Granite Northwest Grading & Paving Company
So, you need a new driveway… now what?
Your driveway has seen better days. Maybe it’s got more cracks than an old sidewalk, or maybe it’s doing that fun thing where it holds onto rainwater like a swimming pool you never asked for. Either way, you’ve come to a crossroads. You know you need a new driveway, but now the real question is: what type of driveway should you get, and how much will it cost?
Great question. Let’s break it down in a way that doesn’t make you want to take a nap.
Ah, asphalt. The dependable, no-frills option that says, “I’m here to work, not impress the neighbors.” If you want something affordable, durable, and not too fussy, this is your guy.
Affordable: Asphalt won’t make your wallet cry.
Durable but Flexible: Unlike concrete, asphalt can handle a little movement without immediately cracking like a dropped plate.
Fast Installation: You can have a new asphalt driveway in a day (two if it’s playing hard to get).
Easy to Repair: If cracks or potholes show up later, patching them is simple.
Site Prep: First, we remove the old, sad excuse for a driveway and make sure the ground underneath isn’t secretly plotting against you.
Base Layer: A thick layer of compacted crushed stone is added. This helps with drainage and keeps things from shifting like tectonic plates.
Asphalt Pouring: Hot asphalt (literally 300 degrees of molten blacktop) is poured and spread evenly. Imagine spreading peanut butter—but don’t eat this.
Compaction: A big, heavy roller presses it all down, sealing everything into a nice, smooth surface.
Cooling & Ready to Go: Within 24-48 hours, you can park on it. No waiting a week. No existential crises.
For homeowners Googling types of driveways and costs in San Jose, asphalt is the budget-friendly, low-maintenance choice that gets the job done.
Concrete is the responsible older sibling of driveways. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and—let’s be honest—kinda boring. But boring can be good when you want something that lasts 30+ years.
Extremely Durable: Can last 30-50 years. That’s half a lifetime of not thinking about driveways.
Low Maintenance: No sealcoating, minimal upkeep.
Aesthetic Options: You can stamp it, stain it, or go full Picasso with designs.
Expensive: Concrete costs about twice as much as asphalt.
Prone to Cracking: If the ground shifts, concrete doesn’t flex. It just gives up and cracks.
Longer Install Time: Needs a week to cure before you can park on it. So… hope you like street parking.
Demo Day: We jackhammer your old driveway to dust (satisfying to watch, loud to hear).
Base Prep: A gravel base is laid and compacted. Think of this as the mattress under your concrete.
Pouring the Concrete: Wet concrete is poured and leveled out.
Finishing Touches: Trowels are used to smooth it out, and joints are cut to control cracking (because let’s be real, concrete will crack eventually).
Curing: Concrete takes its sweet time drying. Give it a week before driving on it.
For those exploring types of driveways and costs in San Jose, concrete is the pricier, long-term investment with solid curb appeal.
If driveways had a red carpet event, pavers would be the celebrity that everyone stares at. They’re fancy, they’re stylish, and they make your house look like it belongs in a magazine.
Insane Curb Appeal: Tons of colors, patterns, and styles to choose from.
Durable: Can last 50+ years if you treat them right.
Easy to Repair: If a paver cracks, you replace one—not the whole driveway.
Expensive: Expect to pay 3-4 times more than asphalt.
High Maintenance: Weeds love growing between pavers, and they can shift over time.
Takes Forever to Install: Okay, not forever, but it’s a longer process.
Excavation: Old driveway gets removed. Dirt and debris go bye-bye.
Base & Sand Layer: A thick base of crushed stone is compacted, then a fine sand layer is spread on top.
Laying the Pavers: Each paver is placed by hand in the desired pattern. Imagine doing a giant puzzle, but one you can drive on.
Compaction: A vibrating plate compactor locks the pavers into place.
Finishing Touches: Polymeric sand is swept into the joints to prevent shifting and weed growth.
For those eyeing types of driveways and costs, pavers are the ultimate in beauty and durability—but be ready to pay for it.
Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible:
Asphalt: You want something affordable, durable, and ready to use fast.
Concrete: You’re in it for the long haul and don’t mind the higher upfront cost.
Pavers: You want the best-looking driveway in the neighborhood, and you’re okay with the maintenance and price.
At Granite Northwest Grading & Paving, we’ve been installing driveways in San Jose for three generations. We specialize in asphalt (because it makes sense for most people), but we do it all—concrete, pavers, and anything in between. If you’re ready to make a decision, give us a call at (408) 471-3438 for a free estimate.
No pressure, no gimmicks—just straightforward advice from people who know driveways inside and out.
Select a day and time to schedule a no-pressure, no-obligation quote.
Need to contact us right away?
Call Us: (408) 471-3438
or simply fill out the below.
Who We Are
Looking for reliable and experienced asphalt paving services in the Bay Area? Look no further than our family-owned-and-operated company. From pothole repair to line striping, we offer a range of services to keep your surface looking great. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and start your paving project on the right foot.
Contact Us
Email Us: zsnorthwest@gmail.com
Call Us: (408) 471-3438
Address: 481 Park Ave Unit 12, San Jose CA, 95110
Hours Of Operation
Monday 7:30AM – 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:30AM – 6:00PM
Wednesday 7:30AM – 6:00PM
Thursday 7:30AM – 6:00PM
Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM – 3:00PM
Sunday 8:00AM – 12:00PM
Service Area
