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Yes, interlocking pavers need sand both as a base and as a finishing touch to fill any gaps. Sand helps keep your pavers in place to avoid shifting, especially for areas with high foot or vehicle traffic. It also helps prevent water buildup by providing a channel for water drainage.

The best time to install permeable pavers is during mild, dry weather, usually during spring or early fall. Installing during extreme heat or heavy rain can increase the chance of problems, like poor compaction, shifting, or drainage issues. You should also avoid winter installations in areas where the ground freezes, since frozen soil can prevent proper excavation and base prep. 

Concrete is often the default material for a driveway apron, and many local building codes may require this. If you’re not restricted to concrete, however, you can consider alternative driveway apron ideas, such as asphalt, pavers, or gravel. You can also stamp the concrete for an interesting texture, add color to the concrete for a little extra character, or add a swirled trowel finish to your concrete driveway apron.

Gravel is one of the few driveway materials that can handle rain the second it’s installed. Unlike asphalt, which needs days to set, or concrete, which requires weeks to cure, gravel is ready as soon as it’s compacted. It’s naturally permeable, allowing water to drain straight through—with no risk of pooling or surface damage. Gravel driveways are one of the most affordable, at $1 to $3 per square foot, and can also last upward of 100 years.