Designing a Driveway? What Material Is Best for Your Property

Driveways first began appearing in front of homes during the second portion of the 19th century. At the time, the most popular surfacing material was gravel. Stone, flagstone, and brick grew to be popular alternatives. In the 20th century, the age of motorized vehicles brought driveways into common parlance. Now, an abundance of materials awaits your choice from which to make your driveway.

Concrete Driveway

Concrete driveways are among the most popular of options for residential paving. For one, they last quite a long time. They are particularly durable, and many years will pass before you need to undertake repairs upon it or install a new one. Concrete driveways are capable of enduring regular, frequent use, and this without much need to worry about maintenance. Concrete stands through tests of time. However, they are prone to growing stained. Oil is one such culprit. They also can be harmed by ice in colder climates.

Asphalt Driveway

Asphalt is another popular option for driveways, and these show several advantages in an attempt to topple their concrete cousins from favor. The vibrant black look appears very clean and presentable. It is an attractive feature to have on your property. It is also quite inexpensive. When a driveway is needed, asphalt will save you a significant degree on your bills. Maintenance is a problem with asphalt, however. The surface can crack; the asphalt will then need to be patched over with expedience.

Gravel Driveway

Gravel driveways have retained their popularity across the years in residential paving, particularly for those who live out in rural communities. It is much more common in the country than in urban environments. It is seen by many as a simple means of upgrading a driveway from one of dirt and it doesn’t take a lot of expertise to install a gravel driveway. Generally, they go in quite fast and can be used essentially immediately. A barrier of wood or brick is set in place to contain the gravel, which is then poured and packed down as firmly as possible. Then it is ready to be driven on. Gravel’s problem is its lack of longevity. It is loose and is subject to being lost. This requires you to periodically replace the gravel, which can be a nuisance.

Whether you are using one of these three common materials or something more complex to lay such as brick or cobblestones, you have a variety of choices available to connect your home to the road. Each has its pros and cons, but professionals can answer questions about each when the time comes for installation.