Shabby Chic Boho Thinking about installing a new driveway, but not sure what surface material to use? Three of the most popular options are concrete, asphalt and gravel. Each has their pros and cons. In this post, we’ll compare the three solutions so that you can choose the best suited one for you.
Concrete
If you want a driveway that will last for decades, choose concrete. This surface can withstand years of boiling heat, harsh winds and torrential rain without needing resurfacing. Its biggest weaknesses are spillages, which may cause staining, and freezing temperatures, which can cause cracking, but affordable repairs and resurfacing are possible with the right concrete contractor. Concrete driveways can come in an array of colors and styles. Some homeowners are happy with plain grey concrete, but stamped and brushed designs are possible with tints of red to provide a terracotta look. Be wary that because of its customizable appearance and durability, concrete often costs a lot more than other driveway surfaces. It’s always worth shopping around for quotes as contractors will charge different rates.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Low maintenance
- Customizable appearance
Cons
- Higher price
- Can crack in cold climates
- Prone to staining
Asphalt
Asphalt driveways typically cost less than concrete driveways. While not as long-lasting as concrete, many asphalt drives can last 20 to 30 years if well maintained (which includes applying a sealant every two to three years and filling in any cracks). An asphalt driveway may cope better in cooler climates. It’s not quite as robust in warmer climates though, and can often get soft and sticky in a heatwave. It is possible to add different colors to asphalt, but these driveways typically cannot be patterned in the same way a concrete driveway can be. Most people settle for a plain black or gray driveway.
Pros
- More budget-friendly
- Durable
- Suitable in cold climates
Cons
- Limited appearance options
- Can melt in high temperatures
- Requires periodic sealing
Gravel
Gravel driveways typically cost the least amount of money to install. It does depend on the type of gravel you choose – one big benefit of gravel is that there are so many different colors and textures to choose from for different budgets and aesthetics (a few popular examples include basic pea gravel, beach-like Jersey Shore gravel and luxurious marble chips). If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rainfall, a deep gravel driveway could be the best solution for providing drainage. The downside is that heavy vehicles may sink into certain types of gravel. On top of this, gravel driveways can make a lot of noise when you drive over them, and they can require regular raking to keep them from getting bumpy or patchy.
Pros
- Least expensive option
- Diverse color options
- Can provide good drainage
Cons
- High maintenance
- Heavy vehicles can sink
- Can be noisy
Which driveway surface should you choose?
The best driveway surface for your home depends on your local climate, your budget and your aesthetic preferences. In many cases, concrete is best suited for hot climates, asphalt is best suited for cold climates and gravel is best suited for wet climates. Concrete is the biggest investment, but will last the longest and has many color and texture options. Asphalt is a good mid-range option that’s fairly hardy and can come in customizable colors if you choose the right contractor. Gravel meanwhile is the cheapest option to install, but is higher maintenance.
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Image 3: Pexels. CCO Licensed.
