Choosing the right driveway material is one of the most important decisions when planning your new driveway installation or replacement. The right material can enhance the look of your home, be easy to maintain, and last for decades. There are six main options for driveway surfaces, each with their own pros, cons, costs, and considerations. We’ll explore popular driveway materials so you can make an informed decision for your home.
Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt is one of the most common driveway materials due to its competitive pricing and durability. It is composed of stone aggregate held together with an asphalt binder, typically made from petroleum. Here’s what you need to know about asphalt driveways:
Pros
- Cost-effective option
- Withstands moderate traffic and loads
- Easy to repair and maintain
- Provides smooth driving surface
- Can be applied over existing driveway
Cons
- Prone to cracking over time
- Can be damaged by gas, oil spills
- Not as aesthetically appealing
- Needs resealing every few years
Cost
Asphalt driveways cost $3-6 per square foot installed. Total costs for a typical two-car driveway can range from $1,500-4,500.
Installation and Maintenance
Asphalt driveways are installed by excavating and grading the area, compacting the soil, applying and compacting hot asphalt, and sealing once cooled. They require periodic resealing every 2-5 years to maintain water resistance. Cracks should be filled as needed to prevent further deterioration.
Design Options
Asphalt comes in different colors and can be stamped or stenciled with patterns for added visual appeal. Decorative aggregates like stones or colored glass can be mixed in or applied to the top layer.
Concrete Driveways
Concrete is valued for its extreme durability and low maintenance requirements. It offers customization options to complement your home’s style.
Pros
- Very durable, lasts 20-30 years or more
- Can handle heavy vehicles and loads
- Minimal maintenance required
- Customizable color and patterns
- Doesn’t require sealing or re-coating
Cons
- More expensive installation cost
- Prone to cracking over time
- Requires control joints to be cut in
- Can be slippery when wet
- Harder to repair than asphalt
Cost
Concrete driveways cost $8-15 per square foot installed. For a typical two-car driveway, total costs range from $5,000-10,000.
Installation and Maintenance
Concrete driveways are installed by preparing the subsurface, pouring concrete into forms, finishing, and allowing to fully cure for at least 7 days. Proper control joints should be cut in to prevent cracking. Minimal maintenance is required beyond patching cracks or damaged sections as needed.
Design Options
Concrete can be colored, stained, stamped, or stenciled for unlimited custom looks. Popular options include flagstone, slate, brick, and cobblestone patterns. Borders or accents using decorative aggregates can add visual interest.
Brick or Stone Pavers
Brick and natural stone pavers create charming, classic driveway surfaces. While more expensive to install, they can significantly enhance curb appeal and home value.
Pros
- Timeless, attractive aesthetic
- Can increase home value
- Durable for decades with proper installation
- Easy to repair or replace sections
- Provides good traction
Cons
- Among the most expensive driveway options
- Tend to sink or settle over time, requiring repairs
- Joint sand between pavers can erode
- Weeds can grow between pavers
Cost
Brick or stone paver driveways cost $10-25 per square foot. Expect total cost from $7,500-20,000 for a typical install.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper subsurface preparation is crucial for lasting beauty and performance. The base should be excavated and compacted in layers, filled with coarse aggregate material, and topped with 1-2 inches of bedding sand. Pavers are laid by hand in the desired pattern, tapped into the sand bedding, and joints filled with sand. Expect to weed and replenish joint sand periodically.
Design Options
Choose from countless paver shapes, styles, colors and patterns. Popular looks include herringbone, basketweave, and random patterns. Accent borders, curves, or decorative inlays provide added detail.
Gravel Driveways
For homeowners wanting a cost-effective, low-maintenance option, gravel is a top choice. It provides a classic country or cottage look.
Pros
- Very affordable option
- Easy installation over existing surface
- Minimal ongoing maintenance
- Allows rainwater drainage
- Easy to reshape or repair
Cons
- Loose gravel can scatter from vehicles
- Can be noisy when driven on
- Not recommended for steep driveways
- Provides bumpy, uneven driving surface
- Can grow weeds over time
Cost
Gravel driveways cost just $1-3 per square foot to install. Expect a total cost from $1,000-2,500 for a typical driveway.
Installation and Maintenance
After excavating and grading, a 4-6 inch gravel base is spread and compacted over soil, followed by a 2-3 inch top layer of smaller crushed stone or chipping gravel. Maintenance involves filling in low spots or ruts with fresh gravel as needed. Some periodic grading or use of a vibrating compactor helps keep a smooth surface.
Design Options
For a more polished look, opt for crushed granite or decorative stone. Borders or accents using brick, stone or cobble edging can add definition.
Resin Driveways
Resin driveways offer the look of brick, stone or slate for a fraction of the cost. The poured polymeric material is seamless, modern, and low maintenance.
