Straight runs
Clean lines to the door or along the side of the house. Easy to lay, easy to keep clean.
Paver walkways & steps
Paver walkways and steps in Menlo Park and the Bay Area.
Walkways and steps that feel good underfoot and stay easy to keep clean. Straight, curved or stepped to follow the lay of your yard.
Walkways Steps Free estimate
Paths that go somewhere
A good path is level, comfortable and drains well.
A walkway connects the places you use, like the front door, the side gate, the patio and the garage. It should be wide enough to feel comfortable, firm underfoot and shaped to drain, so it is not a puddle after a storm.
Steps add another layer. Every step needs solid footing and the same rise as the one before it, because uneven steps are the ones people trip on. We build both so they feel natural to use.
- Straight, curved or stepped layouts
- A compacted base under every path and step
- Borders and patterns to match your home
- Even rise and run on steps
- Slopes that shed water
Paver Walkways & StepsMenlo Park, CA · Bay Area wide
How it is built
How we build a paver walkway.
Same method as a patio, with more attention to slope and edges.
- Step 1
Lay out the route
We mark the path with you, check the width and where it meets doors, driveways and steps, and note where water will want to run.
- Step 2
Excavate and build the base
We dig to depth and build a compacted rock base. For foot traffic on well-drained soil the CMHA minimum is 4 inches.
- Step 3
Set the pavers
A screeded layer of bedding sand, then the pavers in your pattern, with cuts along curves and edges.
- Step 4
Build the steps
Steps are built on a solid base with an even rise and run, so every step feels the same under your foot. Whether your steps need a handrail depends on how many there are and what your city requires, and we will flag it.
- Step 5
Edge and finish
Edge restraints hold the sides, joint sand is swept and compacted until the joints are full, and the site is cleaned up.
The details
Sizing a path.
Rules of thumb that guide the layout. We confirm real dimensions on site.
Width3 to 4 ftA typical range for a path. Toward 4 ft lets two people walk side by side.
Base4 in. minimumCompacted rock under foot-traffic paving on well-drained soil (CMHA).
Slope1.5% or moreA slight pitch so rain runs off instead of pooling.
StepsEven riseEqual step heights are what keep steps from feeling uneven.
Shape and style
Straight, curved or stepped.
Curved paths
A curve through the garden feels relaxed and can follow beds and trees. Cutting pavers to a curve takes patience, and it shows.
Pattern and borders
Running bond is a classic for paths. A border in a second color or a band across the path adds detail.
Photos
Paver walkways and steps, for ideas.
Stock photos for inspiration. Tap one to see it larger, then ask us what is possible in your yard.
Afterward
Keeping a walkway in shape.
Sweep and top up
Sweeping keeps the surface clean. Fresh joint sand keeps the pavers locked together.
Fix trip hazards early
A paver that has sunk or tilted can be lifted and reset. It is a small repair when caught early.
Mind the shade
Damp, shaded stretches can grow moss and get slick. Cleaning them, or choosing a textured paver, helps footing.
Related services
Often built together.
Most yards need more than one trade. These pair well with this one.
PaversPaver patios
A paver patio gives you a flat, tough spot for dining, grilling and hanging out. We lay out the shape, build a compacted base, set the pavers and lock them in.
See details
PaversFire pits and outdoor living
Add a fire pit, seating area or a bigger patio footprint, so the yard works after dark too.
See details
ConcreteConcrete patios and walkways
Flat, smooth and built to last. Concrete patios, walkways, pads and slabs poured and finished to the shape you need.
See detailsWhere we work
We build paver walkways and steps across the Bay Area.
Based in Menlo Park, working in 20 Bay Area cities. Pick yours to see what we build there.
Questions
Paver walkways and steps: questions, answered.
How wide should a walkway be?
About 3 feet is comfortable for one person. Around 4 feet lets two people walk side by side. We size it to your space and how you use it.
Can you add steps to a slope?
Yes. We build steps into a slope. The number of steps and their height come from how much height we need to cover, and we keep every rise even.
Are pavers slippery when wet?
A textured paver gives good footing. Shaded, damp areas can grow moss on any surface, so we talk about those spots when we choose materials.
Can you fix an uneven walkway instead of replacing it?
Often, yes. We lift the pavers, rebuild the base where it moved and set them again. We check what caused it first, so it does not come back.
Do I need a permit for a walkway?
Ground-level walkways usually don't need a building permit, but steps, retaining walls and city drainage rules can come into play. We'll point out what to check for your address.
Let's talk
Ready for a yard you'll love?
Call, text, email or send a request. Tell us what you want to build and we'll set up a free estimate.
Free estimates for pavers, concrete and fences, from Menlo Park to the whole Bay Area.
Call or text today(650) 334-6529
Menlo Park, CA · Serving the whole Bay Area · Estimates are free