Are you searching for the best driveway paving option? Irrespective of whether you are building a new home or replacing your existing driveway, it is definitely worth considering what material you should use. Even if you have had the same type of driveway your entire life, you are likely to find that another material may suit your requirements better. People usually overlook driveway paving when they are thinking about their home’s curb appeal. Different driveway options will not only complement the aesthetics of your house, but even the materials used to pave a driveway are more compatible with different climates. Taking time to determine the different types of driveways before you make a decision will save you money, reduce upkeep time and costs, and contribute to the value of your home. In this article, we, at JH & Co driveway paving contractor, have brought to you the most popular driveway materials and you can choose one based on your needs.
The Best Driveway Materials That Are Best Suited For Your Home
1. Poured Concrete Driveways
Concrete is, hands down, the most popular driveway material and for all good reasons. Low-maintenance and long-lasting, you will not have to give much time thinking about your concrete driveway. It may not bring you as many compliments as other upscale materials, however, it is a dependably solid choice with a mid-range price. It can last decades, however, that level of longevity comes at a price as there are certain maintenance costs associated with concrete driveways. If your driveway starts to wear and tear, it can be quite tricky to make repairs.
2. Asphalt
Asphalt is known to be the perfect driveway material as it is long-lasting as well as easy on the pocket. When you install an asphalt driveway and take care of it properly, you can easily expect it to last nearly 15 years. It is one of the best types of driveways, especially for cold climates. The freeze-thaw cycle of winter can be rough on paved surfaces and other damages. Nevertheless, the natural flexibility of asphalt helps it withstand many types of pressures that concrete or any other paving material may not be able to uphold as well through the winter. If you start seeing holes or cracks in your asphalt driveways, repairs are also quite easy as most cracks can be patched up quickly. In fact, seal coating the driveway every few years can restore its original texture and protects the surface.
3. Paving Stones
When we talk about paving stones, there is honestly no shortage of options available. Some common choices are cobblestone, bricks, and flagstone. These natural, as well as manmade stones, come in a wide range of colors. Cobblestone and brick are especially useful when it comes to laying interesting decorative patterns. Even though paving stones can make an excellent driveway, homeowners usually shy away from this material because it is not as cheap. In fact, it is one of the most expensive materials used for paving driveways. One major reason that paving stones make for costly driveways is that laying them is a time-consuming process. It is essential to make sure that the foundation is level and that blocks are lined up. Professional installation can make a significant difference in how the final result turns out. However, the upkeep of driveways made with paving stones is relatively easy. Although the blocks may crack with time, repairing them is as easy as swapping out one brick for another.
4. Bricks
There is a reason you see brick driveways in historic homes. They are nearly indestructible driveways that can last for a lifetime. The best part is that those upsides come with a steeper upfront cost for installation and materials. With basic maintenance and a high-end look, brick driveways make for a compelling option for homeowners. They are highly durable in all weather conditions and give your home a classic, high-end look. Brick driveways are a popular choice because repairs can be made quite easily.
5. Gravel Driveways
The highest unique selling price of gravel as a driveway material is its price point. It is only a fraction of the cost of a paver, concrete, or even brick driveway. This is what makes gravel an excellent choice for homeowners who have long driveways. This is also why gravel driveways are universal, especially in rural areas. The only downside is that gravel driveways must be maintained regularly and replaced every few years. Easy to install, the material comes in a wide range of colors, thereby allowing you to install customized looks in order to complement your specific house style.
6. Stamped Concrete Driveways
Stamped concrete driveways can help you achieve the classic look of pavers at a pocket-friendly price. The durability, lifespan, as well as maintenance, are all that you could expect from concrete, which is to say it is significantly long-lasting and easy to maintain. Nevertheless, the extra effort it takes during installation makes for a relatively higher price as opposed to traditional concrete driveways. It also performs splendidly in most climates.
End Note
Now that you know all about the popular driveway materials, you must now be able to determine which of these sounds the best for your property. You may feel that the durability, affordability, and flexibility of asphalt may lead you to choose the material for your next driveway installation, however, you must also keep in mind which materials would customization as well as the quality of driveway service you hire. So, get in touch with us for the best driveway paving services and install an extravagant driveway, thereby boosting your property’s value as well as its curb appeal.