Homeowners focus much of their attention on outdoor aspects of their home, including the patio, the lawn, and landscaping in general, but it seems as though driveways are often overlooked. Your driveway, that stretch of property between the street and your garage, is just as crucial as your garden, grass, and trees, especially in terms of aesthetics. The bottom line is that your driveway has probably been neglected for a very long time, and perhaps you should consider having it replaced. It wasn’t all that long ago when the two obvious choices for a driveway were concrete and asphalt. And while these remain very popular materials for driveways, there are other options as well, including the traditional gravel driveway, which possibly brings back fond memories for older homeowners.
Driveway Materials
- Concrete
- Asphalt
- Pavers
- Brick
- Gravel
Concrete
RELATED: The Benefits of a Concrete Driveway
When it comes to durability, lifespan, and flexibility, concrete just can’t be beat. In addition to holding up very well in all sorts of weather conditions, concrete also provides a smooth surface for your family to enjoy. In addition, concrete requires very little maintenance, so you can spend more time shooting hoops on your driveway than cleaning and resealing it. In terms of aesthetics, traditional concrete might not be that pleasing to the eye, but that changes should you opt for stamped or colored concrete. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and some might think plain concrete looks just fine, especially when compared to an asphalt driveway.
Asphalt
Asphalt is a mixture of rock, sand, and cement, and it is an inexpensive driveway material that will last many years. And because it is pliable due to the petroleum in the mix, it is flexible and less likely to crack as a concrete driveway will. Asphalt might not be the most eye-pleasing driveway material, but it is still a good-looking choice for homeowners. Better still, asphalt won’t fade over time, and it hides stains very well. It is also very easy to clean and maintain, and it is permeable, so water sinks right through it so you won’t have to deal with pooling water.
Pavers
Two of the best qualities pavers present are beauty and durability. Using pavers for your driveway material will undoubtedly give your home character, and if properly installed, pavers can last a very long time, upwards to a century. Pavers are also very easy to maintain as they require very little in terms of maintenance. If you are concerned about diminishing your carbon footprint, pavers are a good choice as they are very eco-friendly; especially if they are sourced from local stone.
Brick
There are very few who would argue that a brick driveway is very beautiful. But if you are looking to add curb appeal to your home, a brick driveway is the way to go. If you are a creative homeowner and enjoy a unique driveway, bricks come in a variety of colors and hues to match your specific landscaping design. In addition, stains aren’t as easy to see on brick as they are on concrete surfaces. You can also expect your brick driveway to last a very long time if properly maintained.
Gravel
Budget-conscious homeowners will appreciate having gravel as an option for their driveway material. Gravel compacts very well and gives you a stable surface for your vehicles. In addition, gravel allows water to easily soak into the earth, so there are no worries about puddles forming and causing problems. It is also eco-friendly and very easy to maintain. Even if you run into problems, potholes, for example, they are easily fixed with a shovel and extra gravel. Best of all, you can expect your gravel concrete to last longer than you.
Having a Nice Driveway is Important
You probably don’t think about your driveway very much, and that is a shame. There are several compelling reasons why you should have a lovely driveway. You have always heard just how important first impressions are; people make judgments based on what they see in the first few seconds. We are betting that you have driven through a random neighborhood and have noticed a particularly bad-looking driveway. What was your first impression of the home? That’s right; you had a negative vibe about the house even though it could have been a very smart-looking home.
Curb appeal is significant, and a crumbling, stained driveway takes away from that. In fact, people could be judging your house based solely on the condition of your driveway. If that is the case, good luck selling your house when that time comes. An upgraded driveway will do wonders with first impressions. You might even get a better offer on your house if you have a stunning driveway.
A deteriorating driveway isn’t just an eyesore; it is a hazard that could cause problems as well. Concrete cracks and asphalt crumbles, and this not only affects functionality but it poses a danger for people playing in the driveway. So do yourself a huge favor and look into having your driveway replaced.
The material you ultimately choose for your driveway is a personal decision. We have given you the pros and cons of each driveway material, and we hope you do additional research and make an educated choice. If you would like to know more about concrete driveways, feel free to contact us, and we would love to answer any questions you might have.
