Winter Guide: The Right Salts & Shovels for Your Paver Driveway, Walkway & Patio

(Concrete pavers, natural stone, wet cast pavers & retaining walls)

If you’ve invested in a beautiful paver driveway, walkway or patio in Aurora, Naperville, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Batavia or the western Chicago suburbs, the wrong ice melt or shovel can undo that investment in just a few winters.

Spalled edges, flaking surfaces, rust streaks, loose joints – most of that isn’t “normal wear.” It’s usually preventable damage from harsh salts or aggressive snow removal.

As a premium landscape and hardscape contractor in Aurora, IL, G Construction & Landscape put this winter guide together to help you protect:

• Concrete pavers (like Unilock)

• Natural stone pavers & steps

• Wet cast pavers, caps & steps

• Retaining walls & seat walls

We’ll also walk through the best shovels and tools for snow removal on:

• Paver driveways

• Walkways & front entries

• Backyard patios & pool decks

Whether you’re in Aurora, Naperville, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Batavia, Plainfield, Oswego, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, or St. Charles, this is the same advice we give to our own paver patio and driveway clients.

Why Your Ice Melt Choice Matters

Most ice melt products are some form of salt. They lower the freezing point of water so the ice melts and stays slushy instead of refreezing. The problem is what happens after that salty water soaks into concrete, pavers or stone and refreezes inside the pores.

Over a few winters, the wrong product (or too much of the right product) can cause:

• Scaling & flaking – the top layer of concrete or paver face pops off

• Spalling & chipping – corners and edges break down

• Internal cracking from repeated freeze–thaw cycles

• Plant & lawn damage from salty runoff

• Metal corrosion on railings, outdoor lighting fixtures and vehicles

If you’ve hired a landscaping company in Aurora IL or a paver installer in Naperville IL to create a premium outdoor space, you want that investment to last 20–30+ years. Winter maintenance is a huge part of that.

Rule of thumb:

Mechanical removal first (shovels, snow blowers), then the smallest amount of the right de-icer, only where truly needed.

Extra Care the First Winter After Installation

Whether you have a new concrete driveway, Unilock paver driveway, paver walkway, or stone front entry, the first winter is the most sensitive.

Industry guidance and manufacturer recommendations generally say:

• Avoid de-icing chemicals on brand-new concrete and pavers in the first winter, if possible.

• Use sand, stone chips or grit for traction instead.

• The more freeze–thaw cycles with salt present during that first season, the higher the risk of scaling and surface damage.

Our recommendation as a paver contractor in the Aurora / Naperville area:

• Clear snow promptly with plastic or rubber-edged shovels.

• Use grit for traction (stone chips or approved material for permeable systems).

• Save chemical de-icers only for critical spots like steep steps or entryways.

• When in doubt, text or call your installer (or us) and ask what’s safest for your specific product.

Types of De-Icing Products (and What They Do)

Let’s break down what’s actually in those bags at Home Depot, Menards, Lowe’s or your local hardware store.

1. Sodium Chloride (NaCl) – Rock Salt

You’ll see this sold simply as “rock salt” or “ice melt.”

• Effective down to: about 15–20°F

• Pros:

  • Affordable and easy to find in the Chicago suburbs

  • Works reliably on driveways and walkways

• Cons:

  • Still contributes to freeze–thaw damage if overused

  • Can harm plants and lawns in high concentrations

  • Can contribute to metal corrosion over time

For many concrete paver driveways and walkways, rock salt is the go-to de-icer when used lightly and correctly.

2. Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂)

Sold in pellets or flakes, often labeled “works in extreme cold.”

• Effective down to: around -20°F or lower

• Pros:

  • Works faster and at lower temps than rock salt

• Cons:

  • Stronger chemical – use sparingly on concrete and pavers

  • Can leave a slimy or whitish residue

  • More expensive

We typically recommend calcium chloride only when temperatures are extremely cold and rock salt alone isn’t doing the job.

3. Magnesium Chloride (MgCl₂) & “Pet-Safe” Blends

Many “pet-friendly” or “eco” ice melts rely on magnesium chloride or blended chlorides.

