the contrast between the existing concrete and the new paver area, I would just go with concrete. Drill the edge of the existing drive and install rebar dowel pins to keep the sections from setttling unevenly. The cement guy should be able to get a reasonablebly close finish. After the concrete has cured, clean the old drive with a 3500psi or more pressure washer, thus making the old much closer in color to the new. Nature will take over from there.

Pavers will be ok if you want the contrasting look, but you fill find that installing them correctly is not cheap. For them to last, you have to follow manufacturers instructions for compacted stone base, etc, it is not just getting rid of the grass and throwing them into a bed of sand as you may have been led to believe.
 
#6 ·
That is sort of true but can also be false due to different soils in different areas. If you've got a good gravel base and you dont over excavate your base will be fine for concrete. For the pavers you'll need to follow the manufacters requirements. And as mentioned above installing the pavers can become more costly than anticipated. I can speak for gravel here in the northeast and I pour concrete on it everyday.
 
#10 ·
4" of base is not acceptable for a driveway. Good for a patio when the biggest thing is your fat Aunt. Driveways require 12" of base.
Ron
 
#13 ·
4" of base is not acceptable for a driveway. Good for a patio when the biggest thing is your fat Aunt. Driveways require 12" of base.
Ron
You must own or have stock in a gravel company......

First time I have ever heard of that much base being needed....I believe 4-6" is more of the standard.....
 
#12 ·
probably I go for concrete pavers driveway the older way .to ensure that your concrete driveway will look good for many years to come, there are important steps to follow before making concrete driveway. How well your driveway looks and performs long-term is largely related to the quality of workmanship and materials that go into it.
 
#17 ·
I think after a subject has been up for so long without answers /replies it should be closed to new comments but still open for people who are searching for the subject matter for a job. The date is the last thing most people look at. They can always open a new post.
 
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