In the current home improvement renaissance, no area of the home flies under the radar. From insulated foundations to app-controlled appliances, homeowners are constantly looking for ways to make every square inch of their properties safer, more comfortable, and higher performing than they were in years gone by.
To this effect, the driveway design and performance is one area of the home that has seen significant innovation in recent years. Keep reading as we explore the various types of driveways on the market and the pros and cons of each!
Concrete Driveways
There is no denying that concrete driveways are the most ubiquitous style of driveway in the United States. An aggregate of water, cement, and sand/gravel, concrete creates a cultivated aspect of suburbia that goes part and parcel with the iconic image of a perfectly manicured lawn and white picket fence.
Pros: Concrete is a durable, versatile driveway material. It can hold up to heavy compressive forces, making it great for human and machine traffic loads. It provides a clean, finished aspect when new. Concrete complements nearly every style of home. It is generally one of the most affordable types of driveway available.
Cons: Concrete is porous. It will be susceptible to stains from spilled food and leaking vehicle fluids. A specialized concrete cleaner will be necessary to prevent long-term staining. In addition, concrete’s porosity can lead to cracking during the freeze/thaw cycle. As such, it is important to seal concrete driveways ahead of winter, or at least every other year.
Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt driveways mimic standard blacktop roadways. They are made from asphalt cement, distilled petroleum, and sand/gravel. They are known for their bold appearance and are more commonly found in cold climates than warmer regions.
Pros: Asphalt driveways offer many of the same durability features as standard concrete without the porosity concerns. They also tend to be a bit more affordable than regular concrete. Their dark surface absorbs solar heat, helping to more quickly melt snow/ice accumulation during the winter months if an electric heated driveway cost is prohibitive.
Cons: Asphalt driveways can become sticky in hot temperatures. This can create some challenges during the summer or in hot climates. When possible, try to orient your home so that the driveway is on the north-facing side of the house to limit these concerns.
Paver Driveways
Paver driveways are built using thin concrete, brick, or composite stones. They provide high-end aesthetics and can be manufactured in an endless array of styles, colors, and designs.
Pros: Paver driveways offer the greatest aesthetic diversity possible. They are a preferred driveway material in high-end homes and luxury estates. Modern pavers are extremely durable with elite drainage properties. They will last a minimum of 50 years with routine care.
Cons: The upfront cost of paver driveways is higher than basic concrete or asphalt. Keep a big-picture view in mind when choosing this material, as pavers will often result in high home appraisal values when compared to asphalt or concrete. Snow removal can also be difficult with some styles of pavers. Consider installing a heated driveway to promote traction during the winter months.
Gravel Driveways
Gravel driveways use a mixture of small stones and coarse sand. They are among the most affordable driveway options, making them a strong choice for long driveways or those found in rural properties.
Pros: The relative affordability of gravel makes it a top choice for homes that have a lot of driveway to surface. There are numerous colors of stone that homeowners can use for gravel driveways. The natural stone aspect provides a great complement to a home’s landscaping choices. Gravel is less susceptible to weather damage than other types of driveways, thanks to its elite drainage.
Cons: Gravel driveways will rut and form potholes when introduced to excessive force. Therefore, it is important to install substrate paver grids to hold the surface gravel in place. You also have to drive slower on gravel, which can be a pro or con, depending on perspective.
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Turf Driveways
Turf driveways use a combination of pavers and grass for a decorative look. It is one of the most natural, environmentally-friendly driveway options, as it requires less raw materials and energy consumption during installation.
Pros: Turf driveways provide a natural, friendly aspect. They evoke a sense of European-style courtyards. They consume fewer materials during installation, making them a top consideration for eco-conscious properties.
Cons: Turf driveways are not suited for cold climates, as virtually all of their benefits disappear in the face of inclement weather. They require frequent mowing to maintain their attractive appearance. It may also be difficult to find installers experienced in turf driveways.
Weigh the Pros and Cons Ahead of Your Next Driveway Project
Like all areas of the home, modern driveways must offer increasing means of making life more comfortable and convenient. From classic concrete to natural turf options, explore the ideas listed above for next-level driveway surfaces.
For more of the latest trends shaping the contemporary construction and renovation landscape, explore the resources at Structures Insider for ideas and inspiration today!
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