In New Buffalo, a walkway often serves as the transition between the sandy beach and your clean home. Standard concrete paths crack under the stress of the freeze-thaw cycle and shifting dunes. We specialize in permeable paver walkways that float on a stabilized base, allowing water to drain instantly. We design welcoming, slip-resistant paths that keep the sand outside and provide a safe, level entrance for your guests, even after a heavy lake storm.
Permeable Solutions for Sand-Based Soils
A walkway in New Buffalo is often the transition between the sandy beach and your clean home. Standard concrete paths inevitably crack under the stress of shifting dunes and freeze-thaw cycles. We specialize in constructing permeable paver walkways that "float" on a stabilized base. We excavate 11 inches deep and install our signature 8oz non-woven geotextile fabric. This fabric is critical in sandy soils; it prevents the native sand from pumping up into our 8-inch open-graded stone base. This creates a non-frost-susceptible foundation that drains water instantly, keeping your path safe, dry, and level even after a heavy lake storm.
Technical Specifications:
Excavation: Minimum 11 inches for load distribution.
Base Stability: 8oz Geotextile + 8” Open-Graded Clean Stone.
Bedding: 1” Clean Chip Stone (3/16” – 1/2”).
Water Management: Rigid PVC piping to Dry Wells.
Edge Restraint: Concrete Bond Beam (Sub-surface).
Execution & Finish
We manage roof runoff aggressively to protect the walkway's integrity. We hard-pipe downspouts using rigid PVC—never the cheap corrugated plastic that crushes—redirecting water to pop-up emitters or dry wells located far from the path. We grade the surface to ensure positive drainage. Once the pavers are laid, we lock the joints with high-performance polymeric sand, which resists weed growth and wind erosion. We finish by backfilling and seeding the edges, leaving you with a durable, welcoming path that handles the high foot traffic of rental seasons and family weekends alike.
Welcoming Guests to Harbor Country
In New Buffalo, the transition from the driveway to the front door sets the tone for the entire weekend. Whether you own a cottage in Michiana Shores or a modern estate in The Moorings, a standard concrete sidewalk often feels too cold and utilitarian for the relaxed, coastal vibe of the area. We design welcoming paver walkways that blend with the natural dune landscape, using winding curves and warm, textured stone. We understand that many of these properties are heavily trafficked by guests and renters, so we design wide, comfortable paths that accommodate luggage and beach gear without feeling crowded.
Building on the sandy soils of New Buffalo presents a unique challenge: sinking. If you just lay stone on sand, gravity and rain will eventually pull your walkway underground. We prevent this by installing a heavy-duty geotextile fabric underneath every single project, separating the native sand from our open-graded stone base. This "floating foundation" ensures your pavers stay level and true, regardless of the sandy conditions. Coupled with our concrete bond beams, we create walkways that require zero maintenance, letting you enjoy your time at the lake instead of fixing your hardscape.
FAQ
Can you build a walkway over sand?
Yes. Sand is a tricky base, so we use a specific geotextile fabric to stabilize it before we add our stone base. This prevents the walkway from sinking into the dunes.
Do you work on vacation rentals?
All the time. We know you need the work done between guests. We schedule tightly to ensure your property is ready for check-in with a brand new, safe walkway.
How do I maintain it from afar?
You don't. It's low maintenance. But if you want a 'spring refresh' sealing before the season starts, just add us to your vendor list.