Driveway Options

Repaving or building from scratch

Whether you are repaving your driveway or building one from scratch, selecting the right material is crucial. There are a handful of options to choose from, and each has its pros and cons with respect to price, durability, and asthetics.

Pros and Cons of materials

Asphalt driveway – Pros

• Ease of snow removal
• Less expensive and cost effective
• Can be relayered
• Life span is 12 to 20 years
• Cost $2 to $5 per square foot
• Less prone to frost heaves than concrete

Asphalt driveway – Cons

• High maintenance
• Needs to be resealed every 1 to 2 years
• Sealing cost money

Cobblestone and Paver driveways – Pros

• Variety in size and design
• Provides a look of quality
• Durability
• Ease of repair
• Cost $1 to $2 per square foot
• Lifespan up to 100 years

Cobblestone and Paver driveways – Cons

• Snow removal is a challenge
• Needs to be regraded every 1 to 2 years

Cement driveway – Pros

• Decorative options
• Ease of snow removal
• Low risk for frost heaves
• Durability
• Cost $5 to $6 per square foot
• Lifespan 25 to 50 years

Cement driveway – Cons

• Cannot be relayered
• Needs to be resealed
• Stains

Brick driveway – Pros

• Stands up to normal usage and moderate weather
• Smooth surface
• Cost $5 to $10 per square foot
• Lifespan is about 25 years

Brick driveway – Cons

• Requires pressure-washed twice a year
• Must be resealed after every washing

Driveway maintenance

In the North, snow removal is the biggest driveway maintenance. A technology known as “snow-melting systems” can be installed. The driveway must be made of asphalt or concrete.

I have a gravel driveway on a slope. Initially the gravel relocated to various sections of the driveway but once it became packed down it basically is maintenance free. Of course, the snow plow does move some of the gravel and needs to be raked every year. I like informality of gravel though.

Source: www.thespruce.com