Different driveways can not only add to the aesthetics of your home, but also make traveling and moving things easier. To choose a suitable driveway, you need to clearly know the advantages of each type to save money, reduce maintenance time and contribute to increasing the value of your home.
Concrete driveways
Concrete is the most popular driveway material because it is durable and requires little maintenance. A concrete driveway isn’t very high-end, but it is a sturdy and reliable option at a mid-range price.
Asphalt driveways
With its beautiful, sturdy surface and relatively inexpensive installation cost, asphalt is an attractive option for homeowners with long driveways and/or budget constraints. It is best suited to colder climates and should be re-wrapped every few years to prolong its life.
Interlock driveways
Although Interlock driveways require more effort and initial investment, they offer the benefits of a long lifespan and a premium appearance. With a variety of material options and installation styles, a paver driveway can look like a true extension of the home, rather than an afterthought.
Turf driveways
More like a hybrid driveway than a simple turf driveway, this driveway option often integrates turf with permeable concrete pavers or blocks. The result is an aesthetically pleasing garage entrance. However, grass driveways are not suitable for areas that experience frequent snow or drought.
Brick driveways
There’s a reason you see brick driveways with historic homes: This nearly indestructible driveway material can last a lifetime. Unsurprisingly, those advantages come with a higher upfront price for materials and installation. However, with its limited maintenance and upscale appearance, tile can be an attractive option for many homeowners.
Gravel driveways
The biggest selling point of gravel as a driveway material is the price: Installation costs average $1 to $2 per square foot, a fraction of the cost of a stone, brick or even is concrete. That makes gravel an especially attractive option for homeowners with long driveways—which is why gravel driveways are nearly as common in rural areas. Gravel should be maintained regularly and replaced every few years.
Stamped concrete driveways
Stamped concrete driveways can achieve the look of paver at a reduced cost. Longevity, durability, and maintainability are all you’d expect from concrete—which means it’s quite durable and easy to maintain. However, the extra effort required to install a stamped concrete driveway makes it more expensive than a traditional concrete driveway.
Comparision
Concrete driveways | Asphalt Driveways | Interlock driveways | Turf driveways | Brick Driveways | Gravel Driveways | Stamped Concrete Driveways | |
Cost ($ per square foot) | 9 – 14 | 3 – 8 | 11 – 52 | 11 – 17 | 11-32 | 2-4 | 12 – 20 |
Duration | High | Medium | Very high | Medium | Ultimate high | Low | High |
Maintenance | Easy | Medium | Easy | Difficult | Easy | Difficult | |
Suitable for weather | Hot climate | Colder climates | Not well-suited to cold/dry climate | Any | All | Any | |
Aesthete | Medium | Rather nice | Nice | Very nice | Very nice | Poor | Nice |
Disadvantage | Easy crack | soft in hot weather, may crack | Weeds grow gaps Difficult to snow shovel | Regularly trimmed Uneven footing | May loosen Fewer customization options | Difficult to snow shovel Makes cars dusty | Prone to cracking, May fade over time |