As a homeowner, you of course want your home to look great, an also be sure that it functions properly as well. So, you need to find a medium between style and functionality, knowing that too much of one or the other can lead to added expense and maintenance issues. So, you want a driveway that boosts your curb appeal and complements the overall design of your house, and at the same time, you also want that driveway to be functional and long-lasting so that you do not end up having to spend more money than you need to.
The exterior of your house is just as important as its interior, because most people will ultimately make their first impression of your house based on what they see on the outside. This is why a fresh coat of paint, a clean yard, and a good driveway can make a huge difference when it comes to boosting your overall curb appeal.
There happens to be a variety of different materials that can be used to make driveways, and we will be discussing them in more detail in the rest of the article. So, you can opt for a gravel driveway, a concrete driveway, an asphalt driveway or even pavers. If you are not familiar with these materials or what makes them stand out from each other, you can keep on reading below:
Gravel Driveways
Gravel, or more specifically, exposed gravel does make for a popular driveway option in many parts of the world since it is very easy to install, and can be customized with ease. So, you can change the shape, size, and color to make it match with your house. Gravel can easily be fixed as well, so the original driveway can last you a long time as long as you get periodic repairs done.
Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt is another common material that is used by homeowners for their driveway. While asphalt is relatively durable, it does come with maintenance requirements. It is recommended to get a coat of sealant after every 3 years on an asphalt driveway, plus, those requirements may change or increase as more time passes. Another drawback when it comes to asphalt is that it does not leave any room for color customization.
Pavers
Pavers are a very old school style of creating a driveway that involves using brick and stone. This was once a very popular option amongst people, and it is once again beginning to make a comeback. Think of it as a sort of vintage look, and it does look great with some houses. Pavers also happen to come in a variety of colors and shapes, so you can once again customize your driveway to your liking. Additionally, Pavers are also considered to be a good option because they can last you between 30-40 years depending on how well you take care of it, so it can be a cost-effective option as well.
Concrete Driveways
Concrete is considered to be one of the most popular materials when it comes to driveways. It looks good, it does not require much maintenance, and it is a pretty sturdy material. Now, there are several different types of concrete options that you can opt for if you are still not sure.
Colored or Plain Concrete
This is the most common type of concrete option that you will find homeowners using for their driveways. This concrete is simple, easy to maintain, durable, clean and generally long-lasting. If you are not a fan of the plain gray color that is characteristic of concrete, you can opt for colored concrete and get color customized just for your home.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete
If you are looking for something unique and want to move beyond the realm of plain concrete, then exposed aggregate concrete might work for your driveway. Aggregates comprised of stone, pebbles, shells and other small materials that are mixed into normal concrete and then poured over. The result is a driveway that looks visually appealing because of the textures that show up on the surface.
Slate Concrete
Another option you can opt for if you are looking to stay in the stylistic realm when it comes to your driveway is slate concrete. Slate concrete is unique because you can stamp on the slate pattern on top of the concrete whilst it is setting. The result is a concrete driveway that looks like it is made of slate or stones.
Stenciled Concrete
If you want the stenciled design that one normally finds in tiles without actually having to deal with the commitment of paving or tiles, then stenciled concrete is the way to go for your driveway. You can look through different stencil templates until you find one that you want for your driveway.
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