Premium Pavers for patios, driveways, and walkways — durable, easy to repair, and built for the way you actually use your outdoor space.
Paver installation is the process of laying individual concrete, brick, or natural stone units over a prepared base to create a patio, driveway, walkway, or other outdoor surface.
Unlike a poured concrete slab, pavers interlock without mortar in most residential applications, which means they flex slightly with ground movement instead of cracking, and individual pavers can be lifted and replaced if one gets damaged.
GC Concrete & Designs installs paver patios, driveways, and walkways across Greenville and the Upstate with 25+ years experience.
Where we install pavers
- Patios — The most popular paver application, with the widest range of pattern and color options for outdoor living spaces.
- Driveways — Pavers handle vehicle weight well when installed over a properly compacted base, and offer a distinctive look plain concrete can't match.
- Walkways and pathways — A natural fit for connecting spaces around your property with a defined, attractive surface.
- Pool decks — Textured pavers provide better slip resistance around water than smooth concrete.
- Fire pit and outdoor living areas — Pavers pair naturally with retaining walls, seat walls, and other hardscape features.
Paver materials and patterns
Concrete pavers — The most common and cost-effective option, available in a wide range of colors, textures, and shapes.
Brick pavers — A classic, traditional look, often used for walkways and porches.
Natural stone pavers — Flagstone, travertine, or bluestone for a premium, one-of-a-kind surface.
Permeable pavers — Designed with gaps that let water drain through to the ground below, reducing runoff — a good option for driveways and areas with drainage concerns.
Common laying patterns include running bond, herringbone, basketweave, and random/ashlar patterns, and most projects are finished with a border course to frame the design.
Pavers vs. Stamped Concrete
Both give you an upscale look for less than natural stone, but they behave differently:
Repairability: A damaged paver can be individually lifted and replaced. A crack in stamped concrete typically requires patching or a full section repair.
Ground movement: Pavers flex with minor ground shifting since they’re not a single rigid slab, which can make them more forgiving on soil that moves seasonally. Stamped concrete is a solid pour and can crack if the ground beneath it shifts.
Installation time: Stamped concrete generally installs faster since it’s a single pour. Paver installation takes more time due to base prep and individual placement.
Upfront cost: Stamped concrete is often less expensive upfront; paver cost varies more depending on material choice, from cost-competitive concrete pavers to premium natural stone.
Maintenance: Pavers may need occasional joint sand replenishment and are prone to minor weed growth between units unless polymeric sand is used. Stamped concrete needs periodic resealing but no joint maintenance.
Not sure which is right for your project? We install both and can walk through the tradeoffs for your specific space during a free estimate. See our stamped concrete page for more on that option.
Our Paver Installation Process
- Design consultation — We review your space and help you choose material, pattern, and color.
- Excavation and base prep — The area is excavated to proper depth, and a compacted gravel base is installed — this step determines how long your pavers will last and stay level.
- Sand setting bed — A leveled layer of bedding sand goes down as the surface pavers rest on.
- Paver installation — Pavers are laid in the chosen pattern, cut to fit edges and curves as needed.
- Joint sand and compaction — Polymeric sand is swept into the joints and compacted to lock everything in place.
- Final walkthrough — We review the finished surface with you and go over care and maintenance.
Caring for your paver surface
- Rinse and sweep regularly to keep joint sand and surface clean
- Reapply polymeric sand to joints every few years as needed
- Apply a paver sealer periodically to enhance color and reduce staining and weed growth
- Address any settling or shifted pavers early — individual units can be reset without redoing the whole surface
Why Homeowners Trust GC Concrete & Designs
- 25 years of experience serving Greenville and the Upstate
- Licensed and insured in South Carolina
- Free Estimates with no obligation
- Family-owned, hands-on ownership with no obligation
- Se habla español
Paver Installation FAQs
How much does paver installation cost in Greenville, SC?
Cost depends on square footage, material choice, and pattern complexity — concrete pavers are generally the most affordable, while natural stone runs higher. We provide a free on-site estimate for your specific project.
How long do pavers last?
Properly installed pavers on a well-compacted base can last 25–30 years or more. The base preparation is the single biggest factor in paver longevity — a rushed or shallow base is the most common cause of early settling or shifting.
Are pavers better than concrete for a driveway?
Pavers and concrete each have advantages. Pavers are individually repairable and tend to flex with minor ground movement, while poured concrete (including stamped concrete) installs faster and often costs less upfront. The better choice depends on your budget, soil conditions, and design goals.
Do weeds grow between pavers?
Weeds can grow in paver joints if sand isn’t properly maintained, but polymeric sand — which hardens after installation — significantly reduces this. Periodic sealing and joint sand touch-ups keep weed growth to a minimum.
Can pavers be installed over an existing concrete slab?
In some cases, yes, if the existing slab is in good structural condition and can be used as a base. In most cases, we recommend proper excavation and base preparation for the best long-term results, which we’ll assess during your estimate.
What's the difference between permeable and standard pavers?
Permeable pavers have gaps designed to let water drain through to the base below, reducing runoff — useful for driveways or areas with drainage concerns. Standard pavers are set tightly with joint sand and don’t allow water through the same way.
Ready to plan your paver patio or driveway?
Call for a free estimate and expert guidance on material and design options for your space.
