What is the Best Material for Driveways?

Are you tired of dealing with a cracked or worn-out driveway? Finding the best driveway material can transform your home's curb appeal and save you from constant repairs.

That's why we wrote this blog! It's time for you to explore the top driveway surface options, from affordable asphalt to luxurious paver stones.

You'll learn about the benefits and drawbacks of each material, and which ones perform best in cold weather.

By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of the best materials for driveways that suit your needs and budget. Keep reading to discover which option is right for you and how it can enhance your home's exterior!

Popular Driveway Materials

There are four main types you see in the lower mainland: Asphalt, Concrete, Paver/Brick/Flagstone and Gravel driveways.

Asphalt Driveway Material

Pros:

• Affordable and quick installation
• Less prone to cracking in winter (especially in Canada)
• Dark colour helps melt snow quicker
• Textured surface provides more traction, making it safer and less slippery
• Lasts around 15-20 years

Cons:

• Requires more regular maintenance to prevent cracks (every 3-5 years for resealing)
• Softens in extreme heat

Asphalt driveways are a cost-effective option, ranging from $10-15 per square foot. They offer quick installation and are particularly suited for cold climates, as their dark colour helps melt snow faster and the textured surface provides better traction. This makes them the best driveway material for cold weather. 

However, they do require regular maintenance and resurfacing every three years to stay in good condition.

Despite this, asphalt remains a popular choice for many homeowners due to its affordability and longevity.

Concrete Driveway Material

Pros:

• Durable and low-maintenance
• Withstands heavier loads, ideal for larger vehicles and trailers
• Extra finishes and colours can enhance the appearance with stamped concrete
• Lasts longer than asphalt (20-30 years)

Cons:

• Higher initial cost
• Prone to damage from salt and cold winter temperatures
• More expensive to colour-match when fixing cracks, especially with custom designs

Concrete driveways are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements, with costs ranging from $25-40 per square foot.

A concrete driveway can handle heavier loads, making it suitable for homes with large vehicles or trailers. Various finishes and colours can improve the driveway's visual appeal.

However, the initial installation cost is higher, and they are susceptible to damage from salt and cold weather. Repairing cracks can be costly, particularly for custom designs with stamped concrete.

Despite these drawbacks, concrete driveways offer long-term value with minimal maintenance, making them a solid investment for many homeowners.

Paver Stones, Flagstones & Brick Driveway Material

Pros:

• Look high-end, giving your home a luxurious and classic feel
• Boosts property value
• Unique designs: available in many shapes, sizes, and colour patterns
• Quite a durable surface
• Repairs are simpler as individual bricks/pavers can be replaced

Cons:

• Much more expensive in materials and installation
• Limited DIY potential: requires professional installation
• Requires moderate maintenance as it’s prone to growing weeds
• Bricks may “loosen” or “shift” over time

Paver stones, flagstones, and brick driveways offer a high-end, luxurious look that can significantly boost your property's value.

These driveways allow for unique and personalized designs since natural stone comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colour patterns.

These driveways require moderate maintenance to manage weed growth and potential shifting of individual bricks. With costs ranging from $40 to $50+ per square foot, they are a more expensive option both in terms of materials and installation. Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper placement and overall longevity.

Despite the higher cost, the aesthetic appeal and ease of repair make them a lifetime investment with only moderate maintenance needs.

Gravel Driveway Material

Pros:

• Practical and budget-friendly
• Gives your home a rustic look
• Quick installation
• Better drainage and fewer problems with pooling water
• Costs $2-4 per square foot

Cons:

• Loose gravel rocks can spray
• Regular raking and upkeep are required
• Difficult for snowy areas as gravel can be picked up with snow shovels and snowplows
• Makes cars dusty

Gravel driveways are a practical and budget-friendly option, costing only $2-4 per square foot.

They offer quick installation and improved drainage, reducing issues with pooling water. Not to mention, the rustic appearance of gravel can add extra charm to your home!

However, there are some downsides. Loose gravel can spray when the driveway is used. This means more raking, cleaning and upkeep to maintain its look and function.

Gravel is not ideal for snowy areas. It can be easily displaced by snow shovels and plows, and it tends to make cars dusty. 

Despite these drawbacks, gravel remains an alternative driveway material and a popular choice for its affordability and ease of installation.

What is the Best Driveway Material for Cold Weather?

When selecting a driveway material suitable for cold climates, asphalt stands out as the preferred choice. Its pliability allows it to better withstand the freeze-thaw cycles common in colder regions, reducing the likelihood of cracking and damage. The dark colour of asphalt also aids in faster snow and ice melting, enhancing safety during winter months.

Note: Concrete offers durability and a longer lifespan in warmer climates, it may not perform as well in areas with harsh winters. Therefore, for homeowners in colder regions, asphalt is generally the more reliable and cost-effective option for driveway construction.

Conclusion

Choosing the best driveway material depends on your needs, lifestyle, home, and budget.

Asphalt driveways offer affordability and quick installation. Paver stones, flagstones, and brick driveways add a classic touch but cost more. Gravel driveways are budget-friendly and easy to install but require regular upkeep.

Concrete driveways are especially popular in the Lower Mainland. They provide fantastic durability and low maintenance. These make them perfect for homeowners with larger vehicles or trailers and for those wanting an upgraded surface compared to asphalt. 

If you’re ever considering upgrading to a concrete driveway get in touch with our expert team of contractors. Contact our team at Image Landscaping to discuss your project and start with driveway installation.