Paver Driveway Inspiration

Driveways are subject to more abuse than you realize. From people and vehicles, to equipment and chemicals such as de-icing salts like sodium chloride in the winter, driveways take a real beating. Unilock paving stones are up to two to three times stronger than poured concrete, and outperform other paving surfaces such as asphalt, stamped concrete and other mixed materials. Unilock Elegance pavers in particular are manufactured with the added durability to repel dirt, oil and stain resistance, while still showcasing our premium styles and textures.

Unilock paving stones offer an endless array of patterns and accents. Design your driveway with elegant edged paver borders and eye-popping colors to showcase your creative flare and style. Consider adding vertical features like garden walls, planters and pillars to further enhance the beauty of your driveway.

Heavy snowfall or ice can be a hassle, and shovels or snowplows with metal blades can cause wear and tear on your driveway over time. Thankfully, there are cost-effective solutions, such as installing a heated driveway, that are available. Although Unilock does not produce these systems, consider discussing your desire to have one installed with your Unilock Authorized Contractor before your driveway is completed.

Edge restraints are essential on your driveway project as they ensure that pavers do not shift out of place from vehicle or pedestrian traffic. The foundation wall or the sill of the garage serve as some form of edge restraint for the majority of projects, but edge restraint is required in all other locations. Consider an invisible edge system spiked into the base; it is a simple method that can also aid in optimizing your design.

When designing your driveway, a remarkable laying pattern can be all the difference to boosting your home’s curb appeal. A traditional herringbone pattern is a great option for driveways because of how well the interlocking design resists shifting when subjected to tire pressure.

Your driveway serves not only the purpose of a space for parking your car, but it also connects to your front walkway or front entrance directly. When creating a driveway, it's important to choose a variety of pavers that will not only fulfill that purpose but effectively connect two areas. Work with your Authorized Contractor to establish how similar color tones, border and laying patterns and other design aspects might complement one another to produce a very stunning extension of the home.

Dirt and leaf stains can be a pain in the Spring and Fall months, especially when they leave stains on your pavers. Using a power washer on a low setting from a distance, as well as a stiff broom with gentle bristles can help in cleaning annoying stains. Avoid using wire brushes as these may damage the surface of your pavers.

It’s virtually impossible to avoid staining or minor spills at some point in your driveway’s lifespan, but there are ways to maintain your driveway when events like these occur. Efflorescence, for example, is a white powdery substance that will sometimes appear on the surface following the installation of a new driveway. Sometimes, a simple soap and water solution can make all the difference.

Additionally, the best solution to protecting your driveway is to seal it. Applying a sealant can aid in maintaining the stone's natural beauty by preventing algae growth, acid erosion, and salt damage, and is typically done every 3 to 5 years. Speak to your Authorized Contractor to determine the best sealing products to use for your paver selection. Note that some of our products come with EasyClean technology built into the paver, which is a special top coating that ensures efficient stain protection.