Angie's LIST Guide to
Driveways

Concrete is generally the  most durable driveway option, keeping in mind that even a concrete driveway is only as good as its foundation. Installation takes about a week and generally involves pouring concrete in defined sections and allowing that concrete to cure.

A concrete driveway can last up to 30 years and can get stronger with time. If not installed properly, however, concrete driveways can crack.  Contaminants and pollutants - such as road salt - can adversely affect the surface in the winter. While these are not likely to compromise the integrity of the driveway, they can impact the overall look.

New techniques and concrete materials have broadened the way concrete can be used. Many creative effects can be applied in order to create a truly unique look without the extra expense of special materials.

One thing to consider is that concrete does not "dry;" it cures over time. The key to a quality driveway is preventing cracking and breaking that can occur during the curing process. While it can take years for concrete to cure completely, it can cure to the point of use in about a week. Keeping the concrete moist during the initial curing stages by using a fine sprinkler or mist, especially in warmer weather, may help cut down on potential cracks by preventing the concrete from curing too fast.

Advantages of concrete:

• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• Wide variety of unique surfaces, stampings and material combinations (concrete driveway with paver borders, e.g.)
• Can add significant curb appeal and resale value to a property

Disadvantages of concrete:

• Oils and other chemicals can cause permanent stains
• More costly to install
• Can crack during freezing temperatures
• More difficult to hide repairs

Stamped concrete

Homeowners are turning to stamped concrete to give their driveways, walkways, patios and pool decks a unique look. A contractor first pours a slab with the base color mixed in. As the concrete dries, the contractor will apply highlight coloring and push down a stamp to create a pattern that can mimic brick, stone, tile or custom designs like leaves. It’s cheaper than installing brick pavers and it can last for decades if properly maintained with sealer. Check out the stamped concrete gallery to see how Angie’s List members have added it to their homes.

The least expensive driveway option is gravel or crushed stone. A wide variety of crushed stone materials offer the homeowner several choices in color and overall look. Because this material is used in driveway foundations, no separate foundation is required - making this a very cost-effective option.

The gravel driveway will need to be replenished over time as the rocks settle into ruts faster than a hard surface driveway. Raking will be required on occasion to keep the rocks from getting into your grass. And while the material is not as likely to freeze, shoveling snow from a stone driveway can be difficult.

Advantages of gravel driveways:

• Least expensive driveway paving method
• Very little to no maintenance required
• Driveway can be used even during installation
• Can be switched to asphalt with ease

Disdvantages of gravel driveways:

• Has a very short life expectancy rating
• Can shift when used on a sloping property
• Does not provide the same curb appeal as other paving methods
• Does not provide a high increase to the value of the property
• Can create divots and holes from normal driving over a short duration of time