Is it time for a new driveway? Fantastic! Now you’re left with one glaring question: Which material is suitable for you? Each has its benefits and drawbacks, making it challenging for homeowners to know which option makes the most sense for their circumstances.
Learning about the various driveway materials that are available will help you determine which one is the best choice for you. Here is a rundown of your options, including costs.
Gravel Driveways
Gravel driveways are made from small, loose stones. They look more organic and natural, appealing to homeowners who prefer that aesthetic.
Pros
People opt for gravel driveways because they’re exceedingly affordable. Gravel is one of the least expensive to purchase or install, and it's not too hard to do it yourself, either. Gravel driveways also provide phenomenal drainage. The loose gravel lets water pass freely through, so there’s less of a chance of your property being damaged by standing water.
Cons
However, gravel driveways have some noticeable drawbacks. The most commonly complained about aspect of these driveways is how much maintenance is required. You’ll have to rake and weed the area regularly and replace any gravel you lose to erosion or from being dislodged by a car.
The Bottom Line
Most people will pay between $1 and $3 per square foot, clearly defining gravel driveways as one of the more cost-effective options available. This makes gravel an attractive choice for those with longer driveways since it costs significantly less to install than other options the longer their driveway is.
Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt is primarily made from aggregates mixed with asphalt cement. The striking black color looks fantastic with most homes, especially those with more modern sensibilities.
Pros
Asphalt is beloved for how long it’ll last compared to some other options. A well-maintained asphalt driveway can stay perfectly fine for up to twenty years. Sleek and durable, asphalt’s black color also helps retain heat. This can be very beneficial for homeowners living in colder climates, as the heat can help snow and ice melt faster.
Cons
Asphalt still requires maintenance to be most effective, including sealing to prevent erosion and cracking. While twenty years seems like a long time to go without needing a replacement driveway, there are much more sturdy options available that can last even longer and with less maintenance. The color also makes it significantly less versatile from a design perspective.
The Bottom Line
The price of asphalt is in the middle of the pack. You should expect to shell out between $3 and $10 per square foot. It’s not too expensive, but it can certainly get up there once you get more customized installation projects.
Concrete Driveways
Concrete is a popular choice for homeowners who want a sound investment they don’t have to care for too much. It is also very aesthetically flexible and provides excellent curb appeal.
Pros
Concrete blows asphalt out of the water when it comes to longevity. It can last over 30 years with proper maintenance! Concrete also doesn’t require nearly as much repair or maintenance, making it very cost-effective long-term. It’s also easily customized through stamping or staining, allowing homeowners to make the material their own.
Cons
The initial cost of concrete is often seen as a drawback to many homeowners. However, when you consider how much you’ll save long-term, concrete typically makes up for it in terms of how hardy and straightforward it is to maintain.
Concrete can also crack over time, particularly in climates with large temperature fluctuations. Still, these cracks aren’t necessarily challenging to repair, so it’s not seen as much of an issue for those with concrete driveways.
The Bottom Line
You’ll likely pay somewhere between $4 and $10 per square foot to have a concrete driveway installed. This price will change based on how much detailing or customization you include. However, it shows that concrete can be just as affordable as other options like asphalt while requiring less maintenance and lasting much longer.
What’s It Worth to You?
The most important question you can ask yourself is not, “What are you willing to spend on your driveway?” Instead, ask, “How much am I willing to invest in my driveway?” This approach ensures that you aren’t making a choice based solely on the initial installation price, which can come back to haunt you if your driveway needs a lot of maintenance and repair or an early replacement.
Either way, having an expert team install your driveway properly is vital. If you’re like millions of other homeowners everywhere who see the value in concrete driveways, then you can rely on us to install one for you. Contact Viking Concrete today to learn more about our driveway paving and why concrete could be the right choice for you.
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