Pros
- Mimics look of pricier paving materials
- Seamless, sleek modern appearance
- Slip-resistant surface
- Very durable and scratch resistant
- Requires almost no maintenance
Cons
- Relatively high cost for material
- Limited design options
- Prone to fading over time
- Needs resealing every few years
- Cannot be patched – needs full replacement
Cost
Expect to pay $12-30 per square foot for resin driveway installation. Total costs for a typical driveway often range from $9,000-22,500.
Installation and Maintenance
Resin driveways require specialized contractors to properly prepare the base, apply primers, and pour the liquid resin topping using squeegees. The material cures in just a few hours. Resealing it every 2-5 years will maintain the look and prevent staining.
Design Options
Resin comes in a few standard colors and can mimic subtle stone or brick patterns. However, custom designs are very limited compared to pavers or concrete. Borders can help define the edges.
Porous Paving Materials
Porous paving materials allow rainwater to drain through gaps or pores to the soil below. This helps reduce stormwater runoff and recharge groundwater. Common options include:
Permeable Pavers
- Pavers made of concrete, stone or brick with gaps between to allow drainage.
- Filled with loose gravel instead of sand.
- More expensive than standard pavers but cost can be offset by reducing stormwater management needs.
Permeable Concrete
- Uses less fine aggregate so water can seep through small voids.
- Often uses larger aggregate at the base and top to aid drainage.
- Costs about 20-30% more than standard concrete.
Porous Asphalt
- Made with modified mix of stone aggregate to create interconnected voids for drainage.
- Top layer is more coarse and rocky-looking.
- Costs about 20% more than standard asphalt.
Pros
- Helps replenish groundwater
- Can reduce runoff and flooding
- Qualifies for green building credits
- Helps prevent pollution from entering waterways
Cons
- Generally more expensive to install
- Requires frequent sweeping to prevent clogging
- Not suitable for high-traffic driveways
- Needs proper subsurface drainage design
Key Considerations When Choosing a Driveway Material
There are several important factors to weigh when deciding on the best driveway material for your home. Consider the following:
- Budget – Get quotes on total installed costs and opt for a material that fits your budget. Asphalt, gravel and concrete are generally the most affordable.
- Durability – Look at estimated lifespan and how well each material will hold up to traffic, weather, and other wear and tear in your climate. Concrete lasts the longest.
- Appearance – Choose something that complements your home’s architecture and style. Pavers, patterned concrete, or colored asphalt can enhance curb appeal.
- Maintenance – Consider time and costs needed to keep your driveway looking its best long-term. Asphalt and resin require more frequent maintenance.
- Traction – Opt for pavers, Concrete imprints or broom-finished concrete to prevent slick surfaces, especially on steep driveways.
- Drainage – Make sure water drains away from garage and home. Permeable paving can help reduce runoff.
- Weight capacity – If parking heavy vehicles, reinforced concrete is the strongest option. Gravel and soil driveways cannot handle heavy loads.
No matter which material you choose, make sure your new driveway is professionally installed for proper preparation, grading, drainage and long-lasting performance. Investing in the right driveway for your home and needs will provide enjoyment and enhance curb appeal for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driveway Materials
What is the most affordable driveway material?
Gravel is the most budget-friendly option for driveways, costing just $1-3 per square foot installed. Asphalt is another very cost-effective choice at $3-6 per square foot.
What is the longest lasting driveway material?
Properly installed concrete driveways have the longest lifespan, typically lasting 20-30 years or more before needing replacement. They require minimal maintenance beyond occasional crack repairs.
Which material provides the best traction?
Concrete driveways imprinted with textures or broom finished provide excellent traction and skid resistance. Brick or stone pavers also add traction compared to smooth driveway materials.
What is the strongest driveway material for heavy vehicles?
Reinforced concrete is the strongest driveway material, able to withstand consistent heavy vehicle traffic and high loads better than asphalt or pavers over time. At least 6 inches depth is recommended for durability.
What is the easiest DIY driveway material to install?
Gravel is the most DIY-friendly material for homeowners to tackle themselves. After proper excavation and grading, it simply involves spreading, compacting and leveling layers of crushed stone and gravel.
Which materials increase home value most?
High-end paving materials like natural stone, brick pavers, and patterned concrete tend to provide the biggest boost to home value by enhancing curb appeal. Their durability also retains value long-term.
Conclusion
When choosing a new driveway, weigh the pros and cons of each material carefully to find the best option for your specific home, budget, lifestyle and local climate conditions. Popular options like asphalt, concrete, pavers, gravel and resin each offer their own sets of advantages to consider. Investing in professional installation is key to achieving lasting quality and performance. With the right driveway surface, you can enjoy an attractive, smoothly functioning area that withstands daily use for decades to come.