Cobblestones

Timeless Stone Paving with Modern Performance

Cobblestones are one of the most enduring and beautiful natural paving options you can choose for your property. Their history goes back centuries — from European streets to stately estate driveways — and today they bring that same classic charm to modern hardscaping without sacrificing performance.

Unlike flagstone or larger pavers, cobbles are small, thick pieces of natural stone — often granite, basalt, or sandstone — that are incredibly durable under load. Their size and mass make them especially well-suited for sand-set installations, where they are bedded in compacted crushed rock rather than mortar on a slab. This sand-set method produces a surface that is strong, flexible, and drains naturally, helping resist frost movement and water buildup.

Stone Patios & Paving In Seattle

Cobblestone Driveways

For driveways, cobblestones are a smart choice. A well-prepared base of gravel and crushed rock with a compacted sand bedding provides the support needed for vehicular traffic. The thick stone units handle loads day after day without cracking like thinner slabs can, and their interlocking surfaces offer traction and long-term durability.

When sand-setting a driveway, we dig 50% deeper than usual so there is enough depth to accomodate both the thickness of the cobble plus an additional 4" of extra-heavy crushed rock. On top of that base layer is the usual fine crushed rock sand for leveling and securing the stones.

Stone Patios & Paving In Seattle

Cobblestone Paths and Paving

Walkways and patios benefit from cobblestone’s texture and rhythm. A sand-set cobble patio invites people to slow down and enjoy the space, and walkways gain visual interest with patterns such as herringbone or running bond. The joints — filled with crushed rock or polymeric sand — help maintain permeability while keeping weeds at bay.

Sand-set cobblestone installations are also easier to repair than mortared slab work: individual stones can be lifted and reset if needed.

This site has a lot more technical data about cobblestones:

Citadel: Cobble Sett Patterns

If you’re creating a welcoming driveway, a charming garden path, or a patio that blends old-world character with modern performance, sand-set cobbles offer a timeless, resilient solution that stands up to the Pacific Northwest climate and everyday use.