• These are often advertised as gentler, but they can still damage concrete and pavers over time if used heavily.

• Many paver and concrete manufacturers specifically warn against magnesium chloride on their products.

4. Potassium-Based De-Icers

Some specialty blends contain potassium chloride or potassium acetate.

• Marketed as more plant-friendly in some cases.

• Still capable of contributing to concrete and paver deterioration, especially if overused.

5. Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)

CMA is often marketed as the “concrete-safe” or “environmentally friendly” option.

• It is generally less corrosive than straight salts.

• However, some concrete paver manufacturers do not recommend CMA on their products based on their own testing.

This is where it’s important to follow the guidance for your specific brand (Unilock vs others).

6. Ammonium-Based De-Icers (Do NOT Use)

Any product with ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate should never be used on:

• Concrete

• Pavers

• Natural stone

• Retaining walls

These chemicals can aggressively attack the cement binder and rapidly destroy the surface. If you see the word “ammonium” on the bag, don’t buy it.

What We Recommend for Different Surfaces

1. Concrete Pavers (Typical Unilock-Style Driveways & Walkways)

For standard concrete pavers (like many of the driveways and patios we install in Aurora, Naperville, Downers Grove, Hinsdale and Batavia):

• Primary choice:

  • Sodium chloride (rock salt) – used sparingly once the surface has cured properly and is out of its first winter.

• For very low temps:

  • Calcium chloride blends when it’s extremely cold and ice is stubborn.

• Avoid on concrete pavers:

  • Magnesium chloride

  • Ammonium-based products

  • Fertilizer-style de-icers or anything not clearly labeled as safe for concrete

Usage tips:

• Shovel or snow blow first, then spot-treat icy areas.

• Don’t treat salt as a replacement for shoveling.

• Use the lowest amount that gets the job done.

• Sweep or rinse away leftover crystals in a thaw so they don’t sit on the surface.

For permeable paver driveways (common in higher-end projects and stormwater-sensitive areas):

• Do not use sand for traction – it can clog the infiltration joints.

• Use a light application of the recommended de-icer and keep joints clean.

2. Natural Stone Pavers & Front Steps

Natural stone (limestone, bluestone, sandstone, etc.) can be more porous and more sensitive than concrete.

For stone:

• Use de-icers as a last resort, not your first option.

• Choose shovels with plastic or rubber edges.

• Avoid metal chisels or aggressive scraping tools.

• Ask your installer (or the stone supplier) which de-icers are safest. In some cases, a CMA-based product may be preferred, but it depends on the specific stone and sealer.

When we install stone front steps, stone treads or natural stone patios in the western suburbs, we provide project-specific care instructions, because each stone behaves differently in freeze–thaw.

3. Wet Cast Pavers, Caps & Precast Steps

Wet cast pavers and precast elements behave more like traditional concrete:

• Treat them similarly to concrete pavers.

• Rock salt used sparingly is usually acceptable.

• Calcium chloride can be used in extreme cold in small amounts.

• Avoid ammonium-based and fertilizer-type blends.

Be especially careful with:

• Wall caps

• Step treads

• Pool coping

Water tends to sit and refreeze on these surfaces, so early and frequent clearing is your best friend.

4. Retaining Walls & Vertical Masonry

You probably won’t spread salt directly on your retaining walls, but salty water will run across and around them.

• Avoid piling huge mounds of salty snow right at the base of a wall.

• Direct meltwater away from wall faces when possible.

• Use plastic or rubber-edged shovels on wall caps.

• If you have a raised paver patio retained by a wall, keeping the surface clear reduces the amount of salty slush soaking down to the wall system.

This is especially important for the kinds of pool retaining walls, seat walls and raised patios we build across Aurora, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and St. Charles.

The Best Shovels & Snow Removal Tools for Pavers

The shovel or snow removal tool you use can absolutely make or break the surface of your paver driveway or patio.

Why Bare Metal Edges Are a Problem

On pavers, slabs and decorative concrete:

• Bare metal edges can scratch the surface.

