Just because a driveway needs to be functional, doesn’t mean it can’t contribute creatively to your landscape. The driveway takes up a large portion of front yard real estate and overall look of your home. Get rid of that cracked asphalt and dress up your curb appeal. Drive through these ideas on how you can mix practicality with charm for a unique driveway design.
Concrete
A popular selection, concrete driveways combine durability with low cost. Though less difficult to maintain, they can stain easily so watch out for oil drips and spills. A concrete driveway can clean up the front entrance of your home and while still producing a high-end appearance. If concrete makes the most sense for your budget, there are several ways you can spruce it up. Add sealant stains to give it a different color, stamp it with decorative designs, or impression it with texture.
Pavers
While pavers may be more expensive up front than other materials, they can last for multiple decades if installed correctly. The most versatile in terms of design options, pavers can really enhance curb appeal. The color, pattern and size of the pavers can complement many different types of architecture. They can be permeable or sealed depending on your drainage situation. Permeable pavers allow water to flow through the cracks in the pavers and into an underground storage vault. Pavers can not only improve the presentation of your home but add to the sustainability as the maintenance and repair costs are minimal.
Gravel
Gravel is one of the most budget-friendly options for a driveway, but it does require regrading maintenance every few years. It can be a smart choice for long driveways or country homes on large properties. There are some tradeoffs when it comes to gravel, (like tracking it into your house), so make sure you know how it will affect your living space.
Asphalt
One of the most common driveway hardscapes is asphalt. We’ve all seen the brand new asphalt driveway that looks clean and sharp but after a few months, and most definitely a few years, the asphalt begins to fade and crack. Although this can be a low-cost option it usually requires resealing and a lot of maintenance over the years.
If space permits, designing the driveway in a circular, or half-circular layout can give your anterior a convenient upgrade. It forms a much easier passage for vehicles while also giving your entrance a cohesive design flow. What can be really eye-catching is combining several of the above elements together. In between pavers you can add in softscapes like artificial turf to soften up the appearance, shaping a very inviting approach.
No matter which material works best for your budget and home, incorporate your driveway into your landscaping design to give your residence an attractive, and useful, upgrade!