How to decide on the right driveway

With most things nowadays, there are an abundance of choices out there and with this comes the difficulty of actually deciding on something. Although it’s an area you probably wouldn’t give a second thought to, this is certainly the case with driveways and the materials used to construct them. From gravel to tarmac driveways, it can be a tough choice to make, especially if you’re unfamiliar with each.

Let’s take a look at the most common types to help you decide.

Asphalt

Asphalt driveways are one of the most popular choices. They’re cheaper than the very common concrete driveway whilst having a similar appearance. Asphalt driveways generally come in black, but can be ‘stamped’ if other colours and patterns are wanted. If a black driveway is something that would suit the style of your house, it’s worth checking out asphalt companies in Sydney for a cheap option that will enhance the curb appeal of your home.

Concrete

As previously mentioned, concrete driveways are very common. They’re the most popular choice for several reasons – they typically last the longest, are basically maintenance-free and they’re quite inexpensive. Concrete driveways can come in many different colours and therefore are a good choice for any home. Whilst they are more expensive than asphalt, they’re a worthy investment.

Paving

Paved driveways are an excellent choice, especially if your home décor is somewhat unique and you’d like your driveway to complement that uniqueness. There are basically unlimited possibilities when it comes to pavers which is probably their key characteristic. Paved driveways aren’t too costly however the installation process can be quite expensive and time consuming, but it all depends on the style you want. Another huge plus is that you can opt for permeable paving, which is environmentally friendly in that it decreases stormwater runoff and promotes a greater water flow to the underlying soil.

Gravel

Gravel driveways are the cheapest of the lot. They’re very easy to install but are high maintenance if they want to be kept neat and tidy. These driveways are generally suited to flat areas as loose gravel will tend to travel toward the bottom of a slope. They can be quite attractive for very long driveways but again, this will require a lot of upkeep.

Exposed Aggregate

You may not be familiar with the term exposed aggregate, but you would no doubt regularly see this style. They’re very popular due to their natural look, their durability, and their low level of maintenance. Put simply, exposed aggregate is a type of concrete where stones and pebbles and so forth are exposed on the surface, but the surface is smoothly finished. They come in many colours and styles so are suited to any home décor.