Driveways can be made of a number of different materials. If you are looking to create a driveway yourself or are interested in the construction industry, then you will benefit from this article. Continue reading as we explore and discuss various materials that could be used to construct a driveway. Let’s start with traditional concrete.
Concrete
A classic material used for driveways comes in the form of concrete. Concrete offers solid quality at an affordable price point. It is also simple to create and simple to lay, which is why it is often the material of choice. This is also an excellent material choice for those looking to construct a driveway on a budget.
While it is a more affordable material to work with, you should still ensure you are working with experts who know what they’re doing. If you do this yourself and do a poor job, you could end up having cracks appear shortly after construction.
Whereas if you have it done to high quality, a concrete driveway will last a long time and require little attention. This can reassure you that your driveway is in safe hands. You can also look into the possibility of decorative concrete.
Decorative concrete can be created through a finishing process. This process helps provide an improved aesthetic quality. You could have various textures and colours applied to the concrete, which can help your new driveway stand out.
Resin
Another popular type of driveway that more project managers are looking to utilize, comes in the form of resin. In particular, we are referring to resin-bonded driveways. Resin can be laid in a bound way, but bonded is more popular due to the cheaper price point.
Bound resin is more likely to last longer, but will cost more as a result. The reason that you perhaps don’t hear too much about resin, is that sunlight can affect them. There is a UV stable resin available, but there are other issues you should be aware of.
Therefore, if you choose to work with this material, you should employ the services of expert builders and contractors. If you are going to use this material, you will want it to be done the proper way.
Asphalt
Asphalt is a great choice for a driveway as it is hard wearing, sustainable and relatively quick and easy to install, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who want a durable surface for their driveway. After all, driveways need to take a lot of pressure from cars and wear from various vehicles over the years, so they need to be long lasting.
As with all construction materials, you should ensure you are purchasing from reputable suppliers, such as Hanson, a leading asphalt supplier to the construction industry. Not only that, but it is part of Heidelberg Materials, which operates across the world, making it an experienced and trusted company that you want to work with.
Asphalt requires minimal maintenance and is one of the most affordable options on this list, making it a preferred choice by many when constructing a driveway.
Gravel
A popular choice of material for driveways these days comes in the form of gravel. It ispopular due to its low cost, much like asphalt, which we discussed above, and will last a long time, but you still need to ensure you are providing regular maintenance. This could come in many different forms and could be done yourself, or with the help of contractor experts.
The issue that can arise with gravel driveways is that the stones can spread if they are not contained properly. They are also susceptible to weeds. There are ways to kill weeds naturally in a gravel driveway, which can be a more affordable way of dealing with the issue compared to chemicals.
Block
Block driveways are aesthetically pleasing but will require expert consultation to discuss options and costs.
They are made up of lots of individual blocks and can be designed in the shape of a pattern, and may need to be cut to fit into specific areas. For example, you may need to cut the stones to fit onto corners and fit around slopes, or work around grass.
If done well, block paving can be a real feature of a property but it can be a costly option although ongoing maintenance is minimal.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are many different materials that you could opt for when looking to construct or improve your driveway. They all have their unique advantages so you have to consider what you’re looking for, your budget and what material will suit your project. It’s always worth consulting experts who can survey your home, as they may be able to rule out or recommend some materials based on your situation.