driveway types and cost

• Concrete driveway cost: Typically about $3 to $10 per square foot.
• Asphalt driveway cost: Typically about $3 to $5 per square foot.
• Gravel driveway cost: Typically about $0.75 to $3 per square foot.
• Paver driveway cost: Typically about $2 to $10 per square foot for the pavers alone, and about $30 to $40 for pavers and installation.
• Recycled Glass driveway cost: Typically about $9 to $18 per square foot.
• Cobblestone driveway cost: Typically about $20 to $70 per square foot.
• Brick driveway cost: Typically about $10 to $30 per square foot.

Full Answer

What are the best cheap driveway options?

• Cost: Asphalt driveways are cheaper to install than concrete driveways. Therefore those looking for the properties of a concrete driveway but at a cheaper cost, use asphalt as an alternative.
• Longevity: The longevity of an asphalt driveway is a lot higher than most other driveway options. Homeowners can expect their asphalt driveway to last at least 20 years.
• Durability: Asphalt driveways are hard wearing and durable. The seal that is applied on top of your asphalt driveway encourages greater longevity. ...

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How much does it cost to put in a driveway?

New Concrete Driveway Cost Factors

• Land excavation prices are about $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.
• Brick or stone borders add an average cost of $6 to $15 per linear foot.
• Heated coils are ideal in colder climates to help melt ice and slow, and range between $10 and $20 per square foot.
• Rebar or wire mesh may be necessary for added strength, which adds $1 to $3 per square foot.

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What are the different types of driveway?

Driveways began appearing on homes in the second half of the 19th century. Gravel was the most popular surfacing material during those times while stone, brick, and flagstone became popular alternatives. During the age of motorized vehicles in the 20th century, driveways and back alley access became commonplace. Asphalt and concrete became widely popular next.

How much does a gravel driveway or road cost?

The cost to install gravel is $1.25 and $1.80 per square foot. The average cost of a 16×38 foot gravel driveway is $1,500. Driveways on the smaller side can cost as little as $300 with a larger and longer driveway costing as much as $60,000.

What is the cheapest type of driveway?

gravelOf the four paving materials described in this guide, aggregate (gravel) is the least expensive, followed by asphalt, concrete, and paving stones. If you're installing your driveway on a shoestring budget, gravel is your best choice.

Which type of driveway is best?

Longevity: The longevity of an asphalt driveway is a lot higher than most other driveway options. Homeowners can expect their asphalt driveway to last at least 20 years. Durability: Asphalt driveways are hard wearing and durable. The seal that is applied on top of your asphalt driveway encourages greater longevity.Jan 17, 2018

What type of driveway lasts the longest?

ConcreteConcrete is the old standby for driveways. Most suburban homes opt for this material for two big reasons: Concrete is typically the longest-lasting driveway surface, and, if installed properly, it is practically maintenance-free.Jul 15, 2016

Is it cheaper to pour a concrete or asphalt driveway?

The cost of an asphalt driveway is typically cheaper than concrete, costing $2.00 – $4.00 per square foot. Asphalt prices tend to fluctuate with fluctuations in crude oil prices. In contrast, a concrete driveway costs between $4.00 – $6.00 per square foot for a standard installation.Jun 13, 2018

What is the most expensive driveway material?

The cost of a new driveway will depend on the groundwork and the material chosen. Generally, gravel is the cheapest material, with resin and concrete being the most expensive.

Is Tarmac better than block paving?

It's long-lasting and hardwearing. Block paving often retains its appearance longer than tarmac. So while tarmac is cheaper, it's likely that you'll have to replace it sooner than block paving. You can also layer block paving with a sealant, which you can't do with tarmac.Jul 8, 2020

What is the most low maintenance driveway?

Low-Maintenance Driveway OptionsPaving Stones. Paving stones are known to last up to a full century if properly laid. ... Concrete Grass Pavers. An interlocking concrete grass paver driveway made may be an option for your driveway. ... Plastic Permeable Pavers.

Is a gravel driveway cheaper than concrete?

A gravel driveway is a more budget-friendly option than paving with concrete, which runs from $4 to $15 per square foot. Find trusted gravel experts in your local area and receive free, no-obligation quotes for your project.5 days ago

How do I make my gravel driveway solid?

