Paver Driveways in Bluffton & Hilton Head

What are the benefits of concrete driveway pavers?

• Durability: Concrete pavers are known for their exceptional strength and resilience, making them highly durable for withstanding heavy loads, vehicle traffic, and harsh weather conditions. Unlike traditional poured concrete driveways, pavers can flex with the natural movement of the ground, reducing the risk of cracking and shifting over time.

• Versatility in Design: Concrete pavers come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, allowing for endless design possibilities. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern aesthetic or a more rustic and traditional look, concrete pavers can be arranged in intricate patterns and combinations to create a unique and customized driveway that complements your home's style.

• Low Maintenance: Concrete paver driveways require minimal maintenance compared to other driveway materials. Routine cleaning with soap and water or a pressure washer can help keep pavers looking fresh and vibrant. In the event of damage or staining, individual pavers can be easily replaced without the need for extensive repair work, saving you time and money in the long run.

Different types of paver driveways

American Paving Design installs various types of residential and commercial driveway pavers. Here are our most popular pavers chosen by our clients:

• Concrete Driveway Pavers

• Permeable Driveway Pavers

• Residential Brick Driveway Pavers

• Large Slab Paver Driveways

• Cobblestone Paver Driveways

Common paver driveway questions

Why should I consider American Paving Design for my driveway pavers
American Paving Design has built paver driveways for homeowners and businesses across the Lowcountry since 2009. Our ICPI-certified team designs, installs and maintains your hardscape, we have over 200 five-star Google reviews, and every driveway is backed by our 2-year workmanship warranty.

How do I know which concrete driveway paver is right for my home
Our company installs a wide range of manufacturers, giving our clients the best options on the market. These companies include; Techo-Bloc, Unilock, Low Country Paver, Belgard and more. With a large array of colors, textures and sizes at your fingertips, our sales team will help ensure we are installing the best product that fits all your paver objectives.

What is the main benefit of using pavers for my driveway
Concrete driveway pavers are highly durable and require very minimal maintenance to keep looking as fresh as the day they were installed. Unlike poured concrete, residential paver driveways enhance your curb appeal with their ability to come in different sizes, textures and colors.

How long do paver driveways last?

The longevity of paver driveways largely depends on factors such as the quality of materials used, proper installation, climate conditions, and maintenance. However, a well-installed and maintained paver driveway can typically last anywhere from 20 to 30 years or even longer.

Concrete pavers are built for heavy vehicle traffic and the Lowcountry climate. They hold up to summer heat and humidity, heavy coastal storms, sandy soil and shifting from live oak roots without cracking the way a poured concrete slab does. The interlocking joints spread each vehicle’s weight across the stone base, and if a section ever settles, we can lift and reset those pavers instead of replacing the whole driveway.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning debris, sealing pavers, and addressing any minor repairs promptly, can significantly extend the lifespan of a paver driveway. By investing in high-quality materials, professional installation, and ongoing care, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful and functional driveway for decades to come.

Permeable paver driveways: stylish and eco-friendly

Permeable pavers are a type of paving material designed to allow water to infiltrate through the surface and into the ground below. These pavers are typically made with larger gaps or voids between them, allowing rainwater to pass through rather than running off into storm drains. The permeable design helps to reduce stormwater runoff, prevent erosion, and replenish groundwater supplies. Additionally, permeable pavers can help mitigate flooding and reduce pollution by filtering out contaminants as water percolates through the ground. Overall, they offer an environmentally friendly solution for paving driveways, walkways, patios, and other outdoor spaces.

Selecting a certified paver driveway contractor

A paver driveway is only as good as what's underneath it, so who installs it matters as much as which paver you pick. Here's why Lowcountry homeowners choose American Paving Design:

1. Building driveways since 2009. We've designed and installed paver driveways in Bluffton, Hilton Head and the surrounding Lowcountry since 2009.

2. ICPI-certified installers. Our team holds Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) certification, the industry standard for paver installation.

3. Over 200 five-star Google reviews. Homeowners consistently mention our communication, clean job sites and finished results.

4. Built for Lowcountry conditions. Every driveway gets a 6 to 8 inch compacted stone base, full-thickness 60 mm pavers and polymeric sand joints, so it holds up to heavy rain, sandy soil and live oak roots.

5. 2-year workmanship warranty. Our installation is backed by a 2-year workmanship warranty, on top of the manufacturer's warranty on the pavers themselves.

6. One team from start to finish. Design, demolition, installation and cleanup are all handled by the American Paving Design team.

Paver vs. concrete vs. asphalt driveways

Here's how the three most common driveway materials compare in the Lowcountry:

Paver driveway: $19 to $25 per sq ft installed. Flexes with ground movement instead of cracking, individual pavers can be lifted and replaced if an area settles or a utility line needs work, and you can choose from dozens of colors, patterns and borders. Highest upfront cost, lowest repair cost over time.

Poured concrete driveway: $10 to $15 per sq ft. Lower upfront cost, but slabs crack as the ground settles and tree roots grow, and repairs leave patches that don't match.

Asphalt driveway: $6 to $12 per sq ft. Lowest upfront cost, but it softens in summer heat, needs resealing every 3 to 5 years and typically lasts 15 to 20 years.

