Two Vaughan Walkways: A Slab Path and a Front Entrance in Interlock
Two walkway jobs from our records, at two different homes in Vaughan: a slab path laid in September 2020, and a front entrance and walkway in interlock in March 2021.
Project snapshot
- Client
- Homeowners (two homes)
- Location
- Vaughan
- Service
- Interlock & Hardscaping
- Date
- September 2020 and March 2021
Scope of work
- Straight slab path along the side of a home (September 2020)
- Interlock front walkway and landing up to the steps (March 2021)
- Compacted bases under both
- String lines and timber edge boards for straight edges
The challenge
These are two separate jobs at two homes in Vaughan, and together they answer the walkway question we hear most: slabs or interlock? The first home needed a straight path along the side of the property. The second needed a new front walkway and landing leading up to the front steps.
Both had to survive what every GTA walkway faces: freeze and thaw. Water under a walkway freezes, expands and pushes slabs and pavers out of line unless the base underneath is built for it.
Our approach
For the straight side path, large grey slabs were the natural fit: they go down quickly and give a clean line. For the front entrance, with a landing and steps, interlock pavers suit the shape better, and a single paver can be lifted and replaced later without breaking out the whole walkway.
In both cases Goats Landscaping started with the same three things: a compacted base, straight, restrained edges and a slight slope so water runs off.
What we did
- Set string lines to keep the side path dead straight.
- Graded and compacted the base.
- Held the path edge with timber boards while the slabs were laid.
- Set each large slab level so none of them rock.
- Laid the front entrance in interlock pavers in a running pattern.
- Brought the walkway and landing up to meet the front steps.
The result
- A straight, level slab path along the side of the house
- A new interlock front entrance and landing
- Both walkways on compacted bases built for Ontario winters
- Each material matched to the shape of its space
Know-how from our crew
Good to know
Whatever the material, three things decide how long a walkway lasts: a compacted base deep enough for our frost, an edge restraint so the sides cannot spread, and a slight slope so water runs off instead of sitting on the surface.
How Goats Landscaping chooses between slabs and interlock
For a straight, simple path, large slabs go down quickly and look clean. For a front entrance with steps, a landing and turns, interlock pavers fit the shape better and are easier to repair one piece at a time. We walk the space with the owner and suggest the material that suits the layout and the budget.
Planning a similar project in Vaughan?
Goats Landscaping does hardscaping services across Vaughan and the rest of the GTA, for condos, townhouse complexes, businesses and homes. See what we do in Vaughan, or get a free quote.
Common questions
Can an old walkway be removed and replaced?
Yes. Goats Landscaping handles the demolition and haul-away of old concrete, slabs or pavers, then builds the new walkway on a fresh base.
Why do some walkways heave in spring?
Water under a walkway freezes and expands. A deep, well-drained, compacted base and a slope that sheds water are what stop it.