Paver & Hardscape FAQs: Bluffton, Hilton Head & Savannah
Updated November 2026
Answers to the questions homeowners ask us most about paver patios, driveways, pool decks and outdoor living in the Lowcountry: costs, timelines, HOA approval, materials and care. American Paving Design has installed more than 6,000 projects since 2009, with in-house crews and a 2-year workmanship warranty on all of our work.
Cost, payments and planning
How much does a paver patio cost in Bluffton or Hilton Head? #
A paver patio in Bluffton, Hilton Head or Savannah costs $22 to $35 per square foot installed with concrete pavers, $28 to $45 with travertine and $35 to $45 with porcelain, depending on material. See our Hardscape Cost Guide for every project type.
How much does a paver driveway cost? #
A paver driveway costs $23 to $29 per square foot installed, depending on material. A permeable paver driveway costs $23 to $35 per square foot. Removing an old concrete or asphalt driveway typically adds $1 to $3 per square foot.
How much does a pool deck cost? #
A paver or travertine pool deck costs $25 to $45 per square foot installed, depending on material. Pool coping typically costs $30 to $45 per linear foot, depending on material.
Is there a price difference between paver colors? #
Yes. Concrete pavers are made with either gray or white cement. White cement allows lighter colors and more dramatic color blends, and choosing a premium color usually adds 8% to 10% to the cost of a project.
Do you offer financing? #
No. American Paving Design does not offer financing.
How do payments work? #
A deposit is due when you sign your contract, followed by progress payments as the work moves forward. Your contract spells out each payment before work starts.
Is there a minimum project size? #
Yes. Our minimum project size is 400 square feet, or 600 square feet in the Charleston area and Georgia.
What happens at the free estimate? #
We come to your home, measure the space, check the existing base and drainage, and walk you through materials, colors and patterns. You then get a design drawing and a fixed written price.
Can I see my design before it is built? #
Yes. We create 3D renderings so you can see your patio, pool deck or fire feature before a single paver is laid.
What decisions will I need to make? #
You will choose the design, the paver or stone style, the color or color blend, and the body and border patterns. You may also consider widening a driveway, curving a walkway or adding steps, seating walls or a fire feature. We walk you through every choice and recommend what fits your home and budget.
Scheduling and timelines
How long does a paver project take? #
Most patios and driveways take 4 to 7 working days, pool decks about 7 working days, walkways 3 to 7 days and fire pits about 2 days. Weather, soil conditions and removal of existing surfaces can add time.
How far out are you scheduling? #
As of November 2026, our schedule runs about 10 to 12 weeks out, depending on the project type. Contact us early to reserve your spot.
What is the best time of year to install pavers in the Lowcountry? #
Pavers can be installed year-round in the Lowcountry. Spring is our busiest season, so booking in the fall or winter is the best way to have your project finished before warm weather.
HOA, ARB and permits
Do I need HOA or ARB approval for pavers? #
In most gated and plantation communities in Bluffton and Hilton Head, yes. The architectural review board has to approve the design before work starts.
Will you handle the ARB application for me? #
In communities that allow contractors to submit, we can prepare and handle the ARB application for a small additional fee. Where only homeowners can submit, we provide the drawings and product information you need.
Do I need a permit for a paver project? #
It depends on the town, the county and the type of project. We will tell you at your estimate whether your project needs a permit.
About American Paving Design
How long has American Paving Design been in business? #
American Paving Design is a local, family-owned company that has served the Lowcountry since 2009 and installed more than 6,000 projects.
Is American Paving Design licensed, bonded and insured? #
Yes. American Paving Design is licensed, bonded and insured.
Do you use your own crews or subcontractors? #
We use our own in-house crews. Our team designs and installs your project from start to finish.
Are your installers certified? #
Yes. Our team includes ICPI-certified installers.
What warranty do you offer? #
All American Paving Design work is backed by our 2-year workmanship warranty.
Do you provide references? #
Yes. Many of our customers have given us permission to share them as references. Just ask, and we will provide them.
