Different Driveways

Pavers

• Brick, concrete or stone pavers are attractive and durable. Pavers are available in numerous colors and shapes to enhance your home or business' architectural design. Pavers are the most expensive driveway choice and involve time-consuming installation. Snow removal is more difficult with paved surfaces than with asphalt or concrete.

  Gravel and then sand is applied to the prepared area and compacted for paved driveways. Pavers are placed from the center of the driveway outward. Spacers maintain uniformity and cut pavers even out rows. Sand and a sealer finish the process.

Concrete

• Concrete is composed of sand, water, stone and cement. Your contractor should use a minimum of 470 pounds of cement per yard of concrete. Colder climates require a higher cement mix. Concrete must be cured for approximately 28 days. Your contractor may apply a curing and sealing compound, which will reduce cracking and discoloration, or he may use curing blankets to keep the concrete warm when the temperature is below 40 degrees F. Do not install concrete in temperatures below 20 degrees F.

  Concrete lasts at least 30 years if it is installed correctly. Concrete can be colored or stamped to create custom driveways. This surface is more expensive than asphalt or gravel, and it is difficult to repair if cracked.

Asphalt

• Asphalt covers over 94 percent of paved roads in the United States including driveways and roadways, according to the National Asphalt Pavement Association. Asphalt offers low cost, easy maintenance and 10- to 20-year longevity. This flexible material expands and contracts with changing weather conditions.

  Asphalt is a byproduct of petroleum that is mixed with sand and crushed rock and heated prior to application. The material is raked and steamrolled to present a smooth, water-resistant surface. Asphalt needs to be sealed, and resealed every two to five years.

  Some companies offer decorative asphalt. They can make your driveway resemble brick or stone pavers, but asphalt is less expensive than brick or stone surfaces.

Gravel

• Gravel driveways are cost-effective and require little maintenance. If you live in an area with extreme temperature changes, gravel is a good choice; however, snow removal is more difficult.

  The driveway bed must be free of leaves, grass or other debris and the soil must be well drained. Your contractor may install a textile fabric to prevent soil silt from contaminating the gravel. Gravel is placed in alternating layers. Larger, angular stones are used first, and the final layer will consist of smaller golf-ball and marble-size stones. The center of the driveway should be higher than the sides to allow for proper water drainage.