• They can chip edges and corners.

• They may leave small metal fragments behind that later rust stain the pavers.

For most paver patios, paver walkways and concrete paver driveways in the Chicagoland area, we recommend plastic or rubber contact with the surface.

1. Plastic or Poly-Blade Shovels

• Ideal for interlocking concrete pavers and stamped concrete.

• Gentle on the surface but still effective.

• Common widths:

  • 18"–22" for walkways and steps

  • 24"–30" for driveways and larger patios

Best for:Residential paver driveways, concrete paver sidewalks, backyard patios, and pool decks.

2. Snow Pushers (“Plow Style” Shovels)

• Designed to push snow instead of scoop it.

• Great for long, straight stretches like a paver driveway in Aurora or a permeable paver driveway in Naperville.

• Work best on snowfalls up to about 6" at a time.

Best for:Driveways and large patios where you can push snow straight off the surface.

3. Ergonomic-Handle Shovels

• Bent or S-shaped handles reduce strain on your back.

• Combine an ergonomic handle with a plastic blade or rubber-edged blade for the safest option on pavers.

Best for:Small walkways, front entryways, steps and landings.

4. Rubber-Edged Blades & Plows

If you need something sturdier than plastic:

• Look for metal shovels, snow blowers or plow blades with a rubber or polyurethane edge.

• These are often advertised as safe for pavers, brick and decorative concrete.

Best for:Larger areas, or light commercial use on paver parking pads, long driveways, or townhouse communities.

Snow Blowers on Paver Driveways & Walkways

Snow blowers are totally fine on most properly built paver driveways and walkways, with a few guidelines:

• Adjust skid shoes so the metal scraping edge isn’t grinding directly on the pavers.

• Avoid chains on the tires if possible.

• Don’t use the blower to chop ice – it’s for snow, not thick ice sheets.

If you’re not sure whether your paver driveway in Aurora, IL or Naperville, IL is set up well for snow blowers, we’re happy to take a look and advise.

Winter Techniques to Protect Your Pavers & Concrete

No matter what shovel or de-icer you use, technique matters.

1. Shovel early and oftenDon’t wait until the storm is over with 8–10" on the ground. Multiple lighter passes are easier on your back and easier on the pavers.

2. Shovel with the patternOn pavers, try to push snow with the direction of the joints instead of across them to reduce the risk of catching edges.

3. Don’t swing or “hack” at iceAvoid metal ice chisels or hacking at ice with a steel shovel. Use a small amount of the right de-icer, let it work, then scrape gently with a plastic or rubber-edged tool.

4. Mind your snow pilesTry not to stack salty snow right against retaining walls, house foundations, or fence posts. Spread piles or direct them toward lawns or drainage areas when possible.

5. Spring rinse & resetIn early spring, give your pavers and concrete a good rinse to wash off salt residue. If you have a permeable paver driveway, consider having joints checked and cleaned if needed.

Service Areas: Where We Protect Pavers All Winter

G Construction & Landscape is a premium outdoor living and hardscape contractor based in Aurora, IL, proudly serving homeowners in:

• Aurora, IL

• Naperville, IL

• Downers Grove, IL

• Hinsdale, IL

• Batavia, IL

• St. Charles, IL

• Geneva, IL

• Plainfield, IL

• Oswego, IL

• Glen Ellyn, IL

• Wheaton, IL

• And nearby western Chicago suburbs

If you need help with paver driveway installation, paver patio design, retaining walls, drainage systems, or winter maintenance questions, we’re here to help you protect and enjoy your outdoor space all year long.

Need a Winter Maintenance Plan for Your Paver Driveway or Patio?

If you tell us what you have (for example: “Unilock paver driveway in Aurora + stone front steps + a raised paver patio with retaining wall”), we can help you build a simple winter care plan:

• Recommended ice melt types based on your surfaces

• The best shovel/snow blower setup for your property

• When to seal, clean or repair for long-term durability

We design and build premium outdoor living spaces, but we also want them to last, look great, and survive many Illinois winters.

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