How we build your paver driveway

1. Design and estimate. We measure your driveway, help you choose the paver, pattern and border, and give you a written estimate.

2. Remove the old driveway. We tear out your existing concrete or asphalt and haul it away. We don't lay driveway pavers over old concrete, because the slab underneath keeps cracking and shifting and takes the pavers with it.

3. Excavate and grade. We dig out the soil and set the grade so water drains away from your home and garage.

4. Build the base. We install 6 to 8 inches of crushed stone and compact it in layers. This is the step that keeps a driveway from sinking or rutting.

5. Install edge restraints. Edging along the borders locks the pavers in place so the driveway can't spread under vehicle traffic.

6. Lay the pavers. Full-thickness 60 mm pavers are set on a level bedding layer in your chosen pattern, with borders cut to fit.

7. Compact and lock the joints. The surface is compacted and the joints are filled with polymeric sand, which hardens to resist weeds, ants and washout.

8. Clean up and walk-through. We clean the site, walk the finished driveway with you and explain how to care for it.

Most driveways are finished in 2 to 7 working days, depending on size and demolition.

What affects the cost of a paver driveway?

Most paver driveways in Bluffton and Hilton Head fall between $19 and $25 per square foot installed. Where your project lands in that range depends on:

• The paver you choose: standard concrete pavers cost less than clay brick, large-format slabs or premium brands.

• Pattern and borders: herringbone, cobblestone patterns, contrasting borders and inlays take more cutting and labor.

• Removing your old driveway: tearing out and hauling away concrete or asphalt typically adds $1 to $3 per square foot.

• Site conditions: drainage work, regrading, or extra base for soft or low-lying soil.

• Size and shape: curves, circles and tight access take more time than a straight rectangle.

Driveway extensions, circular driveways and concrete-to-paver conversions

Replacing a cracked concrete driveway with pavers is our most common driveway project, but we also build:

• Driveway extensions and widening for extra parking, a wider apron or room for a golf cart

• Circular driveways and turnarounds

• Matching walkways and entries, so your front walk, steps and driveway tie together

• Permeable paver driveways for lots with drainage problems. Learn how permeable driveways work.

Paver driveways in Hilton Head and Bluffton communities

Most of our driveways are built in the Lowcountry's gated and plantation communities, where an architectural review board (ARB) has to approve the design before work starts. In communities that allow contractors to submit, we can prepare and handle the ARB application for you for a small additional fee. Some communities only accept submissions from the homeowner, and in those we provide the design and product information you'll need to apply.

Hilton Head Island: Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard, Wexford, Long Cove, Port Royal Plantation, Hilton Head Plantation, Indigo Run, Palmetto Hall, Windmill Harbour and Spanish Wells

Bluffton: Palmetto Bluff, Belfair, Colleton River, Berkeley Hall, Moss Creek, Hampton Hall, Hampton Lake, Sun City, Westbury and Old Town

Beaufort and the Sea Islands: Dataw, Callawassie and Fripp Islands, Lady's Island and Port Royal

See all of our service areas.

Meet the owner

American Paving Design is owned by Tim Niemiec, who has been installing pavers since 2006. Since 2009, the company has completed more than 6,000 paver projects across the Lowcountry, from single driveways to full outdoor living spaces.

What our driveway customers say

"American Paving Design did a great job on our new driveway from sales to clean up! They came highly recommended by many of our neighbors, so our expectations were high. Every employee that we spoke to was super helpful and made us feel very comfortable with the whole process from design to installation." Jessica V., Google review

"American Paving Design was amazing from start to finish on our driveway and entryway project! We could not be happier with the beautiful look it has given our home." Nancy H., Google review

"Our new driveway turned out outstanding and we will enjoy it for many years to come! Highly recommended company if you need a new driveway or patio!" Michael F., Google review

Common paver patterns used on driveways

Common paver patterns used for driveways offer a variety of aesthetic and functional options, allowing homeowners to enhance their curb appeal while ensuring durability. Here are some popular patterns:

• Herringbone Pattern: This classic design features rectangular pavers laid in a zigzag formation, creating a visually striking and stable surface. It is particularly effective for heavy traffic areas due to its interlocking nature.

• Basketweave Pattern: This intricate pattern alternates between vertical and horizontal pairs of pavers, resembling a woven basket. It adds texture and a vintage charm to the driveway.

• Running Bond Pattern: One of the simplest and most popular designs, the running bond pattern consists of pavers laid in rows, with each paver offset halfway from the one below it. This creates a clean, linear look that complements various architectural styles.

• Stack Bond Pattern: In this pattern, pavers are stacked directly on top of each other in a grid-like formation. This straightforward layout is easy to install and maintain, providing a modern appearance.

• Random Ashlar Pattern: This design mimics the irregular layout of natural stone, using pavers of varying shapes and sizes to create an organic look. It adds character and a rustic feel to the driveway.

• Fan Pattern: Pavers arranged in a fan shape create a contemporary and dynamic design, enhancing the visual flow of the driveway.

These patterns not only contribute to the driveway's aesthetic but also ensure longevity and resilience against wear and tear, making them a practical choice for homeowners.