Concrete & Pavers in New Jersey: Driveways, Aprons & Decorative Slabs

Poured concrete vs pavers — choosing the right one

Both are excellent. Poured concrete is faster, cheaper, and ideal for clean modern lines and large flat areas. Pavers cost more up front but resist cracking, can be lifted and reset, and offer unlimited pattern and color options.

• Poured concrete — driveways, garage slabs, modern patios
• Pavers — patios, walkways, pool decks, decorative driveways
• Stamped concrete — decorative look at concrete pricing
• Permeable pavers — driveway runoff and stormwater compliance

The right mix design for NJ winters

Exterior concrete in New Jersey needs to be 4,000 psi minimum, air-entrained 5–7%, with a low water-cement ratio for freeze-thaw durability. We spec fiber reinforcement on every flatwork pour and rebar in driveways and aprons. Calcium chloride is never used near rebar — it accelerates corrosion.

Control joints, expansion joints, and why concrete cracks

All concrete cracks. The job of the installer is to control where. We cut tooled or saw-cut control joints every 8–12 feet to a depth of 1/4 the slab thickness, install expansion joints at every house wall and abutment, and isolate the slab from rigid structures with foam expansion strips. Done right, cracks land in the joints and stay invisible.

Decorative options

Stamped concrete (Roman slate, Ashlar, cobblestone patterns), integral color, broom finish, salt finish, exposed aggregate, and stained concrete. Pavers come in dozens of patterns — herringbone, basket weave, running bond, circle kits, and full custom inlays.

What it costs in NJ

Poured concrete driveways in New Jersey typically run $10–$18 per square foot, stamped concrete $14–$22, paver driveways $20–$35, and decorative paver patios $25–$45. Removal and disposal of an existing driveway adds $3–$6 per square foot.