Paver Patios, Driveways & Hardscape
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Paver Contractor in the Bay Area
Pavers last when the ground under them is built right. We excavate to firm soil, install and compact a crushed-rock base in lifts, set edge restraints, screed bedding sand, lay the pavers and compact and sand-fill the joints. That base work is what keeps a patio or driveway flat through wet winters and Bay Area clay soils.
We install paver patios, driveways, walkways and side yards, pool decks, steps and seat walls, and permeable paver systems. Large-format slabs, classic interlocking pavers, natural stone and contrasting border courses are all options.
Paver Projects We Built
Permeable Pavers and Drainage
Permeable pavers let rain soak into an open-graded rock base instead of running off to the street. They are a good fit for driveways and patios where drainage is a problem, and they help on larger projects where cities apply stormwater rules. Under the Bay Area’s regional stormwater permit, cities require low-impact design measures on projects that create or replace larger areas of impervious surface. Permeable paving is one way to meet those requirements.
On every hardscape job we plan slopes away from the house, and add drains, channel drains or dry wells where water collects.
Local Rules for Driveways and Patios
- Driveway approaches and any work on the sidewalk or curb need an encroachment permit from your city.
- Front yard paving limits: many cities limit how much of the front setback can be paved and require some landscaping to remain. We check your city’s zoning before design.
- Protected trees: digging inside the root zone of a protected tree can require a tree permit and an arborist report in cities like Palo Alto, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino, Lafayette and Orinda.
- Raised patios and steps may trigger guard and stair requirements in the building code.
Areas We Serve for Pavers & Hardscape
We build paver patios and hardscape throughout the Bay Area, from Lamorinda and the Tri-Valley to San Jose and South County. Every city has its own permit counter and rules, and our city pages explain them:
Orinda · Lafayette · Moraga · Walnut Creek · Alamo · Danville · San Ramon · Dublin · Pleasanton · Livermore · Fremont · Union City · Newark · Milpitas · San Jose · Santa Clara · Sunnyvale · Mountain View · Cupertino · Saratoga · Los Gatos · Palo Alto · Los Altos · Menlo Park · Morgan Hill · San Martin · Gilroy
See all Bay Area service areas.
Outdoor services: Outdoor Living · Pools & Spas · Outdoor Kitchens · Artificial Turf & Landscaping · Pergolas & Patio Covers · Retaining Walls
Also from Axiom: ADU Builders · Garage Conversions · Home Additions · New Custom Homes · Kitchen Remodeling · Portfolio
Pavers & Hardscape FAQ
Do I need a permit to install pavers?
A patio at grade usually does not need a building permit. Driveway approaches need an encroachment permit, and work near protected trees, raised decks or walls over 4 feet can need permits. We confirm for your address.
Are pavers better than concrete for a driveway?
Pavers can be lifted and reset if a utility repair is needed, they flex with soil movement instead of cracking across the slab, and permeable versions handle rainwater. Concrete is a single slab with fewer joints. We can show both.
How long does a paver patio take?
A typical backyard patio takes about one to two weeks once materials are on site, depending on size, access and drainage work.
Can you match pavers to an ADU or addition?
Yes. We often build the patio and paths at the same time as an ADU so finishes and grades match.