The best paver projects are the ones hidden in plain sight. Snow and ice removal using shovels or snowplow blades can cause wear and tear on your driveway over time. Homeowners who live in areas prone to heavy snowfall are seeking innovative solutions to clearing snow and ice from their driveways that won’t break the bank, or their backs. Installing a heated driveway system may seem like a lavish expense, but when you consider the long-term benefits, you’ll be ditching the shovel and jumping into this cost-effective trend.

There are two distinct types of heated driveway systems on the market: electric and hydronic. Electric systems are installed by laying out heating cables on the bedding layer of a driveway, and can be plugged directly into a power source. Electric systems tend to last longer and are less expensive than hydronic systems and can heat your driveway very fast.

Hydronic systems involve placing a closed system of plastic tubing beneath the driveway. A combination of water and antifreeze is used to fill the plastic tubing, and may be considered a more eco-friendly alternative that won’t drain additional power.

Both systems offer a wide array of advantages, without sacrificing the surface-level beauty of your dream project. Heated driveway systems are an additional installation cost, but homeowners will breathe a sigh of relief having eliminated the risk of slips, trips and falls from walking up an icy driveway. Unilock does not manufacture heated driveway systems, so if you are considering one for your driveway project, speak with a professional landscape contractor.

As you can see from the above project, installing a heated driveway system shouldn’t compromise style or function in the process. The rounded surface of Unilock Courtstone is modeled after the timeworn, old-world look of historic European cobblestones.

An inset band of Unilock Copthorne encompasses the outer row of Courtstone in a contrasting color that helps define the edges and gives the project a look of classical beauty and charm. This border combination lends continuity when carried through to the front walkway and entrance where larger-scale Bristol Valley Steel Mountain pavers were used for the main field. If you are thinking about a driveway project here are tips to consider.