[teetimer]

We are throwing around the idea of having the driveway done. I have started some research on the benefits of a paver driveway vs. the textured painted driveways. I really like the designs and look of the textured. Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations as to which one holds up better and what are the pros and cons of each and maybe could steer me in the right direction for best company's for this type of work?

[Dayzee]

Our driveway project was just completed so I can't refer to the durability yet, but I can share our thought process in making the decision to go with Custom Ram Design and the 'sprayed on' colored cement application that they use.

Like you, we were considering pavers. Several of our friends and neighbors have pavers. Some like them, some have had problems with breakage. Because of the possibility of cracking and the raised lip that pavers create at the edge of the garage door, we opted for the cement application. Pricing was very close.

There are probably several companies in the area that do this type of work, I highly recommend Custom Ram Design. Carlos (owner & artist) is very talented. The entire crew had excellent work ethic - very nice young men to work with.

Several people on TOTV will tell you not to pay up front for any services you have done. For the most part I agree, but for this project we did make installments along the way. Ram Design asks for a percentage up front to get you on the calendar. Then, you pay a percentage when Carlos meets with you to 'design' your driveway project. Another percentage is paid when the work begins and the balance is paid upon completion. We had no problem with this because Custom Ram Design is a well established company.

If you would like to see the work we just had done, PM me and I will send you the address.

[Jan Hickerson]

Wondered if you were still happy with your driveway design work. Any problem with it cracking as the driveway "settles"?

[Cincinnatus]

I have had pavers at two locations.... Never again.
I much prefer well done textured, colored concrete instillation
To me the choice is easy...concrete.
Good luck with your project.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by Cincinnatus

I have had pavers at two locations.... Never again.
I much prefer well done textured, colored concrete instillation
To me the choice is easy...concrete.
Good luck with your project.

We too have pavers NEVER EVER AGAIN - ours looked beautiful for several years and then they started to deteriorate, crack and move and we cannot find anyone who wants to be bothered repairing the damage. There is a good possibility that we will have to pay someone to come and take them out of here!

[casita37]

Lots of pavers in our neighborhood look great....all fairly new, however, there is one house where the pavers are a disgrace. Different colors throughout (not by design). Some look wet, other look faded. Breaks my heart for those people everytime I drive by. I would hate it!!

We are having our lanai done in faux stone concrete this week. If we like it as much as I hope, then we'll do the driveway. We are using Artisti-Crete. The reason we chose them is they did the original stain job for the original owner about 8 years ago, and it still looks good, just not to our taste.

[Jim 9922]

Pavers on a concrete base is an improper application and will result in cracking and deterioration. Besides they really aren't "pavers" but are veneer "bricks". Also the fact that they usually create a one or 2 inch lip at the garage door makes me worry about drainage of water around the garage entrance area. Where does the water go when rain beats against the garage door now that your bricks are an inch or two above your garage floor???
True pavers are 3-4 inches thick and should be laid in a thick bed of sand for proper drainage, load weight dispersal, and shifting .