Step-by-Step to a Stunning Driveway: The Paver Overlay Installation Process
Is your driveway showing its age?
Cracked concrete, faded asphalt, or uneven surfaces can make your entire home look less inviting.
But before you commit to a full driveway replacement, consider a smarter solution: PAVER OVERLAYS.
Think of them as a stylish and durable upgrade for your existing driveway.
Paver Overlays involve installing a new layer of decorative pavers directly on top of your current surface. This creates a stunning new look that instantly boosts your home’s curb appeal, transforming your driveway from an eyesore into an attractive focal point.
Now, you might be wondering, “Great, paver overlays sound perfect, but how exactly do they get installed?”
This guide will walk you through the installation process of paver overlays step-by-step.
PAVER OVERLAY SOLVES THE PROBLEM
Uneven gravel, cracked concrete, or broken asphalt can be unsightly and pose many hazards. But before you break the bank on a complete driveway replacement, consider paver overlays.
Pavers offer a beautiful and long-lasting solution at a surprisingly affordable price. We can often install a stunning paver driveway for the same cost as traditional concrete.
Plus, our installation process is quick and efficient, with most jobs done in just two days.
Old Concrete Broken Asphalt Uneven Gravel
Pavers over concrete Pavers over Broken Asphalt Pavers over Uneven Gravel
BENEFITS OF PAVER OVERLAY
Increases Your Home Value
Concrete pavers are installed for about the cost of concrete and will increase your curb appeal & home value.
Quick Installation
Pavers are mechanically installed, and most projects are completed in approximately 2 days.
Tennessee’s Choice Installer
25+ years in the hardscaping industry is the leading mechanical installer of concrete pavers and permeable pavers for both residential and commercial.
Drainage Issues Solved
When we overlay, we can make adjustments to handle any drainage issues.
Curb Appeal
Pavers instantly change the look and feel of your home.
Long Lasting
Pavers are virtually maintenance free and will not crack or crumble. Individual pavers can be easily removed and replaced if damaged.
Warranty
1 Year installation warranty & lifetime warranty on concrete pavers.
Eco-friendly
By overlaying existing materials we do not need to remove old asphalt or concrete and dump in a landfill
Walk or Drive on Immediately
When our team is done you can walk and drive on concrete pavers. No curing or drying time needed
No Maintenance
Pavers do not require any special maintenance to keep them beautiful and they do not crack or crumble like concrete or asphalt
HOW IT’S INSTALLED
The existing driveway is prepped to remove debris and loose particles.
Then, a layer of machine sand is added on top of your concrete, gravel or asphalt for better drainage and stability. Once that’s done, edging is secured around the perimeter to keep the pavers in place.
Now, here’s where the magic begins. New pavers are laid on top of the existing driveway surface and machine sand. Gaps between the pavers are then filled with polymeric sand to lock them together!
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS OF PAVER OVERLAY INSTALLATION
Sand is used to level the surface
Sand often plays the first act in creating a level surface. Its small, loose particles can be easily raked and compacted, allowing you to fill in low spots and smooth out high areas.
Pavers are mechanically installed
Pavers were traditionally laid by hand, but modern projects often utilize machines for the job. These mechanical pavers streamline the process, using a gripper system to precisely lay the pavers in the desired pattern.
Sand is compacted into the power joints
To lock them in place and prevent movement, polymeric sand is swept into the gaps between the pavers. Then, a compactor vibrates the sand to settle it tightly. This creates a strong, stable surface and prevents weeds from popping up through the cracks
TRANSITIONS AT DOORS AND GARAGES
Areas entering Garages and doorways are excavated to create proper grade and smooth transitions into the home.
Once the old concrete, gravel or asphalt is removed, the soil is tightly compacted.
A layer of crush and run (a gravel made from crushed stone and stone dust) is installed on the newly excavated area, between the existing concrete driveway and garage/house concrete.
A layer of sand is then applied on top of the crush and run to receive the new pavers.
PAVER EDGING
Edging helps secure the pavers in place and prevents them from shifting or moving over time under heavy traffic.
You have the options to cover the edging with soil to create a smooth transition from grass to new pavers.
It’s also possible for you to seed the area and add straw mulch. This will establish new grass growth and prevent erosion along the edge of the walkway.
CREATING A SEAMLESS ASPHALT TRANSITION: FROM DRIVEWAY TO STREET
Asphalt is used at the point where the driveway meets the street. This creates a seamless surface, allowing vehicles to enter and exit the driveway comfortably.
The asphalt then fades to match the street within approximately 60 days, leaving you with a smooth transition to your home.
MAINTENANCE
You would not believe how easy it can be to maintain your paver driveway. Just clean it regularly with a blower. That’s it!
However, it’s important that you stay on top of cleaning and maintenance. If you let pavers go too long without taking care of them, there will be a buildup of dirt, debris, and stains. These things will be more difficult to remove as time goes on.
- Sweep or Blow off Pavers
Give them a quick sweep once a week to keep the space tidy and presentable - Replace Broken or Stained Pavers
Easily remove and replace individual stones without damaging or disturbing the surrounding pavers - Spot Clean Stubborn Stains
Target these spots with a deck and a mild detergent to remove the stains - Rinse with water
Mild dish soap is often enough to do the trick - Kill the weeds
Use RoundUp or a natural solution like vinegar and water to kill the weeds
Before and After – Old Concrete
Before and After – Uneven Gravel:
Don’t let that unsightly driveway hold you back from creating a stunning entrance to your home. Contact Smarter Scapes LLC today for a free quote and let us help you conquer your driveway problems!