French Chateau-Inspired Brick Paver Driveway in Highland Park, IL

A Beautiful Entrance Built on a Better Foundation

Kaplan Paving recently completed this elegant brick walkway and front entrance transformation in Hawthorn Woods, IL. The project began with an existing concrete walkway leading to a failing concrete step, while the concrete porch itself remained in good condition.

Rather than simply covering the problem, Kaplan Paving identified why the step was failing and rebuilt the entrance correctly from the ground up. The result combines important structural improvements with premium Techo-Bloc materials for a sophisticated new look.

Fixing the Cause of the Failing Concrete Step

The existing step had begun to fail because the original construction did not include proper pier footings. Kaplan’s crews often encounter this issue on older residential construction, and while the problem may not be noticeable at first, inadequate support can eventually lead to movement, settlement, and cracking.

Kaplan removed the failing step and excavated new pier footings to a depth of 42 inches. The footings were poured with concrete and reinforced with rebar to provide the missing structural support.

A new concrete step was then poured over the footings, with reinforcement tied into the existing foundation porch. This created a solid structural base before any of the decorative hardscape work began.

Techo-Bloc Blu 60 HD2 Transforms the Entrance

With the underlying structural work complete, Kaplan Paving transformed the existing porch and new steps using Techo-Bloc Blu 60 HD2 in Gray Nickel.

The HD2 finish provides a refined, contemporary look that elevates the entrance while complementing the home’s architecture.

To finish the steps and porch, Kaplan installed Techo-Bloc Raffinato HD2 copings in Gray Nickel. Their clean lines add a modern architectural detail and provide a polished transition around the edges.

Large-Format Brick Paver Walkway

The old concrete walkway was completely removed and replaced with a larger-format three-size blend of Techo-Bloc Blu 60 HD2 in Gray Nickel.

Using multiple paver sizes creates visual interest while maintaining the clean, sophisticated appearance of the overall design. The walkway now flows naturally into the newly veneered steps and porch, making the entire entrance feel like one cohesive project.

The joints were finished with Gator Maxx 2 polymeric sand in Ivory. The lighter joint color provides subtle contrast against the Gray Nickel pavers and highlights the walkway’s individual shapes and pattern.

Beauty Above, Proper Construction Below

The finished entrance is elegant, but some of the most important work on this project isn’t visible.

From the 42-inch reinforced pier footings and new concrete step to the precision paver installation and finishing details, Kaplan Paving addressed both the structural and aesthetic sides of the project. Instead of simply improving the appearance of a failing entrance, the team corrected the underlying problem to help prevent it from happening again.

Kaplan Paving’s attention to details like these has helped the company build an outstanding online reputation and earn hundreds of positive customer reviews throughout Northern Illinois.

Upgrade Your Entrance in Hawthorn Woods

If you’re considering a Brick Walkway in Hawthorn Woods, IL, contact Joe Revelle at Kaplan Paving for a FREE estimate. Whether you need to replace a failing walkway and steps or want to completely redesign your home’s entrance with premium brick pavers, Kaplan Paving can create a solution that’s beautiful above the surface and properly constructed below it.