Concrete Pavers Guide

One material you could use to build your driveway from is cobblestone or cobblestone pavers. A cobblestone driveway is very strong, as it will even outlast concrete pavers. With this functional strength comes a certain charm due to the ‘natural’ quality of the material. Cobblestone driveways are thus a great balance between beauty and strength, form and function, and value and durability and can be used residentially or commercially.

Cobblestone can really be shorthand for many different block types and materials, like sandstone and limestone, but the most common is granite cobblestone. As such it is an incredibly hard and dense material and thus perfect for a driveway that will be driven and parked on.

The benefits of cobblestone driveways are many. First, you have many design options due to the different types of stone shapes, sizes, and colors available. Second, this material is very strong, and can handle the effects of vehicular traffic, weather, and abuse alike. Third, it requires little maintenance compared to other options, and it will drain water easily compared to solid slabs. Cobblestone resists stains as well.

Another advantage is aesthetic. Cobblestones have been used for many years and centuries to pave streets and other hardscape projects. Thus, they carry an ‘old world feel’ with them that cannot be matched by other materials. However, note that you will pay for this old world feel, as it can be difficult to obtain cobblestone pavers in quantity, much less for a cheap price.

If you don’t want to install an entire cobblestone driveway, perhaps due to the high costs involved, you could use the material as an apron and use some other material, like asphalt, for the rest of the driveway. You’ll thus combine the class of cobblestone with the easy and ubiquity of asphalt. Another use for ‘Belgian block’ (another name for cobblestone) is for driveway edging, or for any other kind of edging. Consider also the benefits of creating cobblestone walkways, patios, and garden installations and edgings.

Cobblestone Driveway Installation

Laying cobblestones is not difficult and can be accomplished by a willing and able homeowner, but many will want a contractor to do the work. Working with cobblestones is very similar to the process used to lay concrete pavers and other hardscape materials. First, the original driveway must be removed and the area excavated to a depth of 9 to 12″ or more. A good, solid base of around 9″ of aggregate, or gravel, should be filled in, minding of course the grade (slope) to allow proper water flow. This surface is then compacted. Spend a lot of time on the base – the better it is installed, the better the final product. Make it as thick as you need for the traffic you expect – thicker usually translates into strong, so you should be at least 9 to 12″, if not more. After it is complete, a layer of fine sand is used to create the bed. The cobblestone driveway pavers are then laid in the desired pattern and form – make sure the cobblestone pavers lay close to each other. When the entire surface is laid, fill in the gaps between the pavers with more sand, using a broom to sweep in the material. You will have to repeat this step over the next few days as the surface settles. This will ensure that the structure holds together well. In between each ‘set,’ wet the driveway to allow the sand to compact and bind together. You may also want to use a plate compactor to ensure that the project holds together well.

Cobblestone Driveway Cost

As with other hardscaping options, you’ll increase the value of your home when you install a new cobblestone driveway. This will somewhat offset the overall price you’ll have to pay for the project over its lifetime. However, cobblestone is still expensive for two reasons. First, cobblestone is a natural material, and natural materials usually cost more than concrete and other manufactured varieties. Second, installing these cobblestones by hand is a time-consuming process. Expect to pay around $10 to $60 or more per square foot, depending on many factors which have been detailed elsewhere on this site.

Note: if you install them yourself, you’ll save good money on the labor costs you’d have to pay if you hired someone to do the work. Shop around to find the cobblestone that meets your design and color requirements, as well as stone that will fit in your budget. There are many different types of stone that fit under the ‘cobblestone’ label, so find the one that best balances cost, looks, and function.