Your driveway and front walk are the first thing everyone sees when they’re approaching your property. They’re also the last thing visitors see when leaving your home. This makes them the key to improving your home’s curb appeal. Updating your front walk and driveway is the best way to maximize the impact they have on the overall look and feel of your home, as well as improving its value. There are several things you need to know before starting this project. This is a task that is best done in warm and dry weather, so if it’s something you’ve been considering, there is no better time than the summer months.

Repair or Replace?

The amount of work that needs to put into improving your driveway depends on its current state and your expectations for the finished project. Damaged and cracked driveways and walkways are not only unappealing, they also pose a very real danger since they can be the cause of many slips and falls (especially during winter.) They’re also one of the biggest causes for tire damage particularly if you use them daily.

It is much less expensive and time consuming to repair a damaged driveway than to replace it entirely. This is a great choice for cracked asphalt, as the cracks can be easily filled in and a new layer added over the top. However, repairing is not an option for badly damaged and cracked concrete drives which usually need to be replaced entirely.

However, if your driveway and walkway are in pretty good condition and you’re simply looking to improve their curb appeal decorative edging is your best choice.

Choosing a Material

If you’re replacing your driveway or building a new one, there are several different material choices available:

1.    Gravel

Gravel and crushed stone are a very popular choice among homeowners, since they have a very upscale look to them. Their biggest benefit is that they’re relatively cheap with an average cost of $1 per square foot. They’re also very easy to install, the entire installation can be finished in a single day. However due to its nature gravel will scatter over time and may need to be replenished. Another drawback is that gravel driveways are very hard to clear of snow and ice, so if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, it may not be the best choice for you.

2.    Asphalt

Asphalt is a material that is easily repaired and patched up; making it a great choice for driveways that are sure to get a lot of use, and it’s also a great choice for colder climates since it’s not as likely to crack due to the cold and ice. However, asphalt doesn’t have a very long overall life as it breaks down more quickly than other materials even in more temperate climates. On average, an asphalt driveway will need to be repaired or replaced within five years since its installation.

On the positive side, asphalt is one of the cheaper materials to install and maintain, as a topcoat costs just about $2 per square foot, while a whole new asphalt driveway will cost anywhere between $3 and $7 dollars which includes several coats of asphalt as well as base gravel layer in the price. Another advantage is that asphalt can be installed very quickly, usually over 2 days and it can be used within 24 hours of its installation.

3.    Concrete

A concrete driveway is sure to be a long term investment. Its lifespan is between 15 and 30 years, depending on the climate and amount of use. Concrete offers a very smooth and modern look and is an extremely popular choice among homeowners. However, it’s much more difficult to repair and it has a tendency to crack in colder climates.

It’s in a similar price range with asphalt, costing around $3-4 per square foot and can be installed in two days (depending on the size.) Concrete driveways need around a week before they’re safe to drive on, so make sure to make arrangements for your car and parking before beginning work.

4.    Cobblestone and Pavers

Long-lasting and expensive are the best ways to describe a cobblestone or paver driveway. Cobblestones have an extremely high durability, and can even last 100 years or more. They require more work than the other materials as the area needs to be prepared beforehand and a foundation needs to be laid for the stones. Cost-wise, cobblestone is the most expensive option with a price range between $12 and $30 per square foot, while pavers are somewhat cheaper, costing between $6-10 per square foot installed. The good news is, that they are much easier to repair than other choices, as individual stones can be replaced as needed making them very cheap to maintain