Your driveway is like the welcome mat of your house but for cars. Whether it’s a massive and long driveway or a narrow and winding one, it needs paving. New and old homeowners looking for the right paving material for their driveway have come to the right place. 

There’s a lot to consider. There’s the look of the material, how long it lasts, and last but not least, how much it costs. Here are five materials to choose from and what makes each great.

Pavers

Pavers are made from materials like clay or concrete. They are flat pieces of material available in a variety of shapes and textures. Pavers can be arranged in designs or laid simply in a straight line. They are primarily used for paving outside walkways like patios, walkways, or driveways, and pool decks. 

Pavers are durable and long-lasting, and even if they get damaged, they are recyclable. With the variance of their look and how creatively you can use them, they go with any house style. Pavers are great for someone who wants a nice but lasting look on a moderate budget. They are not the cheapest material. 

Concrete

Concrete driveways are simple and long-lasting. They are constructed by mixing and pouring a layer of concrete into slab bases as one piece. This is not as cheap as asphalt, but it has its own advantages. While some people attempt the DIY installation of their own concrete driveway, we don’t recommend it. 

There’s a lot of hard work that goes into installing a concrete driveway. A mixture including sand, gravel aggregate, water, and powdered cement is prepared. A wooden frame is built to hold the poured cement so it can harden correctly, and it’s reinforced with a metal mesh. The cement is smoothed over after pouring. 

Asphalt

Asphalt is the cheapest material to use to pave your driveway. While it is not the most long-lasting material on its own, with maintenance every few years, it can last decades. It doesn’t bend or crack under temperature or weather fluctuations. Paving contractors promise quick installations.   

Asphalt has the best drainage when it rains because of how it’s applied. A mixture of tar, sand, and aggregate is heated and spread over a layer of compactible gravel. The gravel gives it a solid foundation and allows for drainage. 

Stone

Stone is one of the oldest driveway or land paving materials. Stone is an expensive material, but it has a beautiful look and can last for centuries, let alone decades. If you want something that will raise the value of your property, look nice, and last very long, then stone is the right choice. 

Stone pavers or tiles both look nice and come in various options. Unlike concrete or brick pavers, they don’t need to be set in something special and can be applied to the ground directly. It is a labor-intensive task, but it can even be done in the DIY style.