Whether you’re considering selling your home or investing in home improvements, you’re likely among the many homeowners that understand the importance of curb appeal. Although plenty of focus is placed on features like landscaping, windows, and garage doors, there’s another vital element of the exterior that sometimes falls by the wayside.
The driveway is one of the most used portions of your entire home–interior and exterior alike. It’s the path that leads you to your home, where your guests can park and the wide-area that provides your family with additional room to work and play. Let’s take a look at the different types of driveways that can meet your needs and those of potential homebuyers.
The driveway welcomes you and your guests to your home — make sure it looks exactly the way you’ve always dreamed. There are many options available when choosing a material for your driveway; some of which are affordable and easy DIY home improvement projects. Consider the following ten driveway materials:
- Concrete
One of the most popular driveway materials is also one of the most affordable and durable. - Asphalt
Asphalt is another favorite choice for homeowners because it is pliable and functions better in colder climates than some other materials. - Gravel
This low-cost material is ideal for driveways of large or uneven dimensions, especially those in rural areas. - Pavers
A great way to improve the appearance of your home is to install a paver driveway that can enhance your curb appeal. - Brick
For years, brick has been a classy choice for homeowners that desire a respectable looking driveway that can be customized. - Crushed Stone
Crushed stone functions similar to gravel but has a slight increase in style perfect for a homeowner with a mid-range budget who wants a little more “wow” for a lot less money. - Crushed Shell
Alternatively, the crushed shell is another beautiful yet cost-effective material. - Tar & Chip
Traction is the key benefit for tar and chip driveways, excellent for inclined paths. - Glass
Made from tumbled glass that’s sealed with a resin, a glass driveway is a unique choice. - Eco-Friendly
Another environmentally conscious driveway choice is to allow grass to grow through specific sections of the driveway. Geo-grid material allows grass to grow above the driveway’s solid surface.
What to Consider When Choosing a Material
Like many home improvement projects, there are a few additional factors to consider when choosing your driveway material:
- Appearance
Ultimately, you want your driveway to look good. Make sure you select a material and design that complements your home’s aesthetic. - Functionality
However, a great-looking driveway is useless if it’s not functional. Make sure the material you choose is ideal for your climate. - Budget
Aside from initial costs, some materials will require additional expenses to keep them looking good. For example, gravel may need to be replaced and asphalt resealed. - Maintenance
How much work do you want to put into maintaining your driveway? Some materials are more maintenance-free than others; make sure you understand the long-term commitment before choosing a material. - Regulations
Homeowners must be aware of the potential rules or regulations that prohibit the use of some driveway materials. Your county, town or HOA may have certain codes that prevent you from using certain types of driveway materials.
Upgrading your driveway can be fun and financially smart when you choose the right materials.
