Getting Creative With 5 Driveway Paving Materials

Page 4 – Picketts Paving LLC
March 3, 2022 at 5:58 PM

Whether repaving an existing driveway or building a new one, picking the suitable material is critical. There are a few solutions to choose from, each having its own set of pros and cons.

In this blog post by Pickett’s Paving LLC, serving Viroqua, WA, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the most common driveway paving materials.

Concrete

Life Span: 25-50 years

Cost Per Square Foot: $3-18

Pros: When it comes to versatility and durability, concrete is unrivaled. Made with several types of aggregate stone kept together by water and a lime-based binder, it provides a secure, stable, and smooth foundation that can withstand any climate and requires little to no upkeep.

Not only does concrete readily move water, but it also remains comparatively cool when exposed to direct sunshine. Concrete’s simple appearance can be modified with paint – or you can stamp it as well!

Cons: In addition to being costly, it is not the most visually appealing building material.

Asphalt 

Life Span: 12-20 years

Cost Per Square Foot: $7-$13

Pros: Asphalt, which primarily consists of asphalt cement, rock, and sand, offers various attractive qualities as a driveway paving material. An asphalt driveway will feel and perform similarly to concrete but at a far lower cost when correctly laid.

Furthermore, asphalt is a petroleum product (much like tar); it’s flexible and less likely to crack.

Cons: Asphalt driveways, though incredibly durable, must be sealed every few years and can get exceedingly hot in the summer.

Gravel 

Life Span: Up to 100 years

Cost Per Square Foot: $1-$3

Pros: Gravel is an excellent choice for the budget-conscious, particularly those with longer driveways. Another advantage of gravel is that it compacts considerably better than plain rocks, resulting in a stable surface that quickly sheds water.

Cons: Most gravel driveways require regrading every year or two, depending on how much traffic passes. They’re more difficult to clear or plow using a snowblower because the mixture of clay, sand, and rocks can cling to snow and ice much better than other materials.

After a lengthy winter, you may discover that you need to replace a significant quantity of your gravel.

Stone

Life Span: Up to 100 years

Cost Per Square Foot: $15-$30

Pros: Paving-stone driveways have a lot of character, making them a terrific option for enhanced curb appeal. They can last up to a century if adequately laid. Pavers, made of stone like flagstone or granite, need little upkeep and keep water from accumulating.

If you live in a region with a lot of snow, you can prevent snow accumulation by installing a heating system underneath the pavers.

Cons: Paving stones are pricey, and laying them is time-consuming, so you’ll have to spend a lot of money if you choose this driveway material.

Seashells

Life Span: 1-5 years

Cost Per Square Foot: Around $5

Pros: Though it’s a common choice for coastal houses, seashell driveways have an attraction that can make even the most landlocked driveway appear beachy and serene. The shells, often a mix of scallops, clams, and oysters, break into tiny pieces over time, resulting in a stable and well-dispersed surface. Since they recycle the trash from the fish business, seashell driveways are also environmentally friendly.

Cons: Because seashells aren’t always easily accessible, constructing a seashell driveway can be costly.

If you want to use asphalt for your residential or commercial surface, look no further than Pickett’s Paving. We offer cost-effective and personalized asphalt pavement solutions throughout the Viroqua, WA area. Get a free quote today!

The post Getting Creative With 5 Driveway Paving Materials appeared first on Picketts Paving LLC.