How often do you think about your driveway? For many people, a driveway is simply the place where they park–there’s little consideration of the space’s aesthetic appeal or the practicality of its materials.
If you’ve never given your driveway much thought, you may not realize that there are many types of driveways available. There’s a surprising amount of diversity among residential driveways, in both look and material.
Whether you’re looking for a plain, simple driveway that you don’t have to worry about or a flashy statement piece that accents your lawn, there’s a driveway style that’s right for you!
Concrete Driveways
When it comes to driveways, there are few options more traditional than concrete. Concrete driveways are simple, affordable, and effective, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.
The biggest benefit of a concrete driveway is that it requires very little maintenance. It lasts a long time and you don’t have to do any upkeep; what’s not to love?
Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt is another common driveway material. Like concrete, asphalt is affordable and easy to install. It requires more maintenance, but small patch jobs are easy to do.
Asphalt driveways offer a clean, uniform look that many people find appealing. However, they don’t last as long as concrete, and you’ll have to deal with frequent cracks that can disrupt that uniform look.
Brick Driveways
For a more refined aesthetic, you can opt for a brick driveway. Brick driveways look beautiful and have a long lifespan; they’re also a bit more flexible than concrete or asphalt driveways, resulting in less damage from shifting earth.
Brick is more expensive than other types of driveways, but the payoff is worth it. You can make your brick driveway stand out even more by hiring gate installers to give the driveway a custom entrance!
Paver Driveways
Paver driveways are similar to brick ones, with one important difference: pavers come in a much wider variety than bricks. Pavers come in a variety of shapes and colors, letting you fully customize your driveway.
To most people, a driveway is just a necessary part of vehicle ownership; with pavers, a driveway can be art!
Gravel Driveways
A gravel driveway seems simple–it’s just a layer of small rocks. However, these are the best driveways if you have a large parking space to cover–gravel is inexpensive and easy to install.
Gravel also offers some customization: there are different sizes, colors, and more.
Turf Driveways
Turf driveways, also known as green driveways, are a recent addition to the types of driveways available. Turf driveways utilize a special kind of permeable paver with holes that grass can grow through.
Turf driveways are somewhat expensive and require the same maintenance your lawn gets; on the other hand, they’re sustainable and visually striking.
Understanding the Types of Driveways
Many homeowners are surprised by the many types of driveways available. A smart homeowner–one familiar with their driveway options–can transform their home by upgrading to the driveway of their dreams.
You can further improve your driveway’s aesthetic by accenting it with flowers or shrubs. Visit our home and garden blog for tips on picking the right plants for your lawn!