Where is American Paving Design located? #
Our office is at 49 Pennington Drive, Unit E, Bluffton, SC 29910 (Sheridan Park). Our mailing address is PO Box 217, Bluffton, SC 29910. We serve Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, Beaufort, Okatie, Ridgeland, Charleston and surrounding areas. See all service areas.
Pavers, materials and Lowcountry conditions
How do pavers compare with stamped or poured concrete? #
Pavers resist cracking and can be repaired one piece at a time, while stamped concrete is a single slab that cracks as the ground moves and needs expansion joints every 10 feet or so. Paver driveways cost $23 to $29 per square foot installed, depending on material. Pavers cost more up front than stamped concrete, but they are the better long-term value.
Should I choose concrete pavers, travertine or porcelain? #
Concrete pavers are the best value and come in the widest range of colors. Travertine stays cooler underfoot, which makes it popular around pools. Porcelain resists stains and suits modern homes and outdoor kitchens.
Do pavers get hot in the summer? #
Pavers absorb sun like any hard surface. Lighter colors and travertine stay noticeably cooler underfoot, so we often recommend them for pool decks and sunny patios.
Do pavers hold up to heavy rain and storms? #
Yes, when they are installed correctly. Pavers sit on a compacted stone base, and the joints let the surface flex and drain instead of cracking. We grade every project so water runs away from your home.
Can you match my existing pavers? #
Usually, yes. We can match the same paver or choose a border that ties new pavers into your existing patio, walkway or driveway.
Can pavers be laid over an existing concrete driveway or walkway? #
Yes, if the concrete is in good shape, using a thinner 30 mm paver on a thin bed of sand. This raises the surface about 1.2 inches, which matters at doorways, and the pavers will move if the slab moves. We usually recommend removing the concrete and installing full 60 mm pavers.
Are permeable pavers right for me? #
Permeable pavers let rainwater drain through the joints into a deeper stone base, which helps with standing water and stormwater rules. They cost more than standard pavers. Learn more about permeable pavers.
Does the color go all the way through a paver? #
Yes. Concrete pavers have pigment throughout.
Why are they called interlocking concrete pavers? #
It is the system, not the shape. When installed correctly, the pavers, bedding sand, edge restraint and joint sand lock together and work as one flexible pavement.
Why are pavers such a good choice for a driveway or patio? #
Concrete pavers have a minimum compressive strength of 8,000 psi, about three times stronger than typical poured concrete. The joints let the surface move without cracking, and pavers can be lifted and reset for repairs or utility access.
Care and maintenance
Should I seal my pavers? #
Sealing helps resist stains, can make mold and mildew easier to clean, and can enhance color. Sealer is a topical coating, so it needs to be reapplied every 2 to 3 years, and it does not extend the life of the pavers. Our clean and seal service is priced by project, since every surface is different.
What is polymeric sand? #
Polymeric sand is a joint sand mixed with binders that harden after watering. It locks pavers in place, resists washout from heavy rain, and helps keep weeds and ants out of the joints.
How do I keep weeds from growing between pavers? #
Weeds grow from seeds that blow into the joint sand. Polymeric sand keeps most weeds out. If a few appear, pull them or spot-treat them with a weed control product labeled safe for hardscapes. A professional clean and reseal also refreshes the joints.
How do I remove moss or mold from my pavers? #
Use a cleaner made for pavers and follow the label, and protect nearby plants. Moss and mold come back in shady, damp spots, so improving drainage or sunlight is the long-term fix. Our clean and seal service removes buildup and helps protect the surface.
How do I remove grease and oil stains? #
Use a degreaser made for concrete pavers, such as products from Techni-Seal or SureBond. Clean the whole surface and let it dry completely before sealing to help prevent future stains.
What is the white haze on some pavers? #
That is efflorescence, natural mineral salts that rise to the surface as moisture evaporates. It is not a defect and usually fades within 6 months to a year. Paver-safe efflorescence cleaners can remove it sooner. Never use muriatic acid on pavers.
What if a paver gets stained or damaged? #
One advantage of pavers is that a single paver can be lifted out and replaced without redoing the whole surface. Call us and we can replace it for you.
Still have a question?
Call (843) 706-7283 or request a free estimate. You can also read our Hardscape Cost Guide or our paver blog.