WHAT TYPE OF DRIVEWAY LASTS THE LONGEST?
The driveway provides some of the most surprising depth of flexibility among all the ways you can renovate and add to the exterior of your home.
The size and layout of the driveway are important considerations in their own right. Still, the single most difficult challenge for homeowners can be deciding on the best material for the job.
Here, we'll look at all of the different materials you can use to see which ones will last the longest and provide the best solution for your home.
Concrete Driveway
Concrete driveways are the tried-and-true material for driveway installations. Most suburban homes choose this material for two major reasons: Concrete is typically the longest-lasting driveway surface, and when properly installed, it is virtually maintenance-free. But it's not all good news. Concrete can easily stain, for example, if you work on your car in the driveway and end up with large puddles of spilled oil. You may also encounter issues if you live in a cooler climate and require frequent de-icing, which can cause the concrete to deteriorate.
Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt driveways are made of sand, rock, and asphalt cement. Typically, these driveways are black (like those found on most highways), but we've seen some models with designs stamped into them to make the driveway stand out. Asphalt is popular because it is inexpensive to install, but plan on doing some maintenance if you go this route. The surface is known to crack on a regular basis.
Gravel Driveway
These driveways are typically made of loose gravel poured into a barrier to keep things contained. Gravel can be an attractive option if you have a long, winding country driveway with plenty of landscaping, but it may not be worth the cost in terms of looks. Things are easily shaken up because the gravel is loose. Plan on replacing the gravel every few years and raking it up on a regular basis.
Brick Driveway
Brick driveways have a classic feel (and rightly so—brick was used in ancient times). A solid perimeter base is put down to build the driveway, and bricks are layered across, comparable to how brick homes are built. The result is a timeless look that adds character to the front of a house, but that character comes at a price. Brick is a costly surface material, but if put properly, it can last for decades.
Cobblestone Driveway
Cobblestone has a more traditional feel than brick. Unfortunately, it does not come at an Old World price. Like brick, a well-installed cobblestone driveway may last for decades, and minor wear and tear just adds to its character.
Glass Driveway
Glass driveways are more like a mosaic of thick tumbled glass sealed with resin than sheets of glass. These driveways have a few advantages. For one thing, most manufacturers use recycled glass, which keeps it out of the landfill (ideal for environmentally conscious homeowners). You'll also have some leeway with color schemes because different types of glass can be blended together. Because of the durability of resin, a properly installed driveway will not require much maintenance.
Conclusion
There are numerous factors to consider when selecting the best driveway for your home.
Cost, longevity, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal are all important considerations in their own right. Whatever type of driveway you choose, make sure you have the right team to install it.