Level the surface of the driveway, compact the dirt, and install a weed barrier. Place a border, and you are almost good to go. At this point, you can start laying and spreading the gravel. This is the point when some experts recommend adding a little cement to make the gravel more solid.

What is better blacktop or concrete?

Concrete driveways normally last longer than asphalt. In general, if installed properly in a suitable climate and maintained regularly, your concrete driveway should last 30 to 40 years, while an asphalt driveway is generally good for 20 to 30 years.Sep 28, 2020

Is asphalt the same as blacktop?

Although people use the terms interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. The materials that are used to make blacktop and asphalt are the same. Both are made from two ingredients: bitumen and crushed stone. The difference lies in how those ingredients are combined to make the final product.

Can you put asphalt over concrete?

It is safe to pave asphalt over concrete. Concrete is a great base material because it is stable and allows for excellent compaction of the asphalt above. In fact, many miles of concrete roads are paved over with asphalt every year.Jun 24, 2014

What to consider when choosing a driveway?

To help you make your decision, there are a few things that you’ll want to consider. Cost, maintenance, and lifespan are all key considerations. You shouldn’t forget aesthetics either, the kind of look you want for your driveway is also important.

How long does an asphalt driveway last?

Driveway Lifespan. You can expect a well-constructed and quality asphalt driveway to last between 15 – 25 years, a bit short when comparing concrete vs. asphalt. The lifespan of your new asphalt driveway is heavily dependent on the climate.

Why are gravel driveways so popular?

Because gravel is a rather cheap material, gravel driveways are very popular. Aesthetically, gravel driveways will continue to look good when they’re regularly graded and had the stones topped up.

How long should I stay off a concrete driveway?

To proactively make sure your new concrete driveway looks good for longer, make sure that you stay off it for at least 7 days after it has been laid. Concrete needs time to set and harden properly, any traffic on it in the first week will significantly damage its structural integrity.

How often should I pressure clean brick pavers?

This is best done with a sprayer and an anti-weed solution. Your brick paver driveway should also be pressure cleaned once a year or so.

How often should I seal a driveway?

Once the driveway is constructed, your main tasks will be refilling cracks and sealing the asphalt. Cracks should be filled as and when they appear and sealants should be applied once every two years.

How often should I seal concrete?

Once the concrete is set, try to keep all very heavy vehicles off it if possible. Unlike asphalt, concrete will only need to sealed once every 3 – 5 years. Also unlike asphalt, sealing concrete requires little more than a sealant and a roller brush. Making this a very easy and affordable DIY job.

How much does it cost to build a driveway?

The cost to build a driveway ranges from $600 to $18,000, depending on the material. The cheapest driveways cost $1 to $3 per square foot for gravel, while standard concrete and asphalt driveways cost $3 to $8 per square foot.

How much does it cost to install a concrete driveway?

Concrete driveway. Installing a concrete driveway costs $2,400 to $4,800 on average or $4 to $8 per square foot for plain gray concrete. Adding decorative colors, borders, stamped patterns, and finishes costs $8 to $18 per square foot. Concrete lasts 30 to 40 years and handles hot climates better than asphalt.

How long does a concrete driveway last?

Asphalt driveways last 15 to 30 years, and concrete driveways last 30 to 40 years on average, depending on the climate and usage. Brick and stone pavers last 25 to 50 years. A cobblestone or gravel driveway lasts up to 100 years if well-maintained.

What is the cheapest driveway material?

The cheapest driveway material is gravel at $1 to $3 per square foot using aggregate made of crushed shells, crushed concrete or asphalt, or pea gravel . Tar and chip seal driveways are the second cheapest at $2 to $5 per square foot.

How much does gravel cost?

Well-built gravel driveways require light raking and new gravel once or twice a year. Gravel prices range from $10 to $50 per ton, depending on the stone size and type.

How much does an exposed aggregate driveway cost?

Exposed aggregate or pebble finish driveways cost $5 to $11 per square foot or $3,000 to $6,600 on average. Exposed aggregate features stones mixed into concrete or seeded on the surface. Natural aggregates provide a textured, nonskid surface in various colors, including pastels, earth tones, and deep reds and blues.

How much does a chip seal driveway cost?

