Your driveway stops being something you worry about. No more standing water after storms because we actually grade it properly. No more cracks spreading across the surface because we don’t skip the foundation work that matters.
You get a surface that drains correctly, holds up under vehicle weight, and doesn’t turn into a repair project two winters from now. The concrete cures properly. The pavers lock in tight. The edges don’t crumble when you pull in with groceries.
And yeah, it looks good too. Clean lines, smooth finish, the kind of curb appeal that makes your neighbors ask who did the work. But more than that, it functions the way a driveway should—every single day, without you thinking about it.
Union Landscaping and Hardscape is based right here in Monroe, and we’ve been installing driveways throughout Cherry and the surrounding area for years. We’re a family-owned company, which means when you call, you’re talking to people who actually care about the outcome.
We know Cherry’s clay soil. We know how water moves through properties here. We know what holds up and what doesn’t when summer heat hits 95 degrees and winter drops below freezing.
You’re not getting a crew that learned their trade in another state and hopes it works here. You’re getting concrete and driveway contractors who understand exactly what your property needs to perform long-term.
First, we come out and look at your property. We’re checking drainage, slope, soil conditions, and how you actually use the space. This isn’t a quick glance—it’s a real assessment so we can design something that works.
Next, we prep the site. That means excavating to the right depth, compacting the base properly, and setting up drainage so water goes where it should. This is the part most contractors rush, and it’s why most driveways fail early.
Then we install. Whether you’re going with concrete or high-quality pavers, we’re following the process that ensures longevity. Proper curing time for concrete. Correct sand and edge restraints for pavers. No shortcuts.
Finally, we walk the finished project with you. You see exactly what was done, how to maintain it, and what to expect as it settles in. Then we clean up and you’ve got a driveway that’s ready to use.
Ready to get started?
You’re getting a complete system, not just a surface. That includes site evaluation, proper excavation, a compacted aggregate base, and professional installation using materials that match Cherry’s climate demands.
We handle grading so water drains away from your home and doesn’t pool on the driveway itself. This matters more here than most people realize—Cherry’s clay soil doesn’t absorb water quickly, so if the grade is off even slightly, you’re looking at standing water and accelerated wear.
For concrete driveways, we’re using the right mix for North Carolina conditions and giving it the cure time it needs. For paver installations, we’re using quality materials with proper edge restraints and joint sand that locks everything in place. Both options get you a driveway that lasts 20+ years when maintained correctly.
We also coordinate any permits needed and make sure the work meets local codes. You don’t have to chase down paperwork or wonder if something was done to standard.
For a standard residential driveway in Cherry, you’re typically looking at $4 to $10 per square foot for concrete, depending on site conditions and design complexity. A single-car driveway averages around $2,500, while a two-car driveway runs higher based on square footage.
The range exists because not all properties are the same. If your lot has drainage issues, needs significant grading work, or requires extra base preparation due to soil conditions, costs go up. Decorative finishes, stamped patterns, or colored concrete also add to the price.
We give you an upfront estimate after seeing your property. No surprises, no vague ranges that balloon later. You know what you’re paying before we start.
Most concrete driveway installations take one to three days for the actual pour and finishing work. Then you’re waiting about seven days before you can drive on it, with full cure strength coming in around 28 days.
Paver driveways often install faster in terms of usability—you can typically drive on them within a day or two after installation is complete. But the prep work takes the same amount of time regardless of material choice.
Weather affects timelines. We’re not pouring concrete in freezing temperatures or during heavy rain because it compromises the final product. If conditions aren’t right, we reschedule rather than rush a job that won’t hold up.
Concrete gives you a smooth, uniform surface that’s easy to shovel and works well for most residential needs. It’s durable, cost-effective, and when installed correctly, lasts decades. The downside is that if it does crack, repairs are more visible.
Pavers offer more design flexibility and if one gets damaged, you can replace individual pieces without redoing the whole driveway. They handle freeze-thaw cycles well because the joints allow for movement. The tradeoff is higher upfront cost and occasional need to re-sand joints.
For Cherry properties, both work. It comes down to your budget, aesthetic preferences, and how much maintenance you want to handle long-term. We’ll walk through both options during your consultation so you can make the call that fits your situation.
Most cracking comes from poor base preparation or drainage issues. If the ground underneath isn’t compacted properly, it shifts and the driveway surface cracks. If water pools and freezes, it expands and creates pressure that breaks concrete or shifts pavers.
We prevent this by excavating to the right depth, installing a proper aggregate base, and compacting it in layers. We also grade everything so water moves away from the driveway and doesn’t sit on the surface or seep underneath.
For concrete specifically, we use control joints to manage where cracks occur as the material naturally expands and contracts. For pavers, proper edge restraints and joint sand keep everything locked in place so individual pieces don’t shift over time.
In most cases, yes. Cherry and the surrounding Monroe area typically require permits for new driveway installation or major replacements, especially if you’re changing the footprint or affecting drainage patterns.
The permit process ensures the work meets local codes for setbacks, drainage, and accessibility. It also protects you as the homeowner—if something isn’t done to code and you try to sell later, it can become a problem during inspection.
We handle permit coordination as part of our service. You don’t need to figure out what’s required or make trips to the municipal office. We pull what’s needed, schedule inspections, and make sure everything passes before we consider the job complete.
For concrete, seal it every two to three years to protect against moisture penetration and surface wear. Clean off oil stains promptly because they can break down the sealer. Avoid using metal shovels or harsh de-icing chemicals in winter.
For pavers, you’ll want to re-sand the joints every few years as the sand settles or washes out. Seal them if you want to enhance color and make cleaning easier, though it’s not required for structural integrity. Pull weeds from joints before they establish roots.
Both types benefit from keeping the surface clean and ensuring your gutters and downspouts direct water away from the driveway. The better you manage water, the longer your driveway lasts. We’ll give you specific maintenance guidelines based on the materials and design we install at your property.
Local Resources
Useful Links
Other Services we provide in Cherry
