When it comes to evaluating your home, your driveway probably gets an ‘F’ for originality. That’s because it’s likely that you - like the majority of people on your neighborhood - have a boring, asphalt driveway. In addition to being a total snooze, an asphalt drive does nothing to increase the value of your home. Plus, it requires semi-regular maintenance to ensure it keeps its average looks.
If you’re hoping to add a little style to your home’s exterior, changing your driveway could be just the way to do it!
Gravel
Image: thinkstock.com
Gravel is affordable, and relatively easy to install. That’s why many homeowners make the switch from asphalt to gravel. However, if you’re looking for a long lasting asphalt alternative, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Over time, gravel can be washed away by storms, scatter into your yard, or get stuck in tires. Because of that, it’ll likely need to be topped up annually, making it one of the more high maintenance options for your driveway.
Pavers
Image: thinkstock.com
Pavers offer plenty of design choices, and make for instant curb appeal. Though more expensive to install than some other asphalt alternatives, a paver driveway is very low maintenance. When installed properly, your paver driveway can be a beautiful addition to your home that lasts 30 to 40 years.
Concrete
Image: thinkstock.com
No matter the climate where you live, a concrete driveway is a wonderful option. Versatile and durable, it also has plenty of range when it comes to design. From traditional to elaborate, a concrete driveway can be created in a variety of colors, textures and finishes. Plus, concrete is relatively low maintenance, and can be quite cost-friendly in the long term.
Recycled
If you want a driveway that’s truly one-of-a-kind, using recycled materials can help you achieve a stylish, unique look. In this type of driveway, brick, stone and gravel come together to create something that’s both sustainable and aesthetically beautiful. Let your imagination run wild as you use a mixture or materials to build a driveway that’s unlike anything else in the neighborhood.
http://blu.stb.s-msn.com/i/B8/2D1C55A0BC31C6A37478AFD5DD74E3.jpg
Brick
Image: thinkstock.com
While brick driveways come with a hefty installation price, if they’re put in correctly, they should last a lifetime - and that can have a big impact on your home’s resale value. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, brick driveways look great and only require a little bit of maintenance.
Permeable Paving
Image: pixstatic.com
Permeable paving is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly, as it allows water to filter back into the ground. Standard hardscapes, like asphalt, keep water on top of its surface, which can contribute to local flooding and overwhelmed storm sewer systems. Permeable surface options include, permeable pavers, glass, open-grid, and pervious concrete.
There are plenty of options when it comes to your driveway - and getting away from the typical asphalt can add instant curb appeal. If you want your home to stand out, ditching the boring driveway for one of the materials listed above can help the exterior of your home shine.
