Paved & Gravel Driveways

Paved vs. Gravel

• Paved driveways tend to give a more modern, finished look to a home's exterior, while gravel is a bit more country looking. The benefit of a gravel driveway is that stones come in several different colors, as opposed to the standard black and gray of cement and asphalt. Gravel driveways are inexpensive, relatively easy to maintain and there are no worries about cracking or other damage. Paving, on the other hand, gives a more finished, polished look to a home. They require little regular maintenance once the cement is laid and can be personalized by adding texture, color or utilizing one of several decorative processes. Paved driveways may crack and chip over time, which may be costly to replace, but overall are sturdy and durable. Paved has an added benefit of being easier to clear when it snows.

Gravel Options

• There are several types of gravel that are ideal for use as driveway material. Any smooth rock is appropriate, but the most common types are river rock, rough rock or pea gravel. These stones are often less than 2 inches in diameter and smooth, meaning they won't damage vehicles when driven on. River rock offers a variety of soft gray, blue and other natural hues that can be used to contrast home exteriors, while rough rock is a bit larger and features darker brown, red and even black options. Pea gravel is so called because its size is comparable to green peas. These stones come in semi-transparent colors, as well as white, beige yellow and gray. Caring for gravel requires no work, with the exception of replacing areas that may wash away or thin with time.

Concrete Options

• Concrete is one of the most durable and versatile building materials on the market today. Once it has been poured, sealed and cured, it resists water damage, cracking and other damage with very little additional work. To make the look more visually interesting, concrete can be colored and textured to be more personalized. Some decorative techniques can create a stone or granite look at a fraction of the cost. For a simpler look, broom texture or rock salt can be added to fresh concrete, which adds interest and additional slip resistance.

Overall Cost

• Both concrete and gravel are among the most inexpensive building materials on the market. Most types of gravel will run approximates $55 per ton, as of 2011. This number may vary a bit depending on location and type of rock chosen. Concrete is measured in price per square foot, and will normally run between $3 and $7 per square foot as of 2011. Like gravel, this cost varies a bit depending on the region and amount of work involved with the job. Sealants that must be laid over concrete are an additional cost and can be purchased from hardware or home improvement stores for approximately $9 and $20 per bottle, as of 2011.