Concrete and asphalt are by far the most popular road surfaces. Both are long-lasting materials that are relatively inexpensive. The average asphalt driveway is about $3 to $5 per square foot installed, and the average lifespan is 12 to 20 years with proper care. The cost of installing a concrete driveway on average is about $6 per square foot, nationally, and can last for 40 years with good maintenance.
But both of these materials are a bit boring. If you’re tired of the usual fare when it comes to driveways, maybe it’s time to start thinking about using the driveway pavers on your next project.
It is not enough to have a basic asphalt or a concrete driveway. With so many other pavement options available, it is no surprise that a large percentage of homeowners are looking for or have already migrated away from concrete and asphalt as a means of paving their driveways.
Pavers are the next best thing in terms of driveway pavement, but with so many different types and styles to choose from, it can be quite intimidating to even start looking. If you’re a homeowner looking to replace your driveway or install a new one soon, let’s use the best driveway pavers.
What kind of a paver do you want?
The first thing you need to consider when contemplating the best pavers for the use of the driveway is what kind of pavements you want. There are many different types, each with unique pros and cons that may or may not be suited to your particular interests. The most common types of flooring include brick, concrete, cobblestone, rubber, porcelain, marble, travertine, bluestone, flagstone, and plastic.
Brick is great for esthetic appeal and stylistic diversity. Brick pavers tend to be eco-friendly, but can be easily damaged and worn out. They also require frequent maintenance if they are to remain in good shape. Installation is labor-intensive and expensive.
Concrete pavers are also stylishly diverse and easy to install. However, they experience color fading over time and can crack during extreme temperature fluctuations. They may be expensive and considered to be high-maintenance.
Bluestone has a beautiful blue color, but it’s also durable. It’s easy to accidentally buy fake bluestones, though, and the real stuff is incredibly expensive. Flagstone is non-slip and lasts longer than concrete pavers. They are naturally sourced, however, making design and costing a lot more than other types of driveway pavers.
Porcelain, cobblestone, marble, and travertine are all great for aesthetics, but they’re incredibly easy to damage and don’t hold on to everyday driving. Rubber pavers may be durable, but they lack style and are not very eco-friendly either. Gravel or grass-filled plastic pavers are the most durable type available and have a variety of styles to choose from. They are the most environmentally friendly pavers since they are made from 100 % recycled plastic.
Miscellaneous Factors
This is where the rest of your considerations come into play. Cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, maintenance, durability, restraint of appeal, and local regulations and incentives should all be considered.
Pavers are also more durable than any other type of stone or impermeable material, and can even boost your brake appeal depending on how you choose to install them and in what style/color. Tax incentives are available for some areas as a reward for installing these environmentally friendly pavers, so check your local regulations to see if you qualify.
Are You Considering Pavers for Your Driveways?
At DPG Design and Build, we’ve been providing our customers with specialized Landscape and Hardscape Design and Build services for over 30 years. DPG Design and Build, headquartered in San Ramon, California is the best curb appeal and outdoor living space designer and installer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Appearing on HGTV’s Curb Appeal and featured on Discovery Channel’s program Renovation Nation, our team of skilled designers and landscape engineers provide top-quality service and professionalism our customers love. DPG Design and Build offers 2-D and 3-D conceptual home and landscape design plans that allow you to visualize your dream space and make that dream concept a reality.
Have a driveway in need of an upgrade? Contact DPG Design and Build to schedule your free consultation today!