Paving & Driveways in San Bernardino

Driveway cost depends on area, material (asphalt, concrete, block/brick pavers, gravel, resin) and how much excavation and sub-base work is needed. Gravel is cheapest, asphalt and plain concrete mid-range, and block paving or resin-bound surfaces the most expensive per square metre. Quotes should always include excavation, sub-base depth and edging.

On a proper base: asphalt 15-25 years, concrete 25-40, block paving 25+ (with occasional re-sanding and weed control), gravel indefinitely with topping up. Sealing asphalt and concrete every few years extends life in harsh climates.

Make each contractor state the excavation depth, sub-base material and compacted depth, surface thickness, edge restraints and drainage plan. In San Bernardino, also ask what happens to excavated spoil — cartage and disposal is a real cost that cheap quotes quietly exclude.

A skimped sub-base. The surface layer gets the attention, but 100-200mm of properly compacted hardcore beneath it is what stops sinking, cracking and rutting. Quotes that are far below the rest usually save money underground where you cannot see it.

Gravel, by a wide margin — but it migrates, ruts and needs topping up. Asphalt is usually the cheapest solid surface, concrete lasts longer for slightly more, and pavers cost most upfront but can be lifted and relaid if services underneath need work.

Asphalt costs less upfront and handles freeze-thaw well (it flexes), which is why it dominates in northern states; concrete lasts longer and stays cooler in southern heat. Sealing asphalt every 3-5 years is the maintenance trade-off.