From cobblestone to brick, homeowners are given an abundant choice of materials with which to pave their driveways. It’s important to choose a driveway material that falls within budget, endures the climate of a particular geographic region, and meets an achievable maintenance schedule.
Driveways serve a clear purpose—to be a durable pathway for cars to move from the street to a garage. They are safe places to park a vehicle when it is not being driven. A beautiful driveway can also increase a home’s value by 5 to 10 percent.
Countless popular driveway material variations are available, each with different costs and lifespans. Some materials are better suited for warm climates, since snow is difficult to shovel off them. Color and style options vary among the materials. Plus, the frequency of upkeep differs.
1. Concrete Driveways
The most popular driveway is the concrete driveway. Installed outside many homes, concrete driveways are common for many reasons. Being incredibly durable, they last 100 years or more. Maintenance is a breeze, with cleaning and resealing required only every 2 to 3 years.
Concrete driveways, while affordable, are best suited for hot climates. In regions with extremely cold temperatures, like the Midwest, concrete materials can crack. Plain and unadorned, concrete driveways may not offer the unique, decorative appeal as driveways consisting of other materials.
2. Asphalt Driveways
Blacktop driveways are seen outside many homes around the country, too. They are known for their distinct black appearance, due in part to their materials: asphalt cement, distilled petroleum components, and sand or gravel. Blacktop driveways endure 15 to 30 years.
Unlike concrete driveways, asphalt driveways withstand harsh winter weather conditions. Conversely, asphalt driveways are not recommended for hot climates, as the asphalt material gets sticky or cracks when left unmaintained. Cleaning and resealing are required every 2 to 3 years.
3. Gravel Driveways
Rural homes with long driveways benefit from the cost-effectiveness of inexpensive gravel materials. Small stones and coarse sand, under which lay more sand, dirt, and stone, make up the gravel driveway. The stones come in varying sizes and colors, which create distinct appearances.
While gravel driveways are easy to install, they do come with drawbacks. Driving over the driveway is uncomfortable. Removing snow is a challenge. Dirt and debris accumulate, making it difficult to maintain a clean appearance. Plus, a top layer of fresh gravel is required every few years.
4. Brick Driveways
Comparable in lifespan to concrete driveways, brick driveways last 50 to 100 or more years. The bricks offer top-tier durability, while also delivering high-end visual appeal. Brick driveways stand up to every type of weather and boost a home’s curb appeal. Maintenance is minimal.
While replacing loose bricks is easy, the bricks do shift over time. Brick driveways require professional installation and extensive labor to arrange the bricks symmetrically, in part driving up the cost, especially in comparison to concrete and asphalt. Color options are also limited.
5. Paver Driveways
Pavers are made of concrete, brick, or natural stone. Paver driveways offer a luxurious look to the home and endure up to 50 years. Homeowners are given a multitude of style and color options to accentuate their home’s curb appeal and drive up their property value.
Upkeep is minimal; however, weeds do grow through the gaps between the pavers. During snowfall in winter, homeowners may have difficulty shoveling the snow off a paver driveway. Installing a paver driveway is also costly, averaging $10 to $50 per square foot.
6. Stone Driveways
Stone driveways complement modern homes. Style options are numerous, from stone pavers to cobblestones. Highly durable and requiring minimal repair, stone driveways last up to 50 years. The timeless, sophisticated look appeals to many homeowners, which can boost the home’s value.
However, the classiness of stone driveways comes with a steep cost. The materials and installation are more expensive than other types of driveways. Homeowners living in colder climes experience difficulty removing snow. Plus, stone driveways are high maintenance, requiring weeding between the stones.
7. Cobblestone Driveways
Known for their uniqueness, cobblestone driveways are also popular. Rounded paver granite or basalt stones are used to construct this type of durable driveway. These materials are also eco-friendly. By installing a cobblestone driveway, homeowners enjoy old-world charm for up to 75 years.
But this unusual aesthetic comes with plenty of maintenance. Regular weeding is required to remove weeds growing between the gaps. Driving over the uneven cobblestone surface creates a bumpy, uncomfortable experience. Cobblestone is also pricier than asphalt or concrete materials.
When exploring driveway material options, homeowners should factor in their budget for materials and labor, the climate in which they live, and the length of their driveway (longer driveways require more materials). Choose a driveway that matches the desired maintenance level.
Next, choose a reputable driveway contractor, like Pavestone Brick Paving, Inc. We offer a diverse range of popular materials, like brick pavers and natural stone, and quality installation services to build the driveway that matches or exceeds the beauty and functionality you envision.
Our brick pavers are available in numerous styles, shapes, textures, and colors. Choose from cobblestone, classic brick, and unconventionally shaped modern pavers. Crews professionally install the pavers in various patterns to create a stunning, unique look that complements your home’s aesthetic.
The driveway of your dreams begins with a discussion of your material and design preferences. Our design team creates a 3D model for your review and incorporates any adjustments. Once the digital model is approved, our experienced crews commence the driveway installation process.
Maintenance is necessary to preserve the look and utility of a driveway. If bricks loosen or shift over time, our crews are available to perform repairs. We can replace damaged pavers or reset loose ones. Reduce the buildup of dirt with our seal coating services. Power washing is also available.
Drive onto a gorgeous new driveway from Pavestone Brick Paving, a certified brick paving contractor. We serve Des Plaines, Illinois, and the surrounding suburbs with unparalleled dedication, exceptional workmanship, and a focus on customer satisfaction. Call us today at 847-895-7004 to build your beautiful driveway.
