Driveway Design and Installation

Driveway Construction

Driveways provide the most basic form of physical transition between a site and a roadway. This might seem like a very simplistic definition for a very complicated process. However, this article attempts to break it down into the various types and the different features. This should help you make a more informed decision on how to execute your next driveway project.

Combining Functionality and Design with Driveways

Driveways are meant to have a touch of aesthetic while still carrying out their basic function. Due to the difference in climate and the varying preferences, there are different kinds of driveways available. This gives you a wide range of options to choose from when considering the project.

The Types of Driveways

Some of the popular driveways we have around are discussed here.

Brick Driveway

Like the name suggests, this driveway is made of bricks. The major advantage of brick driveways is its customization feature. Bricks come in a plethora of colors so you get to choose the color you prefer. The cost of installing a brick driveway is what many consider as its disadvantage. Well, the cost is relative, so that is not really a disadvantage.

Gravel Driveway

Gravel is rock fragments which are of the same range of particle size. This driveway is not ideal in a snowy climate. The advantages of this driveway are its ease of installation and low water retention and it is also cost-effective. However, there is always shifting and toppling over since gravels are fragments. A good way to prevent that is by edging or layering the gravels.

Basalt Driveway

The basalt driveway, although ideal for almost every climate, is not very easy to install. For best results, you will need to contact the service of a skilled veteran and this will bring out the aesthetics in it. After installation, it requires very minimal maintenance and you’re good to go.

Cobblestone Driveway

With a beautiful design which can be customized differently, it is as durable as it comes. Although people in snowy climate might want to avoid this design because of its perceived difficulty to maintain.

Tar and Chip Driveway

If you recently drove your car into a driveway that feels so nice and comfortable, there’s a very high chance that it was a tar and chip driveway. Heavy is the head that wears the crown though, the driveway is difficult to maintain.

Asphalt Driveway

Asphalt is one of the easy driveways which is commonly seen around and it helps to melt snow during winter season. If you’re a fan of multicolored designs, sorry, asphalt only comes in black. It should also be resealed once in four years.

Concrete Driveway

Concrete driveways are the most popular and that is for obvious reasons, it is durable and does not involve much maintenance. This kind of driveway is made of crushed rocks, sand, and cement. Maintaining a concrete driveway involves keeping it clean and sealed. A well-constructed concrete driveway can last for 25 to 50 years.

Things to Consider When Planning a Driveway Project

So now you’ve seen a driveway design you really like? Are you sure you can adequately plan for it? Would it be suitable? Let’s just go through a checklist of what you should consider.
1. A driveway must be strong enough to withstand vehicular loads. 2. A driveway must be positioned not to allow a pool of water adjacent near any buildings. 3. The width of a driveway should be enough to allow a vehicle pass without any hitches. 4. A driveway should not affect a footpath. 5. During installation of a driveway, care must be taken not to affect the function of any public utilities. 6. The location of a driveway must not pose harm to vehicular or human movements.

Conclusion

Take a leap of faith. After deciding to build a driveway, go on to call a professional. In fact, visit an office. Book an appointment, and, based on what you read here, brainstorm on the perfect fit for your building.

To schedule your free consultation with one of the experts from Sunshine Builders, Inc. call 877-824-4476