What Is Driveway Paver Lifting and Resetting?
Driveway paver lifting and resetting is the process of removing individual pavers, re-leveling the base, and re-installing the same stones so your driveway looks and performs like new—without paying for a full replacement. It’s the fastest, most budget-friendly way to fix uneven surfaces, trip hazards, and drainage problems.
Because pavers are designed to be modular, they can be lifted and reused almost indefinitely. A professional reset corrects root heave, soil settling, and edge creep while preserving the original color and style you chose on day one.
Top Signs Your Pavers Need Lifting and Resetting
Not every wobbly stone calls for a full overhaul. Watch for these tell-tale clues:
- Rocking or “clicking” pavers when you drive over them
- Water pooling in specific dips after rain
- Visible gaps or sand loss between joints
- Edge stones sliding outward into the yard
- Hairline cracks in nearby concrete or garage apron—often caused by paver movement
Addressing these early prevents broken pavers, foundation seepage, and costly re-sodding later.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: What You Need to Know
Can You Lift and Reset Pavers Yourself?
Yes—if you have 20–30 spare hours, basic tools, and a strong back. A standard two-car driveway with moderate settling can weigh 8–12 tons of material to move, screen, and relay. Homeowners often underestimate the base work; skipping it leads to the same sinking within a year.
Tools & Materials for the DIY Route
- 14-inch paver extractor or flat pry bar
- Rubber mallet and 4-ft level
- Plate compactor (rental: $75–$90/day)
- Coarse concrete sand or ASTM C33 paver base sand
- Polymeric sand for top joints
- Landscape edging and 10-inch steel spikes
When to Call a Drivewayz Professional
Bring in a licensed crew when:
- More than 15% of the driveway area is affected
- Base gravel is contaminated with clay or organic soil
- You spot continuous settlement after previous repairs
- Heavy vehicular loads (RV, boat, dumpster) are expected
Pros bring laser levels, mechanical compaction equipment, and a workmanship warranty—usually 3–5 years.
Step-by-Step: How Drivewayz Pros Lift and Reset Pavers
1. Site Assessment & Marking
We outline affected areas with spray paint and photograph the original pattern. This ensures every stone returns to the right spot, maintaining color blend and orientation.
2. Paver Extraction & Cleaning
Using suction cup lifters and paver extractors, we pop stones out intact. Each paver is stacked on plywood nearby and inspected for chips. Damaged units are set aside for replacement with matching stock.
3. Base Repair & Leveling
We remove 4–8 inches of underlying sand and gravel as needed, add fresh ASTM #57 stone, and compact in 2-inch lifts with a reversible plate compactor. A final 1-inch bedding course of coarse sand is screeded to ±¼-inch tolerance.
4. Re-laying and Edge Restraint
Pavers are relayed in their original pattern, tapped level with a rubber mallet, and bordered by fresh concrete edge restraints or heavy-duty plastic edging anchored with 10-inch spikes every 8 inches.
5. Joint Sanding & Sealing
Polymeric sand is swept in, vibrated, and misted to lock joints. Optional breathable sealer protects against oil stains and UV fade. Driveway is ready for light vehicle traffic in 24 hours, full loads in 72.
Typical Cost of Driveway Paver Lifting and Resetting
National averages range from $8–$15 per square foot, depending on damage extent, paver type, and regional labor. A 500 sq ft reset might cost $4,000–$7,500—about 40% of a full replacement.
Factors That Affect Price
- Accessibility: tight side yards or steep grades require hand-carried equipment
- Base depth: driveways built over clay often need 2–4 inches of extra aggregate
- Paver style: oversized plank pavers or tumbled stone take longer to realign
- Extras: new drainage, edge lighting, or sealant upgrades
How to Save Without Cutting Corners
- Group the repair with neighbor projects to share mobilization fees
- Keep leftover pavers from the original install for free replacements
- Opt for spot resets if less than 10% of the driveway is affected
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Settlement
A few habits go a long way:
- Re-sweep polymeric sand every 18–24 months to lock pavers
- Seal joints every 3–4 years to repel water and de-icing salts
- Redirect downspouts at least 6 ft away from the driveway edge
- Avoid using sharp metal shovels; stick to plastic or rubber blades
- Inspect edges each spring; replace any missing edge spikes immediately
FAQ: Driveway Paver Lifting and Resetting
Most residential driveways (500–700 sq ft) are completed in 1–2 working days. Larger areas or complex patterns may require an extra half-day for sealing and final inspections.
Yes. We reuse your existing pavers, so color and texture remain identical. If some units are cracked, we source from original manufacturer stock or flip stones underside-up to maintain uniformity.
Light vehicle traffic is safe after 24 hours once polymeric sand has cured. Wait a full 72 hours before heavy trucks or RVs to allow the base to settle and sealant to harden.
Typically, settlement due to soil movement is considered maintenance and not covered. However, if tree-root damage or a vehicle collision caused the displacement, those events may qualify. Consult your agent for specifics.