Driveways are often the most overlooked aspect of your yard. Yet, driveways are usually one of the first things a visitor notices. Therefore, making sure that your driveway matches the aesthetic of your home and provides the necessary functionality is very important. There are a variety of materials that can be used to create a driveway. Below, are a list of pros and cons for the most common driveway materials.
Gravel
Pro:
- Easy maintenance
- Most affordable
- Quick installation and can be used immediately
- Can vary in color to match your home aesthetics
Con
- Requires filling in holes (after wet weather conditions)
- Can be dusty
- Difficult to plow snow on gravel
Asphalt
Pro:
- More affordable than concrete and brick pavers
- Moderate longevity
- Less impacted by weather when compared to gravel
Con:
- Installation is lengthier than gravel
- Requires seal coating when pavement cracks
Concrete
Pro:
- High longevity
- Less maintenance than asphalt or gravel
Con:
- More expensive than asphalt and gravel
- Can easily notice oil stains or tire marks
- Cannot resurface
Brick Pavers
Pro:
- Very aesthetically pleasing – can be built in various patterns or designs
- If properly installed, can last around 25 years
Con:
- Breaks more easily than other surfacing materials
- Expensive
- Uneven surfaces can arise from roots, erosion, etc.
By Anna Hellman
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