The driveway is your home’s welcoming arms and it’s an architectural element that shouldn’t be taken for granted. It looks best when it’s in harmony with the landscape and the rest of your home. Regardless of the style that you’re after, the material used will always make a statement and complete the look that you want to achieve.
If you’re unsure of which one to use, below are the five top material choices for driveways.
- Exposed aggregate
Exposed aggregate is a material that literally means exposing the aggregate to reveal the stones, pebbles, shells, and sand near the concrete surface, giving its unique style. What makes it a top choice is its skid-resistance and durability. There’s not much maintenance required, except for resealing every couple of years to keep it looking fresh.
2. Concrete
Concrete is used almost everywhere because it’s versatile and can be applied and used for many things. It’s one of the cheapest options and a perfect material to be used on driveways because it can be customised to meet every style goal and needs.
Concrete is easy to maintain and durable enough to assure you that it will last you for years to come. You can stamp it with different patters or dye it with chemical stains to get the colour that you want.
3. Bluestone
If you’re after an elegant look, using bluestone will suit you. It comes in different sizes and shapes so you can achieve Pinterest-worthy residential paving. Bluestones can be cut in tiles for more intricate patterns, or installed as larger slabs if you’re after a simpler style. If you’re in Australia, make sure to check out blue stone pavers sydney.
4. Clay bricks
Clay is one of the building materials that’s been around for centuries and still a popular option for many homeowners. It offers a unique texture and colour, which will give character not only to your driveway but to your house as well.
It comes in different shapes and sizes so that you can form different styles and visual effects. One disadvantage, however, is that it’s prone to chipping and cracking after some time. With regular maintenance and a good base, you can prolong its service life.
5. Timber
If you’re after eco-friendly options, this one’s for you. You can use new or recycled materials which are embedded into mulch, soil and concrete pads to achieve a casual, rustic look. Timber’s a cost-effective solution because it’s permeable, giving you fewer things to worry about. Water build-up and run-off are no longer a problem, and you can save on the need to concrete the driveway for a smoother, more levelled look.
Choosing your driveway material is not just about aesthetics and cost. You also need to consider the maintenance required to keep it looking clean and new, and how long it will last you. But it’s something that should be balanced out. While some driveway installations are expensive to install but cheap to maintain, there are somewhere it’s the other way around. Talk to an engineer or your architect if you’re not sure and also to get more information so you can make an informed decision regarding which style and material to go for.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind