Different Types of Residential Driveways

The ideal driveway material should integrate the cost, durability, and maintenance required to add aesthetic value to your home. This article will discuss the most common types of residential driveways, their pros and cons, and when each type best suits your needs.

Asphalt driveways are shared because of their relatively cheapness and being very hard-wearing. They cost somewhere between $3 to $5 per square foot. Asphalt will give a smooth, black surface that complements various architectural styles and is laid much faster than others. Asphalt has a relatively low cost, a service life of 20 years, and excellent traction. In addition to this, it clears the snow more rapidly than concrete. However, it does require maintenance every few years.

Read Also: Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveways: Which is Better?

Concrete Driveways

Concrete driveways are highly recognized because they are solid and durable; they usually range between $5 and $10 per square foot. They give a clean, modern look, which keeps up one's curb appeal very nicely. Concrete can easily last up to 30 years or more with proper care. Concrete is durable, requires low maintenance, and is versatile. However, it has a complicated installation, is prone to cracking, and requires more curing time.

Read also: How concrete driveway increase your home value.

Gravel Driveways

Gravel driveways are the cheapest, costing between $1 and $3 per square foot. They are made with loose gravel or crushed stone and give a rustic look suitable for rural areas and houses with large-scale driveways. Gravel is cost-effective, has excellent drainage, and is relatively easy to install. Nevertheless, one of its main disadvantages is that it requires intensive maintenance.

Paver Driveways

These pavers provide versatility and appeal due to their interlocking units, usually concrete, clay, or natural stone. The average cost per square foot for this type of paving material ranges from $10 to $20 and includes exceptional strength and flexibility in design. Paver driveways have excellent design options and durability. It also enhances the curb appeal of your driveway. However, they are expensive to install and consume a lot of time, too. They also require occasional maintenance.

Brick driveways are traditional-looking and suitable for historic neighborhoods or upscale home settings. The prices depend on the area size but average from $10 to $30 per square foot. However, they are hard-wearing and give the driver quite an air of class. Brick ones offer an aesthetic appeal to your driveway and are durable, so they don't require frequent maintenance. However, they are costly and require periodic resetting.

Resin driveways blend beauty with practicality, leaving a smooth, non-slip finish available in several different operational colors. They cost between $6 and $15 per square foot and have become famous for being long-lasting and low maintenance. These driveways are customizable, porous, and require minimal upkeep. On the other hand, they are expensive to install and need professional assistance. They are also sensitive to sunlight.

Permeable Concrete Driveways

These permeable concrete driveways are part of the solution to storm water runoff by making an area through which water can infiltrate the ground. On average, these range from $8 to $16 per square foot and continue to show significant momentum in sustainable construction practices. Permeable concrete driveways recharge groundwater, reduce runoff, and provide durable vehicle surfaces. However, they require professional installation, have a higher initial cost, and have limited contractor availability in some areas.

Cobblestone Driveways

Cobblestone driveways have a historical feel and give most people's driveways classic, costly curb appeal, frequently associated with indeed older neighborhoods or even historical districts of towns. In most cases, they range from $20 to $70 per square foot, valued for their durability and aesthetic charm. These have timeless aesthetic appeal and are incredibly hard-wearing. They can be costly because of the materials and labor required to lay them. They need constant maintenance to prevent weed growth and to remain even, and due to their uneven surfaces, they may not turn out to be the best in busy areas with heavy traffic.

Shell Driveways

One of the more shared surfaces in coastal areas, shell driveway, consists of crushed shells for a natural, textured appearance. They typically cost $3 to $8 per square foot, valued for their unique aesthetic appeal and excellent drainage properties. Shell driveways offer a coastal aesthetic, excellent drainage and affordability but require periodic replenishment for smoothness, are prone to shattering under heavy use or inclement weather, and are best suited for coastal areas due to shell availability and suitability.

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