Getting a classic driveway look can be made easy by adding stones. But the kind of materials you use need to be considered and thought through. Here is everything you need to know. Stones have been used in paving methods for the longest time now and they are still the top choice. When you take out the roughness and cut of stones as material, you see that it can be a great addition to your driveway.
The best aspect of using stones for your front entryway is that they are distinct and offer great protection. There is a less likely chance of having to deal with misshapen edges or splits. But there is a lot you need to know and consider when it comes to stones, from their different kinds to their application. There are many options to choose from when you decide to pave your driveway. They all have their pros and cons and will give you aesthetic value as well as durability. So, whether you choose a professional paver like Armstone or decide to DIY it, we have everything you need to know.
Stone is the main material that most homeowners use for their walkways and driveways. Its impact has made it the prime choice of people for decades. It is the most affordable option and gives a nice design for your front ways. To give your home a grand look, you can use stone in a variety of ways.
Advantages of using Stones in Entryways
Loose stones and pebbles are known to have their pros and cons. While people argue that they may cause issues for your entryway, the benefits are far too many to ignore. Even if they can be dragged around, you do not have to opt for this option. You can set them in place according to your needs. Here are some benefits of adding stones to your driveway:
They are durable
Paving stones are flexible in their function and can deal with all kinds of environments. This means that they are long-lasting and will guarantee that you see no cracks or splits. Even better, they can be relied on for years before any touch up is needed.
They are easy to maintain
Even as time passes, you only need some maintenance to deal with these stones. They do not stain or crack no matter the kind of weather you live in. Furthermore, they can be flipped to have a more appealing look when guests come to visit.
They can be replaced and repaired
If your paving stones do face some damage, they are easily managed and replaced. You can either get new ones or repair the existing materials with little to no hassle.
Stone materials and their application
When you consider the kind of materials to use for your driveway, you have plenty of options to make your selection from. All of them come in their price range. You can make a choice depending on your home and driveway type.
Gravel
When you look for affordable and accessible options, gravel is the way to go. Initial costs are close to nothing when you compare gravel to other materials. But this will require some heavy maintenance as time passes. You have to take care of raking and adding herbicides for the look to be attractive. More so, adding more gravel is necessary every two years. Pushing it back into place does require some energy, but it is not that difficult a job.
Road Base
The base that you place on the road leading up to your driveway needs to be taken care of. The base placed will ensure that your front ways are durable and reliant for longer periods. They can be accompanied by asphalt or concrete or can even act as standalone materials for the driveway. There is an ideal water runoff with this base and due to its dense nature, you will find that deterioration is nonexistent. Its rich black tone will give your home a graceful look, which you can take advantage of.
Concrete
Concrete is one of the top stone choices when it comes to durable materials. They are held together by lime-based binders and water, which ensure their versatile nature. This secure foundation will be able to deal with all kinds of climate changes and will take little maintenance over time. It can be quite expensive when compared to other stone materials, but this is an investment for your home’s future.
Limestone
This is a loose stone option that comes with various shapes and designs. The best part of using limestone is the color gradient, from which you can select light hues or darker pigments. If you have too much vehicle traffic coming into the driveway, limestone tends to wear down easily. But if you compact it well initially, you will face only a few problems.
Asphalt
Asphalt has a long lifespan of up to twenty years and is cheaper than other stones. It has a good combination of rock, cement, and sand which allows it to be one of the best driveway additions. If installed the proper way, it will give a concrete effect for a very affordable price. Due to its flexibility and likelihood of less cracking, it is quite a popular choice.
Brick
A brick base for your entryway can last about 25 years. Although the building material is quite standard, it can withstand weather changes and moderate usage. After proper installation, you will be left with a smooth surface that your car can glide over. It does require regular maintenance which can be a hassle. But if you make sure to pressure wash it twice a year and reseal the brick, you are good to go. Brick comes with its own character when it comes to paving driveways and you simply cannot go wrong with this tough selection.
Paving Stones
For an eco-friendly option, you can always go with paving stones. These are local stones that are made after keeping environmental needs in mind. You can go to a trustworthy provider and then get it installed professionally. Rakes can be used to restore the stones every once in a while, but it is overall, easy to maintain.
In summation
As you can see from the given options, there is a lot to consider before you can add stones to your driveway. From the stone material to the benefits of having loose and set stones, you will have to make some tough decisions. Just make sure that whatever you do, it is right for your home and its driveway and works well with your needs.
