Paver Driveway Cost in San Diego (2025): Pricing, Specs, and Timeline
Updated August 2025 — San Diego County
Do-This-First — San Diego Driveways
- Confirm jurisdiction (City of San Diego vs. County/city). Apron/curb work is in the public right-of-way and needs a ROW permit.
- Check HOA/ARC rules (color/pattern samples; quick plan).
- Plan drainage: keep water away from garage/house; identify if channel drains, catch basins, or permeable sections are needed.
- Call 811 (DigAlert) before excavation; verify shallow utilities, sleeves, and future EV conduit.
- Photograph existing curb/sidewalk, slopes, and any ponding—helps approve details fast.
Thinking about a paver driveway in San Diego? This guide shows what drives price—base depth, access/demo, paver thickness, pattern, drainage, and add-ons—so you can budget confidently and avoid surprises.
TL;DR — 2025 San Diego ranges
- Paver driveway (installed): generally $20–$35 per sq ft. Driveways trend toward the upper end due to deeper base, demo, and heavier-duty specs.
- Typical 2-car sizes: about 400–800 sq ft (e.g., 20’×20′ to 20’×40′).
- Spec matters: 80 mm pavers, 6–10″ Class II base (~95% compaction), geotextile, and herringbone patterns in tire paths are standard for vehicle loads.
- Timeline: Most 600–800 sq ft installs finish in ~3–4 days with a 4–6 person crew (site-dependent).
Still comparing surfaces? See Concrete vs. Pavers (San Diego 2025) and Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers (San Diego 2025). For patio math, visit Paver Patio Cost in San Diego (2025) and the Paver Cost Calculator. Ready to move forward? Talk to our San Diego paver installation contractors.
Cost Breakdown
Installed price: Most San Diego paver driveways fall between $20–$35 per sq ft. Driveways tend to price higher than patios because of deeper base, demo, and vehicle-load specs. Premium materials, complex access, heavy drainage, and add-ons can increase totals.
| Area | Budget at $20/sq ft | Budget at $28/sq ft | Budget at $35/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 sq ft (compact 2-car) | $8,000 | $11,200 | $14,000 |
| 600 sq ft (typical 2-car) | $12,000 | $16,800 | $21,000 |
| 800 sq ft (wider/longer) | $16,000 | $22,400 | $28,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft (large/estate) | $20,000 | $28,000 | $35,000 |
Note: Steep slopes, tight access, heavy demo, major drainage, steps/retaining, or premium materials (e.g., porcelain) push toward the high end.
Spec Tiers (Good / Better / Best)
| Tier | Typical Spec | Use-case | San Diego Price Tendencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | 80 mm concrete paver; ~6″ Caltrans Class II base (~95% compaction); 1″ bedding sand; concrete bond beam; standard joint sand | Flat lots, normal access, standard vehicles | Often $22–$28/sq ft |
| Better | 80 mm paver; 8″ base; geotextile over native soils; herringbone in tire paths; polymeric sand | Heavier vehicles, moderate slopes/curves, coastal moisture | Often $26–$33/sq ft |
| Best | 80 mm (or thicker) paver; 10″ base; geogrid where needed; permeable assembly or channel drains; borders/insets/lighting | Estate entries, complex access/drainage, premium finishes | Typically $32–$38+/sq ft |
Driveways often sit at the upper end of the general paver range ($20–$35) because of base depth and vehicle loads; premium specs can price slightly above.
What’s in a Quality Quote
- Demolition & disposal: Remove and haul concrete/asphalt; dump fees vary by load and distance.
- Excavation & grading: Depth for base + slope corrections; root mitigation if needed.
- Geotextile fabric: Separation layer to reduce pumping/migration in native soils.
- Base (Class II road base): 6–10″ placed in lifts, compacted to ~95% (ASTM D1557).
- Bedding sand: ~1″ screeded layer.
- Pavers: 80 mm thickness recommended for driveways; herringbone patterns improve interlock in tire paths.
- Edge restraint: Concrete bond beam or curb detail at perimeters.
- Joint sand: Polymeric or regular joint sand; compact and top-off.
- Drainage (if needed): Channel drains, catch basins, permeable assembly or under-drain.
- Cleanup & delivery: Pallet fees, pickup/cleanup, porta-potty (larger jobs), fuel.
- Overhead & warranty: Insurance, licensing, supervision, admin, and written warranty terms.
Design & Performance Tips
- Pattern: Use 45° or 90° herringbone in tire paths for maximum strength; border courses (soldier/sailor) refine edges.
- Thickness: 80 mm is the driveway standard. Use 60 mm only with engineer approval and an upgraded base.
- Drainage: Don’t aim water at the garage. Consider permeable pavers near the entry or add channel drains/catch basins.
