Installing a new driveway can significantly enhance the look and functionality of your home’s exterior. Driveway pavers provide an attractive and durable surfacing option for driveways and walkways. There are four main types of driveway pavers to consider: concrete pavers, brick pavers, stone pavers, and gravel pavers. Understanding the pros and cons of each paver type will help you select the best option for your home.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their versatility and affordability. Here are some of the key benefits of using concrete pavers for your driveway:
Durability
Concrete pavers are extremely durable and designed to withstand decades of vehicle traffic, harsh weather conditions, and ground movement. They are stronger than poured concrete and less prone to cracking. Quality concrete pavers have a compressive strength over 8,000 psi.
Low Maintenance
Properly installed concrete pavers require very little ongoing maintenance. Unlike asphalt or poured concrete, concrete pavers do not crack or buckle over time. They won’t ravel at the edges or form potholes. An occasional pressure washing is all that’s needed to keep them looking great.
Variety of Colors and Shapes
Concrete pavers come in a wide selection of colors, shapes, textures, and patterns. Popular colors include earth tones like reds, browns, tans, and grays. Unique geometric and interlocking shapes allow for eye-catching designs. The variety of options makes it easy to complement your home’s style.
Permeability and Drainage
Concrete pavers provide better permeability than poured concrete or asphalt. Rainwater and snowmelt can drain between the joints, helping prevent puddling. This permeability also allows the soil beneath to breathe, reducing frost heave.
Customizable Layouts
The modular nature of concrete pavers means they can be installed in a variety of patterns, like herringbone, basketweave, and more. Borders, curves, and custom designs are very achievable. Concrete pavers are ideal for embellishing a basic driveway shape with more visual interest.
Cost Effective
Concrete pavers are one of the most budget-friendly paver options in terms of upfront costs. The average installed cost ranges from $5-10 per square foot. Their long lifespan also provides great value, with a return on investment over decades of use.
Easy Repairs
If a concrete paver cracks or becomes damaged, repairs are simple. Individual pavers can be removed and replaced without impacting the surrounding pavers or base. Major excavation is not required.
The main drawbacks of concrete pavers include potential efflorescence, a tendency to fade over time, and the labor involved with installation. However, when properly maintained and sealed, concrete pavers can provide decades of durable and attractive service.
Brick Pavers
Clay brick pavers give a classic, timeless look well-suited to traditional home styles. Here are the notable benefits of using brick pavers for driveways:
Timeless Aesthetic
The traditional rectangular brick shape immediately gives a classic, elegant look. Bricks come in warm rich earth tones like red, brown, and terra cotta that beautifully complement landscaping. The modular bricks can be laid in attractive patterns like herringbone. Brick pavers have an inherently upscale, expensive look and feel.
Durability
High-quality clay brick pavers stand up well to decades of vehicle traffic and all types of weather conditions. When properly installed on a stable base, they maintain their shape and appearance for generations.
Historical Charm
Bricks invoke a sense of history and old-world craftsmanship. Salvaged bricks can even add historical character. This can provide a beautiful contrast against a modern home design.
Low Maintenance
Brick pavers are very resilient and require almost no regular maintenance besides occasional cleaning. With proper installation, they do not crack, buckle or slide out of place over time.
Permeable and Slip Resistant
The joints between brick pavers allow rain and snowmelt to drain, preventing puddles or ice buildup. The textured surface also provides good traction underfoot in all seasons.
Value Enhancement
Brick pavers can significantly enhance the value and curb appeal of a home. Their beauty and longevity make them a smart investment for those looking to increase resale value.
The downsides of brick pavers include higher upfront costs, labor intensive installation, and potential efflorescence or spalling issues over time. Cracked or damaged bricks can be difficult to replace. However, with proper care and maintenance, brick pavers provide unparalleled vintage charm and curb appeal.
Stone Pavers
For a truly unique, high-end look, natural stone pavers are an excellent choice. Consider these benefits of using stone pavers:
Elegant, Seamless Look
Stone pavers create a beautiful seamless surface, unlike the obvious joints of bricks and concrete. The array of natural shapes, sizes, colors and textures provide depth and sophisticated elegance.
Extreme Durability
Natural stone like granite is incredibly hard and dense, resulting in an extremely long lifespan. Properly installed stone pavers will retain integrity for generations without cracking or degrading.
Distinctive Style
The one-of-a-kind veining, hues and patterns of natural stone can’t be imitated. Stone provides a premier, bespoke look that elegantly complements upscale home styles.
Enhanced Property Value
Natural stone is inherently viewed as a luxurious, prestigious material. Stone pavers can significantly boost a home’s value, making them a smart investment.
Low Maintenance
Once installed, stone pavers require very minimal maintenance besides occasional cleaning. They maintain their stunning good looks year after year.
Eco-Friendly
Stone is an inherently sustainable paving choice. Local quarry stone has an extremely small carbon footprint. Salvaged and recycled stone pavers are also great eco-friendly options.
The biggest downsides of stone pavers are the higher cost and heavier weight. Installation requires extra labor and care to properly support the heaviest stones. Irregular stone shapes also result in more cutting and fitting. While expensive initially, natural stone pavers add incredible, lasting value and beauty to any home.
