The key to having pavers look good for many years is the sand. Make sure that every year or two you get a few big bags of the "paver sand" and sweep it all over allowing it to fill the spaces between bricks. I've done this on a paver walkway and patio for about 15 years now and it still looks good as new. It'll definitely keep the pavers form sinking or becoming uneven.

All that said, I'd never want a paver driveway anywhere where it snows.......Stamped concrete either. I can just see it becoming a PITA to shovel, and will probably end up filled with ice.

Just my $.02

 

man, I just spent alot of time answering this and was logged in, obviously to get there to reply, then when I posted the message came back, something Vlog or whatever and said I was NOT logged in, so I did and of course my whole post went away GRRRRRRRR.

I am installing my paver drive beginning today, the parking pad and sidewalk was done last year, and absolutely no issues, hard surface, and was easy to shovel.

Call me if you want FP, as I did ALOT of research before I did this, but for the northern climes this is the probably best way to go. Mark

 

This raises the issue that I have with my paver's, snow, my driveway takes a long time to clear itself of a thin layer of snow even when I have used the snow blower. The reason is that it always remains cooler than asphalt driveways because it does not absorb the heat like the black surface does. Other peoples driveways will be clear and damp and mine will be still covered in snow.
I can see concrete being similar to paver's in this respect.

 

that part is true 180. I can get the sidewalk cleaned easier, but there remains a small thin layer of snow. The asphalt will melt faster. since I face north, and on a slight slope, that may be an issue with the pavers, but i guess we'll find out.

 

Properly done in the cicago area concrete would be the best way to go for ease of maintainence. Stamping would create some snon removal issues but pavers on tha alluvial clay would not be stable and therefore worse.

Either would be best done with no less tha 6 inches of free draining base (# 3 clean or better) overlayed with 2-4 inches of 1" with fines. All compacted.
The base is the most important aspect of the job. Prperly intalled pavers or Concrete would be fine.

As for snow removal, the pavers allow for draining and they create a rougher surface so removal of all the snow isn't required. Any salt or chemical melt will go into the gravel base and be nuetralized.
Stamped concrete will have fewer weed and other maintainance chores.

Pavers are less expensive only if you do the labor. You also will have the ability to change your mind and redesign or add pavement later if yor wife suggests a change. What are the odds of that?

If you do pavers be sure to use #6. The #4, which are patio pavers (Lowes and Home Depot style), cannot hold up under a heavy vehicle.

But your Crossie and your mini would be fine.

As a H&G weekend warrior I've done my share of both although stamped concrete should only be done by someone who has experience. Not for the beginer. I prefer pavers for the architectural possibilities and the flexibility of change and additions. But in your area, I would go with Stamped concrete.

Don't go cheap cause I'm sure you aren't flipping the house. Properly installed, stamped concrete with a good stain or dye job will look awesome for 20 years.


roadster with a stick

 

Thanks guys for your feedback. I really appreciate it.

 

FP,

One more note, which doesn't help you make up your mind at all, it envolves the difference between the durability of the pavers vrs the Stamped Concrete.

Pavers do tend to stand up better over time. That is because of the difference in the way they are made vrs a poured concrete slab.

Pavers are formed under compression (as much as 3,000 lbs) in a hard mold. And then kiln cured. They can generaly withsatnd 3,000 lbs of pressure per square inch without fracture. A four inch concrete pour cannot.

Also the compression forces the materials closer together. This helps prevent spaulling, a common issue with poured concrete. And it is something that melt chemicals and salt will accelerate.

Something to consider, given the Chicago climate.