Get matched with top paving pros in Elk Rapids, MI

Whether you decide to DIY paver installation or want to hire a pro, it’s smart to understand the process. First, you’ll need to prepare the area by clearing away grass and dirt. Next, you’ll add the paver base of gravel and sand before laying the pavers on top. You may need to cut pavers to fit your space or the landscaping design and add edging stones.

The best way to stop your pavers from sinking is to ensure you've properly compacted the base layers. Use your paver compactor and work over the base layer several times to create the hardest possible base. If the soil and sand of your base are compact, you’ll experience less shifting and sinking.

The material that’s best for your private road depends on your property, the climate in your area, and your personal preferences. Gravel is an affordable option, but some homeowners don’t like how it looks. It can be a pain to remove snow from, and it requires more ongoing maintenance than asphalt or concrete. However, while these other options require less maintenance and make snow removal a breeze, they’re more expensive and will need repairs from time to time. Ultimately, you’ll have to choose the road material that suits you and your property best.

There’s no single best asphalt grade—it all comes down to where and how it’s used. Highways and heavy-traffic roads need something tough, like polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) or Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA). Local roads and parking lots rely on the Performance Graded (PG) system, chosen based on climate. A PG 64-28 mix, for example, handles a broad temperature range while simpler, more cost-effective mixes are typically enough for residential driveways. The best grade of asphalt depends on traffic, weather, and your budget, which is why a professional’s input is always a smart move before making a decision.