Chip seal driveways cost $1,200 to $3,000 or $2 to $5 per square foot. Chip seal, also called tar and chip, lasts 7 to 10 years. Tar and chip driveways have the durability of blacktop, come in various colors, and feature layers of stone aggregate spread over hot liquid asphalt.

What is a new driveway?

A new driveway adds convenience and curb appeal to any home. This driveway installation guide discusses the four most popular material options. It will help you design your drive and stay within budget.

How long does an asphalt driveway last?

Pros: An asphalt driveway provides a good combination of affordability, durability and curb appeal. With basic maintenance, an asphalt driveway will last 40+ years. When superficial cracks become prominent, a fresh layer of asphalt 1” to 2” thick can be added to refresh its appearance.

What is driveway pavers made of?

Driveway pavers are made from a concrete mix poured into forms. Your options include a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors. The pavers are installed on top of the graded and compacted base layer. Slag or sand is poured over the pavers and swept into the cracks for fill.

Why is asphalt used less in warm climates?

Asphalt is one of the most common materials in cold climates. It is used less in warm climates because it softens in heat. This makes it susceptible to tire tread marks, kick-stand holes and similar damage. An asphalt driveway is 3” of asphalt installed over the base layer of sand/gravel.

How long should a driveway be for a pickup truck?

Most counties do not specify minimum length. Most cars need about 18 feet minimum, but 22-24 feet is better for today’s full-size pickup trucks.

How long does it take to install a 1,000 square foot driveway?

A 1,000 square foot (20’x50’) driveway takes 1-3 days to install when it is gravel, asphalt or concrete. Delays can be caused by inclement weather or scheduling problems with the delivery of equipment or materials.

How much does it cost to replace asphalt?

Cost: A new asphalt driveway costs $2.25-$3.50 per square foot. Factors include the depth of the asphalt and the mix used.

How much does a cobblestone driveway cost?

Cobblestone driveway cost: Typically about $20 to $70 per square foot . Brick driveway cost: Typically about $10 to $30 per square foot. Keep in mind that a typical driveway that will fit two cars side by side will be about 20 to 24 feet wide and 30-35 feet long (depending how far the garage is from the street).

How long does a concrete driveway last?

Concrete driveways will typically last around 40 years without maintenance, repairs, or replacement. Concrete can withstand a lot of daily use, which is beneficial since most people will use their driveways or have a car sitting on it every day.

What is a paver driveway?

Paver Driveway. A paver driveway will used interlocking pavers that a typically made of material such as concrete or cement. Pavers will be available in an array of shapes, sizes, patterns styles, basically the options are only confined by your creative ideas.

What is the best driveway for paving?

Concrete Driveway. Concrete driveways are a common choice for the paving of a driveway. This type of driveway will offer quite a few benefits! The durability of a concrete driveway is exceptional, which is one of the prime reasons most people lean towards this choice.

What is tar and chip driveway?

Share#N#Share on Pinterest#N#A tar and chip driveway is a somewhat less familiar term, but is still commonly used. This is made with a gravel base, a layer of loose stones. From there those materials are rolled into the asphalt to finish it. This type of driveway is an alternative to an asphalt driveway when costs are a concern without downgrading all the way to gravel, since it mixes the two materials. There is not much maintenance that is required for a tar and chip driveway, and sealing is not necessary.

How much does it cost to install pavers?

Some pavers alone will cost around $3 to $10 per square foot, but depending on the style and installation methods, with install the price could jump to about $30 to $40 per square foot.

Is crushed stone the same as gravel?

Crushed stone will be very similar to a gravel driveway in ways such as composition and maintenance issues. Crushed stone driveways are typically made of stones, and pebbles, differing from gravel because it does not include sand and clay products. This will make the look of it a bit more elegant.

How much does a brick driveway cost?

Brick is one of the more expensive surface types, but if it is installed right, it could potentially last for decades. Cost: $10 to $30 per square foot. The best fit: Upscale neighborhoods and historical areas. Brick driveway.

What is asphalt driveway?

Asphalt driveways are a combination of sand, rock, and asphalt cement. Typically, these driveways come in a basic black (like that used on most highways), but we’ve seen some models stamped with designs to make the driveway stand out. Asphalt is popular because it is cheap to install, but if you go this route, plan on doing some maintenance.

