Replacing a Cracked Concrete Walkway with a Paver Walkway
Cracked and uneven concrete walkways are more than an eyesore. They can create safety hazards, reduce curb appeal, and lower the value of your property. In Central Ohio, where freeze-thaw cycles, shifting soils, and heavy foot traffic take their toll, concrete walkways often begin to crack and crumble long before homeowners expect.
If you’re tired of patching or ignoring these problems, replacing your old concrete walkway with a paver walkway is a smart, long-term solution. At Double A Ohio, we help homeowners in Marengo and surrounding areas upgrade their homes with custom paver walkways that are durable, attractive, and built to last.
Why concrete walkways fail
Concrete is strong but rigid. Over time, exposure to Ohio’s climate causes it to weaken:
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- Freeze-thaw cycles – Water seeps into small cracks, freezes, and expands, making cracks larger each year.
- Soil movement – Shifting ground or improper base preparation causes slabs to settle unevenly.
- Tree roots – Roots push against the slab, lifting or cracking sections.
- Heavy traffic – Repeated use puts stress on weak points.
- Age – Even with care, concrete eventually loses its strength.
Once concrete begins to crack, patching rarely solves the issue. The repairs often look uneven, and new cracks appear nearby. That’s why many homeowners choose to replace their concrete with pavers.
The benefits of replacing concrete with pavers
Pavers are small, interlocking units, usually concrete, stone, or brick, that are installed over a prepared base. Unlike concrete, pavers flex with the ground instead of cracking. Homeowners across Central Ohio are replacing concrete with pavers because:
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- Durability – Pavers resist cracking and withstand freeze-thaw cycles far better than solid slabs.
- Easy repairs – If a paver shifts or stains, it can be replaced individually without redoing the whole walkway.
- Design options – Pavers come in endless colors, patterns, and textures, from rustic to modern.
- Safety – Slip-resistant surfaces and even joints reduce tripping hazards.
- Curb appeal – A custom walkway immediately enhances the look of your home.
- Longevity – With proper installation, paver walkways can last 30 years or more.
Unlike concrete, which often shows wear within a decade, pavers maintain their appearance and function long-term.
Why Unilock pavers stand out
Not all pavers are created equal. As an Authorized Unilock Contractor, Double A Ohio installs premium pavers designed for strength, fade resistance, and beauty. Unilock pavers are manufactured to withstand Ohio’s climate, and their rich colors don’t wash out like cheaper options.
Homeowners can choose from:
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- Classic styles that resemble brick or natural stone
- Contemporary designs with smooth finishes and clean lines
- Specialty products like permeable pavers that help manage drainage
Choosing a Unilock Authorized Contractor ensures professional installation practices, access to exclusive product lines, and a transferable lifetime warranty on materials. That means your investment is protected for years to come.
The installation process: how we replace concrete with pavers
At Double A Ohio, we follow a proven process to ensure your new walkway performs as beautifully as it looks.
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- Concrete removal – Old slabs are broken up and hauled away, leaving a clean site.
- Excavation and grading – Soil is excavated to the proper depth, and the grade is set to ensure correct drainage.
- Base preparation – Layers of compacted gravel provide a stable foundation that prevents settling.
- Edge restraints – Strong edging keeps pavers locked in place over time.
- Paver laying – Pavers are laid in the chosen pattern, with precision cuts at edges.
- Joint sand – Polymeric sand is swept into joints, hardening to lock pavers together.
- Finishing touches – The walkway is compacted, cleaned, and inspected for perfection.
By following best practices, we prevent common issues like sinking or uneven joints, ensuring a walkway that lasts for decades.
Comparing costs: concrete vs paver walkways
Upfront, paver walkways may cost slightly more than concrete. But the long-term numbers tell a different story.
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- Concrete: Lower installation cost, but cracks within 5–10 years are common. Repairs are expensive, and entire slabs often need replacement.
