Driveway Paving Methods

When working on improving your home, you want to know all of the available options for the task. Paving your driveway is a pretty large project, but there are many methods out there to choose from and many sources of information to discover which method will suit your needs.

Most of the driveways that you will see when going down an average street are going to one of three types: gravel, concrete and asphalt. All three of these methods last for years and add to the home value. The applications of the three methods are quite varied, however, and not all may be done by the homeowner himself. The costs of these methods are varied as well. Please note that any average prices listed will not include the removal of trees and bushes nor will it include the price of grading the land before the paving method is applied. These things can add a large sum to the total of your home improvement project; so don’t forget to calculate them in.

Gravel

The most common method of driveway paving is not literally any type of pavement at all. Gravel is easy to find and averages around $800 for a typical 2’ layered driveway. The gravel can be brought in by a contractor or you can haul it in yourself after purchasing the materials from literally any home improvement or landscaping supply store. Little other materials are necessary and most often include a wheelbarrow for hauling, a shovel and a large push broom.

Asphalt

Asphalt is a relatively inexpensive option as well, coming in at an average $830 for a professionally installed 2.5” driveway. This is an option that must be done professionally, as the equipment needed to mix the asphalt is only commercially provided, as there are regulations that must be followed for the mixture. You can find asphalt companies by looking in the yellow pages or asking at your local home improvement store. They should be able to provide you with reference.

Concrete

If you are going for a durable and long lasting option that can be done on your own or by professionals, you might want to check out the concrete method of paving your driveway. Concrete is the most cost effective, averaging around $75 per cubic yard for the materials, though the cost of professional installation will add to that total. While this method is the longest lasting, it is usually the hardest to repair and the repaired sections may be noticeable.

Stones/Bricks

Beyond the most typical methods of driveway paving is a much more costly method using stones or bricks. Cobblestone or brick may be beautiful, but is very expensive at around $30 per square yard. This can add up fast, averaging around $18,000 for an average project. The weather is also rougher on the stones and causes damage that may be costly to repair. Pressed grass is considered an eco-friendly method of “paving” though it is usually not long lasting, making it cost prohibitive for most families to consistently use.

When you decide which method is best for you based on what you want out of your home improvement project, make sure that you research contractors and suppliers to ensure that you get the most for your money. Consumer review websites such as Yelp are excellent resources for contractor references and there are many price comparison websites available. Check out the local hardware store for more information if you need to as well. With the many options available and a broad range of prices, you are sure to find one that works best for you and your family.