New Jersey paving & masonry contractor
Paver driveways, patios, walkways and pool surrounds with the engineered base and edge restraint that keep pavers flat and tight for decades.
Three decades paving NJ properties
Fully licensed NJ contractor
Owner-led, hands-on projects
Written, no-obligation quotes
Overview
Quick answer
Interlocking pavers are individual concrete or stone units laid over a compacted gravel base and bedding sand, locked together by edge restraints and jointing sand. Old Irish Paving & Masonry installs paver driveways, patios, walkways and pool decks across New Jersey, excavating deep enough and compacting in lifts so the pavers don’t sink, shift or heave.
Pavers give you more design freedom than any other paving surface: colors, textures, sizes, borders, inlays and patterns like herringbone, basketweave and running bond. They’re also very strong. Because each unit can move slightly, interlocking pavers handle New Jersey’s freeze-thaw cycles without cracking the way a slab can, and individual units can be lifted and replaced if they’re ever damaged.
What separates a paver job that looks great for 25 years from one that sinks in two is the work underneath: excavation depth, base material, compaction and edge restraint.
Key facts
Problems we solve
Most calls we get start with a problem, not a project. Here are the issues New Jersey homeowners and property managers bring to us most often, what causes them, and how we fix them for good.
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.
What you seeGrass and weeds sprouting between pavers, sand piles from ants, and joints washing out.
Why it happensPlain sand in the joints, joints that were never fully filled, or polymeric sand that has worn away.
How we fix itWe clean out the joints, let them dry, sweep in fresh polymeric sand, compact and mist it so it hardens and locks the pavers.
How to prevent itKeep joints topped up, sweep debris off, and consider sealing every few years.
What you seeGaps opening up between pavers, borders drifting into the lawn, cut pieces loosening.
Why it happensMissing or failed edge restraint. Without it, traffic pushes the paver field outward.
How we fix itWe reset the border on a compacted base and install a proper concrete or spiked edge restraint, then re-tighten and re-sand the field.
How to prevent itEdge restraint is non-negotiable on every paver job. Ask how it will be installed.
What you seeChalky white film (efflorescence), oil spots, rust marks or dull color.
Why it happensEfflorescence is natural salts migrating out of concrete pavers. Oil and rust come from cars, fertilizer and furniture, and UV fades color over time.
How we fix itWe clean with the correct product for each stain, then optionally apply a sealer to enhance color and make future cleaning easier.
How to prevent itWipe up oil quickly, keep fertilizer off pavers, and seal if you want a richer, easier-to-clean surface.
What you seeSections of pavers have lifted, often near the house or where water collects.
Why it happensWater in a poorly draining base freezing and expanding. Frost-susceptible soils make it worse.
How we fix itWe rebuild the base with free-draining stone, correct the pitch and address the water source (downspouts, grading).
How to prevent itProper base material and drainage prevent heaving. This is the most important detail on any paver job.
A paver driveway is one of the best upgrades for curb appeal. For driveways we build a deeper base, use vehicle-rated pavers, and choose patterns like herringbone that resist shifting under turning tires. Popular combinations include a paver border around asphalt, paver aprons, and Belgian block curbs. Compare options in asphalt vs. concrete vs. pavers.
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.
Sunken areas, weeds in the joints, loose borders or faded color? We lift and reset settled sections on a rebuilt base, replace broken units, re-sand with polymeric sand, and can clean and seal pavers to bring back their color. See patio repair.
Plan with confidence
| Season | What to do |
|---|---|
| Spring | Sweep, check for heaving and refill joints. |
| Summer | Clean stains and seal if desired. |
| Fall | Blow off leaves so they don't stain, and check edges. |
| Winter | Plow with a rubber edge. Rock salt is fine on most pavers, but avoid ammonium-based products. |
Reviews
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
Last month they did my backyard stoop, patio and walkway, and added a french drain to a sump pit in the yard. They did an amazing job! I highly recommend them for any paving and masonry work. Tom and crew are a pleasure to deal with.
— Bill P., Google review
FAQ
Pavers cost more upfront but handle freeze-thaw and road salt better than slab concrete. Cracks don’t spread, and damaged units can be replaced individually. Concrete is smoother and costs less, but repairs are more visible.
Almost always because of inadequate excavation, poor compaction or missing edge restraint. A thin base over clay soil will settle under weight and water.
Use polymeric sand in the joints, keep it topped up, and sweep debris off the surface. We re-sand older installations as part of restoration.
Sealing is optional. It enhances color and makes stains easier to clean, and is usually reapplied every few years.
Yes. Use a plow with a rubber or poly edge and set it slightly above the surface. Pavers tolerate salt and ice melt well.
Usually a thin or poorly compacted base, or water undermining it. The fix is to lift the pavers, rebuild the base in compacted lifts and reset them.
Usually, yes. Sound pavers are lifted, cleaned and reset on the rebuilt base.
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