- Pavers: Slightly higher initial cost, but nearly maintenance-free, with easy repairs and a lifespan of 30+ years.
When factoring durability, design, and property value, pavers offer the best return on investment. Homeowners often recoup costs in resale value alone, as buyers see paver walkways as a premium feature.
Design options for paver walkways
Replacing a plain concrete walkway is also a chance to upgrade your outdoor design. Pavers allow for unique touches that make your home stand out:
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- Borders and accents – Contrasting paver colors highlight edges.
- Curved paths – Pavers can follow natural curves, unlike concrete slabs.
- Texture and finish – Choose smooth, tumbled, or stone-like surfaces.
- Integration with patios or driveways – Matching pavers create a cohesive outdoor design.
For example, a homeowner in Sunbury replaced a cracked, uneven concrete path with a curved Unilock walkway bordered in a darker stone. The result was not only functional but added instant charm to the front of their home.
Case study: from cracked concrete to lasting curb appeal
A Delaware County homeowner contacted us after years of tripping hazards and failed patch jobs on their old concrete walkway. They wanted something safe, beautiful, and durable.
We removed the concrete, graded the area, and installed a Unilock paver walkway in a herringbone pattern with a contrasting border. The new walkway blended seamlessly with their landscaping and eliminated safety risks. Months later, the homeowner told us neighbors frequently complimented the upgrade, and they wished they had made the change sooner.
Long-term value and resale impact
One of the overlooked benefits of upgrading from concrete to pavers is the boost to property value. Real estate agents often highlight paver walkways, patios, and driveways as premium features when marketing homes. Buyers see them as signs of quality construction and low-maintenance living.
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- A cracked concrete walkway can be a red flag for buyers, suggesting poor maintenance or hidden structural issues.
- A paver walkway, on the other hand, communicates care, craftsmanship, and modern design.
- Because pavers resist cracking and allow for easy repair, they reassure potential buyers that the home will not require costly walkway replacements anytime soon.
Investing in pavers today not only improves your day-to-day living experience but also strengthens your home’s resale position.
Maintenance: keeping your paver walkway beautiful
Unlike concrete, which often requires sealing and patching, paver walkways are low maintenance.
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- Sweep regularly to remove debris.
- Rinse with a hose as needed.
- Apply polymeric sand every few years to refresh joints.
- Replace individual pavers if stained or damaged.
With simple care, your walkway will continue to look new year after year, without the frustrations of cracking concrete.
Why choose Double A Ohio
When it comes to replacing a cracked concrete walkway, installation quality matters as much as the product itself. Homeowners in Central Ohio trust Double A Ohio because:
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- We are a fully licensed and insured landscaping company.
- We are an Authorized Unilock Contractor, giving you access to premium products and warranties.
- Our reputation is built on consistent 5-star reviews for communication, craftsmanship, and reliability.
- We provide comprehensive services, from hardscaping and landscape design to maintenance and drainage solutions.
- We understand Ohio soils, weather, and freeze-thaw cycles, designing walkways that perform in local conditions.
Our combination of training, experience, and dedication ensures your new walkway is built to the highest standards. We don’t just replace concrete, we create custom paver walkways that transform curb appeal and daily use.
Serving Central Ohio communities
Double A Ohio proudly provides paver walkway installation and landscaping services in:
As a locally owned business, we understand the unique challenges homeowners in our area face and tailor every project to meet those needs.
Upgrade your walkway today
Replace your cracked concrete walkway with a custom paver walkway from Double A Ohio
A walkway should be safe, functional, and beautiful. If yours is cracked, uneven, or outdated, now is the time to upgrade. With a paver walkway, you’ll enjoy lasting durability, endless design possibilities, and a boost in curb appeal.
Call Double A Ohio today or request an estimate online to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve Marengo, Johnstown, Mount Vernon, Delaware, and surrounding Central Ohio communities with expert paver walkway installation, landscaping, and hardscaping services.
