Serving Chester & Morris County
New asphalt, paver and concrete driveways, plus widening, Belgian block, repairs and sealcoating for Chester, NJ homes.
Three decades paving NJ properties
Fully licensed NJ contractor
Owner-led, hands-on projects
Written, no-obligation quotes
Chester, NJ
Quick answer
Old Irish Paving & Masonry installs, replaces, widens and repairs driveways in Chester, NJ, in asphalt, interlocking pavers, concrete and Belgian block. Every driveway is built on excavated, compacted stone base with drainage set away from your garage and home. Most asphalt driveways are completed in 1–2 days.
Long, sloped driveways are the norm in Chester. We crown and pitch them to shed water, add swales or culverts where runoff crosses the drive, and often recommend Belgian block edging to stop the asphalt edges from washing out.
Chester’s hilly, rocky terrain means steep driveways, ledge rock close to the surface and plenty of runoff, so grading, drainage and a heavy stone base are essential. That’s why every driveway we build starts with removing the old surface and soft soil, then installing and compacting a new stone base before a single inch of asphalt or paver goes down.
Key facts
Problems we solve
These are the issues we’re called about most in Chester and nearby Morris County: some are specific to local soils, terrain and housing, others are common across New Jersey.
What you seeRuts, gullies and exposed stone after heavy storms on long driveways.
Why it happensHillside runoff crossing or running down the drive with no swale or culvert.
How we fix itWe crown the drive, cut drainage swales, add culvert pipes where water crosses, and pave on a heavier base.
How to prevent itClear culverts and swales every spring and fall.
What you seeRock appears just below the surface when excavating for walls, patios or driveways.
Why it happensChester sits on rocky, glacially shaped ground with shallow bedrock in places.
How we fix itWe plan grades to work with the rock where possible and use proper equipment where removal is necessary, pricing it transparently.
How to prevent itAsk for rock clauses in any quote so there are no surprises.
What you seeA back yard too steep for a patio, play area or lawn.
Why it happensNatural hillside terrain.
How we fix itTerraced retaining walls in natural stone or block create level areas, with steps connecting each level.
How to prevent itDesign drainage behind every wall from day one.
What you seeCars park on the lawn, doors hit each other, or someone always has to move a car to get out.
Why it happensMany New Jersey driveways were built for one smaller car decades ago.
How we fix itWe widen with matching material on a full-depth base, add a parking pad or turnaround, and check your town’s limits on driveway width and curb cuts.
How to prevent itPlan for the cars you’ll own in ten years, not the ones you have today.
What you seeThe driveway has turned light gray, the stones are showing, and it feels rough underfoot.
Why it happensSun (UV), water and road salt oxidize the asphalt binder over time, making the surface brittle and porous.
How we fix itIf the surface is structurally sound, we fill cracks and sealcoat to restore color and protection. If the stone is coming loose (raveling), a 1.5–2″ overlay renews the surface.
How to prevent itSealcoat every 2–3 years starting 6–12 months after paving, and don’t over-seal yearly, which can cause peeling.
What you seeDips, waves or ruts in a paver driveway, patio or walk, often where cars turn or near downspouts.
Why it happensA base that was too thin, not compacted in lifts, or laid over soft clay without fabric, or too much bedding sand used to level a bad base.
How we fix itWe lift the pavers, remove the bedding and failed base, install and compact new stone in thin lifts (adding geotextile on clay), re-screed and reset the same pavers.
How to prevent itInsist on the right base depth for the use (about 6″ for patios, 8–12″ for driveways) and compaction in 2–3″ lifts.
Our process
Tom or a family member walks the property, measures, checks drainage and talks through materials and budget.
You get a clear, itemised quote covering excavation, base depth, materials, finish and clean-up. No pressure.
Our own crew excavates, builds the compacted base and installs the surface using quality materials.
We clean up, walk the finished job with you, explain aftercare and stand behind the work.
Isolated cracks, small potholes and faded asphalt are usually fixed with crack filling, patching and sealcoat. Widespread alligator cracking, sunken tire tracks, broken edges and standing water mean the base has failed, and replacement is the better value. We’ll walk the driveway with you and explain what we see.
Plan with confidence
Reviews
★★★★★
Wow! What an amazing paving & masonry company. This family-owned company is so knowledgeable and professional. The team gave our home such a clean and upgraded look.
— John Q., Google review
★★★★★
We just had our driveway and front walkway paved and outlined in Belgian block by Old Irish. The company handled the project with very good expertise and experience. The crew was hardworking and went the extra mile, ensuring we were satisfied with the project details from start to finish.
— James M., Google review
★★★★★
I met with the owner Thomas, who gave me ideas and choices for the look I was trying to envision. The crew tore up my old cracked concrete patio and sidewalk and installed gorgeous new pavers. They did the work promptly and professionally and cleaned up well after the jobsite.
— Dawn G., Google review
FAQ
Most asphalt driveways take 1–2 days. Paver driveways take about 3–7 days, and concrete takes 3–5 days plus about a week of curing.
Often yes. Many New Jersey towns, Chester included, regulate driveway width, curb cuts and work in the road right-of-way. We’ll confirm what’s needed.
Yes. Long and steep driveways are common in Chester. We grade and crown them for drainage, use a heavier compacted base and add swales, culverts or Belgian block edging where water would otherwise wash out the edges.
Yes. Belgian block curbing and aprons can be added to new or existing driveways.
You can, but it rarely looks or performs right next to asphalt or pavers, and many towns limit driveway width. A paved widening on a matching base is the lasting fix.
Well-built pavers and properly air-entrained concrete can last 30+ years, and asphalt 15–25 years. The base and drainage matter more than the surface.
Free, no-obligation quote
Tell us about your driveway, patio, steps or masonry project. Tom or a member of the family will call you back promptly to book a free on-site visit and a written quote.
Prefer to talk? (908) 992-2345
