Interlock for a Driveway
Bart Flegg on December 29, 2011, 12:24 pm

When comparing interlock driveway prices with asphalt it is plain to see that interlock is the more expensive option. The reason we see interlock driveways then must be that they out perform asphalt. So why are they better? They are better for two reasons, the first being the meticulous base preparation that goes into a driveway by Merlin Construction and the other is the interlock stone.

Unlike asphalt, an interlock driveway has a consistent, interlocked final layer that is commonly 2 ¾” or 3 ¼” thick. When asphalt is being laid down the asphalt has the ability to ‘absorb’ the inconsistencies in the gravel base. Asphalt companies are notorious for using this to their advantage when pushing production. I’ve personally torn up driveways that were just a couple years old that have some areas of asphalt less than 5/8” thick.

Not all interlock stone can be used for driveways though. A driveway is a high traffic area that will see thousands of pounds of pressure unlike a patio or walkway.

What not to use for paving a driveway
Driveways should not be paved with any interlock stone that is less than 2 ¾” thick. Interlock “slab” products that are commonly 2” thick and larger in dimension (18”x18”) are not recommended for high traffic areas but can be used as a soldier course accent (border) as they will not be driven on often.

If you are going to be shovelling your driveway yourself avoid using a cobble stone look-a-like interlock as shovelling it can be challenge and hard on the wrists. A solution to this problem can be a heated driveway.

I always push a concrete interlock paver be used instead of a clay paver. The durability of concrete over clay, the resistance to salt and the elements makes it the superior choice. Clay pavers are a nice historic touch and interlock manufactures have noticed that are now make clay look-a-like concrete for interlock driveways which I would suggest.

What to use to pave an interlock driveway
I recommend using an interlock from a reputable manufacture such as Unilock or Permacon that is at least 2 ¾” thick. For an upgrade I would suggest using Permacon’s Mega Trafalger pavers. They are 3 ¼” thick and priced competitively.

Interlock, Driveway, Landscaping, Stone, Toronto
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