If you’re the owner of a home, you already know that it comes with its fair share of upkeep and overheads. Owning a home is a very proud and personal experience, but it’s also a ton of responsibility. 

The world of real estate is forever changing and the value of your property is never really guaranteed. That’s why renovations and upgrades are a good way to take the resale value of your home into your own hands. 

Upgrading your driveway is one such modification that is known to boost overall resale value. If this is something you’d like to consider, here are some of the best driveway options to choose from. 

What to Consider When Choosing Driveway Material 

There are a few things to think about before you dive into a project such as a driveway upgrade. The first of which is your budget –this is a major deciding factor in the type of material you end up choosing.

The second is aesthetics. How important is curb appeal to you? If you’re looking to bolster the resale value of your home, curb appeal is one of the most important factors to consider.

After this, you’ll need to look at neighborhood trends. Do you live in a neighborhood with more concrete roads vs. asphalt roads? How do your neighbor’s driveways match up to these trends and do you intend to do the same? 

Consider what type of material is the best fit for your property. If you’re looking for a more hard-wearing, utility-driven driveway, you may want to consider concrete. If you want something a bit more upscale in terms of aesthetics, brick could be your best choice.

4 Top Driveway Options For Functionality and Aesthetics

There are some of the most popular driveway options today that provide hard-wearing functionality to homeowners, as well as a beautifully finished look and feel to your home. 

1. Aggregate

Aggregate driveways are also known as gravel driveways, but they don’t have to look like you’ve just pulled up to a rural farmyard. This material is probably the most durable of all materials, and the most cost-effective, too.

Some quick facts: 

• Gravel driveways have a high DIY potential — meaning you can install it yourself and save money 
• It offers an indefinite lifespan, requiring only periodic resurfacing 
• Maintenance is low – moderate 

While driveway aggregate varies, your best option is to go with class 5 limestone which has a great finish and costs an average of $15-$30 per ton. Most residential driveways require one ton per 50-square feet of driveway. This means that you can install a gravel driveway for less than $500. It’s also super quick to install and takes an average of half-a-day to complete. 

2. Paving Stone

If you’re looking to make a real statement with your driveway, then paving stone is your go-to material. However, this material is the most expensive of them all. But it’s also the most attractive, very hard-wearing, and tends to blend well with other landscaping and design elements of your home. 

The best pavers to consider are those that are permeable. This means they reduce storm runoff by absorbing 10-inches of water per hour during downpours.

A few quick facts: 

• Driveway pavers have a decent lifespan, lasting an average of 30+ years — depending on climate 
• They are a low-maintenance option and may require periodic high-pressure washing 
• The DIY potential is low — you’ll need an experienced contractor to correctly install pavers 

You can expect to pay $7-$14 per square foot for most paving materials, however, this does depend on the type of paving you choose. 

3. Asphalt

Asphalt is a very common driveway material choice for homeowners because of its functionality and price point. It looks uniform, neat and tidy, and tends to mask wear and tear quite well. 

But keep in mind that the installation process of an asphalt driveway is complicated and takes a fair bit of time. It’s not a recommended DIY project — you’ll need a contractor who is well-versed in asphalt laying.

A few quick things you should know about asphalt: 

• It’s a relatively high-maintenance material, depending on your local climate 
• It’s recommended that you have your asphalt driveway sealed within a year of installation
• You may need to have your driveway resealed every 3-5 years 

The cost per square foot for an asphalt driveway ranges from $4-$8, so this makes it one of the cheapest driveway materials to consider. Resealing the surface costs an average of $400, depending on the length of your driveway. It may also require periodic repatching in certain areas.

Asphalt offers the shortest lifespan in colder climates, so you can expect to resurface your driveway every 10-15 years. In milder climates, an asphalt driveway can last up to 20 years or more. 

4. Concrete

Concrete and asphalt driveways have plenty of similarities. However, concrete is far more durable than asphalt. This depends on your local climate, but a concrete driveway is likely to last double the length of an asphalt driveway. Concrete is also a little more DIY-friendly and can be installed by most homeowners with DIY experience.

Quick concrete facts: 

• Concrete is a pretty low maintenance driveway option 
• Its lifespan ranges from 20-40 years, depending on your local climate 
• This material requires less year-to-year maintenance, especially after sealing once the driveway has been installed 

You’ll need to budget $5-$10 per square foot for a concrete driveway. It’s a little pricier than asphalt, but it has the durability to show for it. Bear in mind that heavy use on concrete driveways can lead to a host of problems. This includes cracking and breaking, especially if you live in a cold climate where your driveway is likely to freeze and thaw. But broken pieces can be easily replaced. 

You don’t have to settle for rough concrete if you’re looking to achieve a more upscale look. Ask your contractor about concrete color and brushing options and any other fancy add-ons that you’re willing to pay for. Overall, this will help to bolster your curb appeal. 

Find Upscale Home Inspiration At Your Fingertips 

With so many driveway options on the market, how do you choose what’s best for your home (and your pocket)? Basically, it boils down to return-on-investment. Upgrading your driveway is a long-term investment that should pay itself off by choosing the best driveway material. 

If you’re looking for more upscale home inspiration, this blog offers news and advice on all things architecture, in-home luxury, celebrity cribs, and more! Explore at your leisure…