- Permeable assemblies (PICP): Use open-graded base and #8/#9 stone in joints (no polymeric sand). Include under-drain where soils demand.
- Materials: Concrete pavers are most common; porcelain pavers deliver a high-end look but can increase cutting/labor—ensure vehicular rating if specified.
- Sealer: Optional. Matte sealers add stain resistance and keep a refined look.
- Future-proofing: Ask us to install sleeves under the driveway for future EV charging/irrigation.
Timeline
Most 600–800 sq ft paver driveways complete in ~3–4 days with a 4–6 person crew. Access constraints, heavy demo, drainage, steps, and lighting can add time. Pavers are ready to use immediately at completion (no cure window).
Permits, ROW & HOA (San Diego)
Driveway replacements may trigger permits/approvals—especially if you alter the apron/curb/gutter at the street or change drainage. Many HOAs require design approval and samples. We’ll advise during your estimate and coordinate where applicable.
- Right-of-Way (ROW) Permit: Required for any work in the public ROW (apron/curb/gutter/sidewalk). City classifies most as Minor ROW (Rapid Review vs Submitted categories).
- Standard Drawings: City details govern aprons/driveways and sidewalk crossings (e.g., SDG-159/160/161 and SDG-164 for width/location). Maintain pedestrian path cross-slope at sidewalk crossings per City standards.
- Stormwater (construction BMPs): The City’s DS-560 Storm Water Requirements Applicability Checklist determines WPCP/SWPPP needs.
- Encroachments (EMRA): Any private features placed in ROW (e.g., pilasters within parkway) may require an Encroachment Maintenance & Removal Agreement.
- CRC drainage near foundations: Where hardscape is within 10′ of the home, maintain ≥2% slope away from the building (good practice at driveways abutting garages).
- HOA/ARC: Submit finishes/patterns and a simple plan for approval.
Driveway Width & Layout Quick Guide
| Item | Rule of Thumb | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-car driveway width | ~10–12 ft | 12 ft is comfortable for mirrors/doors |
| Two-car driveway width | ~18–24 ft | 20–22 ft fits most two-car setups |
| Slope away from garage | ~1–2% | Direct water to approved drainage points |
Final widths and apron geometry follow City Standard Drawings and site constraints; we verify during design.
Quote Comparison Checklist
- Base depth (inches) and compaction standard (target ~95%)
- 80 mm paver spec + pattern (herringbone in tire paths)
- Geotextile over native soil; geogrid where needed
- Edge restraint detail (bond beam/curb)
- Drainage plan (permeable section, channels, catch basins)
- Demo/haul, delivery, cleanup, pallet fees included
- Warranty terms (materials + labor)
- Lead time & project timeline
FAQs
How much does a paver driveway cost in San Diego?
Most fall between $20–$35 per sq ft installed; driveways trend to the upper end due to deeper base and demo. Premium specs can price slightly higher.
What thickness paver is best for driveways?
80 mm (about 3-1/8″) is the standard for vehicle loads in San Diego, paired with a 6–10″ compacted base.
What pattern is strongest for a driveway?
Herringbone (45° or 90°) offers superior interlock under tire load, especially in turning areas.
Do I need permeable pavers?
Not always, but permeable assemblies are great near garages or where runoff is a concern, and can help meet stormwater goals.
How long will a paver driveway last?
Decades with proper base, compaction, and drainage. Individual units can be replaced without visible patches.
Do pavers stain from oil?
They can. Choose a matte sealer for stain resistance and easier cleaning, or plan periodic spot cleaning.
Can you install pavers over an existing concrete driveway?
We typically recommend demo so we can correct slope/drainage and install the proper base. Overlays are case-by-case and may raise finished height at the garage.
How soon can I drive on my new paver driveway?
Immediately after final compaction and joint sand—no cure window required.
Do paver driveways need rebar or wire mesh?
No. Pavers use a flexible base system (compacted aggregate + bedding sand) rather than a reinforced slab. For difficult soils, we may specify geotextile or geogrid in the base.
Can pavers handle RVs or heavy trucks?
Yes—design for it. We’ll increase base depth (often 10–12″), verify compaction, and use 80 mm pavers with herringbone in turning areas.
Are porcelain pavers OK for driveways?
Only if vehicular-rated and installed with the right assembly. Most San Diego driveways use 80 mm concrete pavers.
Do I need a permit for a driveway in San Diego?
Sometimes—especially for changes to the apron/curb or drainage. We’ll advise based on your address and scope and help coordinate if needed.
Serving San Diego County: Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Jolla, Carmel Valley, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Poway, Fairbanks Ranch, Oceanside, San Marcos, and more.