Paving projects can range in scope, from a decorative backyard walkway to an expansive driveway out front, and the choices in materials and methods are just as extensive. There are economically-sound asphalt projects that offer longevity and durability. Homeowners can choose from an array of pavers, including traditional styles to porcelain. The world of stamped and decorative concrete also adds a high-quality, low-maintenance option to the lineup.

The first step is simply reaching out to area professionals to explore these choices and figure out what works best to bring a dream paving project to fruition.

"We're always very accommodating working with clients," Nick Erman, of Evergreen Pros, says.

Deciding the project's purpose, Erman and other area professionals agree, is where the conversation starts.

Form and function
"It depends on where they want the surface and what it will be used for. For parking vehicles, the most obvious one is asphalt paving, which is our specialty," Patrick Burke, of Burke Asphalt, says. "If you're looking for a back porch type area, brick pavers are usually the most popular choice for basketball or tennis courts. Asphalt is generally the most economical and one of the most popular choices as well."

Steve Abel, of Architectural Concrete Design, agrees that space utilization is key when planning a paving project. "The first thing we always want to know is how you intend to use the space," he says. "That's really going to dictate how you design it."

Once a project's purpose is established, customers should factor in style and cost in making final material decisions.

Options and trends
Abel says stamped concrete style can range from modern to traditional, and colors—light grays and whites, earth tones or traditional dark beiges and grays—can vary. He lists three advantages to using stamped and decorative concrete: durability, design flexibility and long-term value.
"These systems are monolithic in structure. That's really important for long-term maintenance value," Abel says. "If you want a low-maintenance, high-quality hardscape that you don't think about and just hit it with a hose, it's perfect for that."

As far as popularity is considered, Abel is seeing a return of exposed aggregate concrete—or EAC—to the market. The method adds river rock to concrete, with the top layer exposing the stones in the finished profile.

"It's almost like wallpaper where it goes in and out of style. I think it's coming back, and we're well positioned to offer it," Abel says.

For standard pavers, Erman says Cambridge and Techo-Bloc remain popular choices. For those in the market for something more high-end, he is seeing customers choose top-of-the-line Italian porcelain pavers, a durable choice that comes in a variety of colors.

"The Italian porcelain is especially popular around pools. They do not retain heat, so it's not hot walking around the pool," Erman explains. "There is variability in the sizes, too, with bigger slabs that look bolder."

Return on investment
Burke says asphalt is often the best return on investment when considering a boost in curb appeal, especially when talking about driveways and walkways.

"We have many real estate agents who have us completely repave the driveway of a house because it is the first thing prospective homeowners look at when they arrive," he says.

An outdoor living area on a paver patio is another sound return on investment, according to Erman, with a ramada or pergola, kitchens, outdoor fire pits and fireplaces among the options. "These homes that already have pools and outdoor living spaces are selling much more quickly than the average home without the outdoor living area," he says.

Abel says there is "absolutely" a high return on investment for decorative concrete, too.

"I think homeowners now more than ever want to buy a property that has extremely durable and longstanding materials," he says.

Asphalt paving can be done all year, although Burke notes warmer weather is better for a seamless install whereas cooler weather improves cure time.

"It is a case-by-case basis," he says.

Erman says the ideal time to get the ball rolling on a paving project is now, which includes brand new projects or renovations.

"Renovation is a big thing right now," he says. "And it's the perfect time to renovate. We do complete renovations, update existing hardscaping and add to the designs."

Abel agrees people should be reaching out as soon as possible to get their paving projects underway. Waiting until summer is on its way is a "fundamental mistake," he says. People should plan around the goals of the project, such as considering the Architectural Concrete Design team will need to coordinate with a pool designer early on if they are installing the pool deck.

"Call at least one quarter ahead—if not two—for larger projects," Abel advises.

RESOURCES
Architectural Concrete Design
Levittown, Pa.
(866) 956-2818
ACDConcrete.com

Burke Asphalt
Allentown, Pa.
(484) 228-1776
Burke-Asphalt-Paving.com

Evergreen Pros
Cologne, N.J.
(609) 214-8552
EvergreenPros.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 25, Issue 12 (March/April 2026)
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