Gravel Pavers
For a classic country or cottage look, gravel paired with stone or concrete borders can make an attractive, affordable driveway or garden path. Consider these unique benefits of gravel pavers:
Informal, Natural Look
Gravel evokes a relaxed, rustic aesthetic unlike any other paver option. The loose rocks provide an informal look perfect for certain landscape designs. Gravel comes in a diverse range of natural colors and textures.
Permeability
Loose gravel allows exceptional drainage. Rain and snowmelt easily permeate through the loose rock material, preventing puddling issues.
Affordability
Simple gravel is one of the most budget-friendly driveway solutions. Installation costs are very low, especially for DIY projects. There is no need for expensive pavers, mortar, or intensive labor.
Customizable
Gravel surfaces can be shaped into any form or contour. Borders can be used to create custom shapes and contains the gravel. Different sizes and colors of gravel can be blended for further customization.
Easy to Repair and Replace
If gravel gets displaced it is simple to rake and redistribute. Sections can be refreshed by adding new gravel as needed. Compared to other pavers, maintenance and repairs are quick and simple.
Provides Traction
The loose, shiftable rock of gravel provides great traction underfoot and for tires. This makes gravel ideal for steep driveway grades or slippery areas.
The biggest drawbacks of gravel are potential dust, erosion issues, and a less refined look. Gravel requires edging to contain it, along with ongoing raking and grading maintenance. But overall gravel provides a charming, eco-friendly paving option at a fraction of the cost of other pavers.
How to Choose the Right Driveway Pavers
When selecting which type of pavers are best for your driveway, consider these important factors:
Climate Conditions
If you live in an area with frequent freeze-thaw cycles, concrete or stone pavers are less prone to cracking and heaving than brick or gravel. In hot climates, light colored pavers stay cooler.
Use and Traffic
For driveways handling heavier vehicles like SUVs, trucks or equipment, concrete or stone pavers provide the most durability. Gravel cannot adequately bear heavy loads.
Site Conditions
On steep slopes or wet soils, permeable pavers like gravel, brick, or concrete provide better drainage. Stone and concrete pavers withstand ground movement better than bricks.
Design Style
Concrete and brick pavers are ideal for geometric patterns and borders. Gravel and stone look best in freeform, curving designs. Choose colors and textures that complement your home’s look.
Budget
Concrete pavers offer the best value in terms of cost per square foot. Gravel is the most budget-friendly option overall. Stone and brick pavers fall on the higher end for upfront costs.
DIY Skills
For DIY installation, choose interlocking concrete or gravel pavers that do not require intensive subbase preparation or mortaring. Bricks and stone are best left to the pros.
Long-Term Outlook
If you want a nearly permanent solution that retains its beauty for generations, natural stone is unmatched. Concrete and bricks also provide decades of longevity.
By weighing all these factors together, you can zero in on the right driveway paver style for your particular home and needs. Pavers should complement the landscape design while providing the durability, maintenance and costs that best meet your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driveway Pavers
Here are answers to some common questions about driveway pavers:
Which type of paver is cheapest to install?
Gravel is generally the most budget-friendly option for driveway surfaces, followed by concrete pavers. Brick and natural stone pavers fall on the high end in terms of upfront installation costs.
Are pavers better than poured concrete for driveways?
Yes, pavers like concrete, brick, or stone provide some advantages over poured concrete for driveways. Key benefits are better permeability, easier repairs, flexibility in design layouts, and avoidance of unsightly cracking long term.
How long do pavers last compared to concrete?
High quality pavers can last 50+ years for residential driveways when properly installed and maintained. Concrete driveways typically last 15-25 years before needing major repairs.
Should driveway pavers be sealed?
Sealing concrete, brick, or stone pavers can help protect them against staining, enhance color vibrancy, inhibit weed growth, and reduce efflorescence. Sealers need reapplication every 2-5 years.
Is a paver driveway hard to maintain?
Paver driveways are relatively easy to maintain with little required beyond occasional sweeping or pressure washing. Weeds can be prevented by sealing surfaces and filling joints with sand. Individual damaged pavers are simple to replace as needed.
How much does a basic paver driveway cost?
The average installed cost for a basic paver driveway ranges from $7 – $15 per square foot, with most homeowners spending $3,500 – $7,000 overall for materials and professional installation of a 400-700 square foot driveway.
Are pavers better for the environment than concrete?
Pavers can be an eco-friendly choice since they allow permeability, avoid heat island effects, and can even utilize recycled content or materials. Locally sourced pavers also reduce environmental impact through lower transportation emissions.
Conclusion
When it comes to driveway surfaces, pavers provide homeowners with attractive, durable and customizable options. Concrete, brick, stone and gravel pavers all offer unique benefits and tradeoffs to consider for your home’s needs and style. Proper subbase and installation are crucial to achieving a long-lasting, low maintenance result. Pavers not only enhance functionality, but provide curb appeal and resale value for years to come. By weighing the pros and cons of each paver type, you can pave the way to a beautiful, distinctive driveway.