Choose Your Driveway Material Wisely

It's easy to ignore your driveway... until it needs to be replaced. Driveways are made to last, but when the time comes to replace yours, it's good to know your options. 

Whether you're installing a new driveway to add value to your home before selling it or you simply want a less bumpy ride, our REALTORS® are here to help. These are the top driveway materials to consider:

• Concrete
  Concrete has long been one of the most popular driveway options. That's because it's a highly durable surface, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. An average concrete driveway costs $5 or $6 per square foot, and can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years.
  
  It does tend to have a shorter lifespan in cold climates, and freezing water can cause it to crack over time. Another drawback is that some consider the look if concrete to be a little plain, but you can have it stamped or dyed to change the color or texture.
  
  
• Asphalt
  There's certainly something to be said for the "classic" blacktop look of an asphalt driveway. It's faster and easier to install than concrete, so you may save on installation costs.
  
  Asphalt really only comes in one color, so there's not much potential to customize, but the black surface does soak up some heat, which helps with snowmelt in winter. The cost is a very reasonable $2 to $5 per square foot. Expect to have the driveway resealed every four years or so, but the asphalt itself should last at least 20 years.
  
  
• Brick
  The warmth and charm of a brick driveway makes it a perennial favorite. Bricks exude a classy ambiance, and can also be surprisingly durable and long-lasting when properly maintained. You'll easily get 25 years or more out of a brick driveway if you power-wash it once a year and touch up the mortar as needed.
  
  Brick can make for a bumpy drive if it's not properly installed, so make sure you work with a quality contractor. It's not the cheapest option, typically running $5 to $10 per square foot, but many homeowners consider it a worthwhile expense.
  
  
• Paving Stones
  Paving stones offer great character and curb appeal, and have the ability to blend in with a natural landscape while still looking bold and eye-catching. Typically made from slabs of granite of flagstone, they're smooth-riding and handle runoff well.
  
  Paving stones cost anywhere from $15 to $30 per square foot, placing them among the most expensive driveway materials. But they can also last a century, so consider your reason for investing in a new driveway. If you don't plan to live in your home for a long time, you may want to do with a more economical option.
  
  
• Gravel
  The chief virtue of gravel is that it's dirt cheap. A typical gravel driveway costs just $1 to $3 per square foot, and many homeowners like the rustic look and satisfying crackle of gravel under their tires. Gravel is eco-friendly and readily available too.
  
  It also comes in a wide variety of colors and handles runoff well. The downside is that gravel is a little high-maintenance. You can definitely expect some of those little rocks to make their way into your grass over time—we recommend edging your driveway to make upkeep easier—and snow removal can be challenging.

Contact us today to learn more about home improvement projects that can add value to your home before selling it. Our team has helped countless families with their Mansfield homes for sale, and we're committed to standing with you every step of the way.