Anyone who owns their own home knows how important it is to have a driveway that allows the car to enter the property or garage. It is above all functional, because it allows us to leave the car on our property without the slightest hindrance, and it also prevents us from damaging the lawn or garden when we drive a heavy car over it. However, it should not only be useful, but it should also look good, which is why in today’s article we will look at what material to choose for the driveway.
Asphalt
The first material we will look at is the very popular and commonly found on many driveways, asphalt. It is a material that is ideal for roads, as can be seen in virtually every country in the world, so building a driveway out of it is a logical choice. Navigating a car on an asphalt driveway is comfortable and easy, plus, laid well, it is really durable, typically maintaining its functionality for 15 to 20 years.
It is also worth mentioning that asphalt as a driveway material stands out from other options because it is relatively cheap – it costs on average between $5 and $7 per square foot and is therefore cheaper than concrete or paving stones. On the other hand, it is important to remember that it is not the most beautiful driveway material, of course it looks aesthetically pleasing, however, it is meant to be functional first and foremost, so it will not make our driveway look like a high-end architectural masterpiece.
Concrete
The next driveway material we will look at is concrete. Let’s start with the fact that, like asphalt, it is used for roads, so we don’t have to worry about its functionality. If the concrete on our driveway is laid correctly, we can count on it lasting up to 50 years, which is a really long time compared to the aforementioned asphalt. On the other hand, the excellent durability goes hand in hand with the price – you will pay between $4 and $10 per square foot of concrete.
As far as aesthetics are concerned, we are not dealing with a revelation here either, however, once again we must emphasise that the driveway is to be functional above all. Moreover, in the context of concrete, it should also be mentioned that laying it is quite difficult and time-consuming, but if it is done in a professional manner, our concrete driveway will last for a really long time.
Gravel
The next driveway material we will discuss in today’s article will be gravel. This material is very different from asphalt or concrete as described earlier, as it is loose and not poured on the ground. As a result, it is easier and less labour-intensive to lay, plus it is also easier to maintain if it needs some minor repairs.
In addition to this, it is essential to mention that gravel is a really cheap driveway material and will perform really well on longer driveways. What’s more, it can last up to 100 years if properly cared for.
Brick and concrete pavers
The next driveway material is brick and concrete pavers. These are pavers of various sizes which are laid on the driveway and are available in many shapes and colours, so they look much better than the previously described materials. However, they do require more effort to lay and they are also slightly more expensive.
As we have already mentioned, this material is really aesthetically pleasing, therefore it also increases the value of our property, moreover, it is also really easy to repair, as damaged pavers can easily be replaced with new ones, therefore, if we take proper care of such a driveway it can last for many years.
Stone
One of the most classic driveway materials is stone. This material doesn’t need to be introduced to anyone, paving stones are really durable and aesthetically pleasing, while it is not that easy to lay. It increases the value of our property and is also easy to repair and maintain.
It is not a cheap option, as we will pay between $30 and $50 to lay a square foot of paving stones, however, you can save significantly if you decide to do it yourself. However, Driveway contractor Glenview experts say it is a great choice for any driveway.
Pervious concrete
The last driveway material we will discuss in today’s article will be pervious concrete. This material is very similar to the previously described concrete, however, it differs in that it allows water to drain freely into the ground and is therefore really easy to maintain.
On the other hand, this choice is not one of the cheapest and, in addition, it is not at all easy to install, as it requires the help of professionals. It is also worth mentioning that it is a durable material, however, it is not resistant to very heavy loads, so care must be taken not to damage it with large and heavy vehicles.
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