What is green driveway?

One is an entire grass surface over a plastic base; the plastic makes the grass safe to drive on and helps the driveway hold its shape. The second option is a grid, typically made from concrete. The grid has small holes that allow grass to peek out, creating a unique look and giving you more green space.

How much does it cost to stain concrete?

You may also run into problems if you live in a cooler climate and need frequent de-icing, which can break down the concrete. Cost: $3 to $10 per square foot.

What is the best material for driveways?

Concrete . Concrete is the old standby for driveways. Most suburban homes opt for this material for two big reasons: Concrete is typically the longest-lasting driveway surface, and, if installed properly, it is practically maintenance-free. But it isn’t all upside.

How much does it cost to install asphalt?

The surface is known to crack fairly frequently. Cost: $2 to $5 per square foot. The best fit: Given the cheaper cost, asphalt works best if you have a large driveway to cover. Asphalt driveway.

How much does it cost to replace gravel?

Plan on replacing the gravel at least every few years and raking it up frequently. Cost: $0.75 to $3 per square foot. The best fit: Rural areas or properties with oversize lawns.

What is the most common driveway shape?

The most common driveway shape is a straight driveway . These driveways are really simple to make, and they don’t require as much planning if you’re thinking of doing it yourself.

Why is concrete driveway so popular?

The most apparent reason that people choose these driveways so frequently is that they last a very long time .

What was the most popular surfacing material during the 20th century?

Gravel was the most popular surfacing material during those times while stone, brick, and flagstone became popular alternatives. During the age of motorized vehicles in the 20th century, driveways and back alley access became commonplace. Asphalt and concrete became widely popular next. Nowadays, there are a variety of materials to choose from ...

Why do you need a curved driveway?

Curved driveways are necessary for properties that are positioned in a certain way. A nice curved driveway can be very aesthetically pleasing, so some people like the idea of the curve being more interesting to look at. Whether your property is away from the road, or if you simply want to create a curve to make things more visually fun, this is an option which allows you to be creative. Talk to professional driveway installers to go over your options or do some research online to help you plan out a DIY curved driveway project.

Is gravel driveway good for rural areas?

Gravel driveways have become a really popular option for people who live in rural areas. You might find some people who live in urban environments making use of gravel driveways, but it is much more common in the country. Many people see it as a simple way to make an upgrade from a dirt driveway, and it doesn’t take too much expertise to be able to install one of these. Generally, gravel driveways can be installed very quickly, and they are able to be used pretty much right away.

Is asphalt driveway good?

Asphalt driveways are very high-quality as well, so you will be getting an excellent driveway for your money. Problems start to rear their head with this type of a driveway when you consider the maintenance that needs to be performed. These asphalt driveways aren’t as easy to maintain as the concrete driveways.

Can you use a dirt driveway every day?

You will find people in rural areas that make use of dirt driveways every single day. These driveways have a certain natural charm to them, but they can be inconvenient at times too. If you decide to use a dirt driveway on your property, then you are going to run into certain problems over time.

Our List of Things to Consider When Choosing A New Driveway

We’ve covered the general details in this UK Driveway Buying Guide. Each individual guide – the guides to each material type – go into more depth regarding the types, costs, options and other considerations as you choose the best driveway for your purposes.

What Are Your Options for Driveway Replacement?

Let’s get familiar with your driveway material options – what they are, costs, pros and cons, maintenance requirements and what they’ll do for the value of your home should you decide to sell in the next few years.

Driveway Replacement Overview

We’ll outline the steps momentarily, but your new driveway decision should begin months before the day labourers show up with their equipment and start making a mess of the place.

Eco-Friendly Driveway Materials

When discussing driveways, friendliness to the environment isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Several of the options are petroleum-based. A lot of energy goes into making concrete.

Which Driveway Material Is Right For You?

In this Driveway Buying Guide, we’ve covered the main topics to consider.

How Much Does a Driveway Replacement Cost?

Expect to pay £40 to more than £100 per m2 for a new driveway. The most common driveway types range from about £60 to £95 per m2.

The Proper Driveway Foundation

Every driveway needs a stable, firm foundation that won’t be subject to sinking or erosion.