The driveway is the first thing that visitors notice when they visit your place. This is why a well-designed driveway not just ensures functionality and longevity but also improves the aesthetics of your house. It adds value to your property, which can also help improve resale price.
If you are planning to renovate your home or shift to a new one, it is crucial to choose the right driveway material. The right type of material will ensure functionality and aesthetics are evenly distributed. Whether you choose a traditional design or opt for a modern, minimalistic option, each material offers its own set of features and requires minimal maintenance. While choosing the right material for the driveways, make sure to check its pros and cons, cost, maintenance needs, and suitability.
Whether you want an eco-friendly option or a sleek and stylish driveway, this blog will help you figure out your ideal choice.
10 Different Types of Driveways
Plain Concrete
Plain concrete is one of the durable and versatile choices for driveways. It requires low maintenance and provides a smooth surface for parking and gaming activities like basketball or skateboarding. The cost of a plain driveway ranges between $4-$15 per square foot.
The surface allows it to remove snow easily, and it lasts long if maintained properly. However, concrete stains easily and can get worse from road salt. Therefore, it is good to use a concrete sealer and avoid the use of deicing salts during winter to prevent damage.
This will make the plain concrete driveway last for years.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are more stylish and long-lasting compared to a plain concrete driveway. These cast-concrete come in different colours, various interlocking shapes and are easy to install. The cost of concrete pavers ranges between $10-$25 per square foot.
These pavers have a variety of benefits, such as diverse design options, easy replacement of defective pavers, and better water drainage from the joints. Preparing a solid base before installation is crucial for long-lasting results. It is suggested to regularly seal the surface for protection against stains and weather. This helps in keeping pavers fresh and clean for years.
Crushed Stone
Crushed stone driveways offer a rustic and natural look. It is one of the most affordable choices for homeowners. It has a smooth surface and comes in different colors and stones, depending on the availability in your region. Some of the easily available stones are shale, sandstone or granite. It is considered one of the budget-friendly driveway options. However, the cost may vary depending on the stone you choose.
Crushed stones are easy to install, but they require frequent replenishment as they are prone to potholes. Clearing snow without displacing stone is also one of the reasons why regular maintenance and care are necessary. It is good to use landscape fabric underneath to reduce weed growth and enhance durability.
Pigmented Concrete
Pigmented concrete is combined with regular concrete to offer strength with aesthetically appealing visuals. During the process, it is either mixed into the concrete before pouring or applied to the surface while wet. It has a variety of colour choices and gives an even colour throughout when mixed properly into the concrete. It gives curb appeal to any space.
However, surface-applied pigments may wear off over time, which eventually brings the original colour underneath. Therefore, it is suggested to mix integral colours to maintain the shade throughout the concrete. This will also reduce the chances of visible fading and ensure long-lasting results.
Acid-Stained Design
Acid-stained concrete is one of the driveways that has a unique, marble look which resembles natural stone. It creates a lasting colour by seeping into the surface of the concrete, ensuring no damage in future. Different colours can easily blend into this concrete to give a natural stone-like effect at a budget-friendly cost as compared to regular real stone. This pattern is popularly used to add style to floors, patios or walkways also.
Nonetheless, to avoid fading and damage due to sunlight and regular use, it is crucial to take care of it. Sealing it regularly will keep the concrete fresh and colourful. Acid-stained concrete can be proven as durable and attractive if cared for properly.
Cobblestone Concrete Design
Cobblestone concrete design is popularly known for its timeless appearance and diversity in design choices. It is one of the durable options that requires low maintenance, which makes it one of the long-lasting options for homeowners. However, cobblestone requires assistance from skilled professionals. For example, Belgian block paver specialists can be expensive, but not easily available.
The uneven pattern of the cobblestone surface may give an aesthetic appeal to the surface, but it can be one of the downsides as well. For example, during the winter season, it will be difficult to remove snow from the surface. This is often picked by homeowners for its durability and stylish look that adds value to the property.
Stamped Design
Stamped design concrete is one of the affordable choices that gives the look of expensive materials such as brick, slate or cobblestone. To create this, wire mats are pressed into wet concrete to bring a textured pattern, and the surface is stained for a more realistic touch. The cost of stamped concrete design ranges between $12-$18 per square foot.
Homeowners choose this option for its durability, diversity in designs, more colour choices and minimal maintenance requirements. Nonetheless, proper installation ensures an effective final look. Therefore, make sure to get it installed by a skilled contractor to ensure a realistic and high-quality finish. This will bring in a more natural and visually appealing look.
Gravel Stones
Gravel stone is the ideal choice for those who find other materials expensive. It is one of the most cost-effective DIY friendly choices for a driveway. It is made up of 1 to 2 inches wide crushed rock or sorted aggregate and spread over a flat and prepared surface. The installation process is easy but time-consuming. Gravel stones can cause potholes over time, but are also easy to repair.
One of the major perks is that it can last for decades and even up to 100 years if maintained and replenished occasionally. There are different types of gravel, for example, limestone, granite or river gravel with smooth pebbles. These are some of the easily available options in local areas.
Basalt Driveway
A basalt driveway has a unique and appealing look. It is preferred for low maintenance and longevity in different weather conditions. Unlike other concrete options, it doesn't require multiple repairs. However, it requires experienced and skilled contractors to perform the installation. They will ensure to offer an appealing look that will complement your home's aesthetics. Choose an expert who has deep knowledge and understanding of how basalt will look with the entire property.
Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt is one of the budget-friendly options as it ranges between $5 to $7 per square foot. It is cheaper than other regular concrete or pavers. If regular sealing and patching are done, its lifespan can increase and last long till 15 to 20 years. Asphalt material can soften in excess heat and may even crack due to tree roots; therefore, it requires frequent maintenance and care.
However, it can be re-layered during repairs, unlike concrete. It is made with a blend of sand, aggregate and bitumen. It is placed hot over a compacted gravel base to ensure proper drainage. It can't be installed with a DIY method. Therefore, it is crucial to seek assistance from expert contractors.
Choose the Right Type of Driveway Wisely!
The right type of driveway material should fulfil aesthetic as well as functional needs and offer long-term value. While selecting the right driveway, make sure to consider the climate you live in, proposed budget, maintenance level and overall home aesthetics.
It is suggested to seek help from an experienced person if you are confused about the variety of options. Professional assistance will introduce you to different budget-friendly options.
