What's the best material to install for my driveway?

expert EXPERT April 26, 2007

There is a pretty good chance that the major settlement has already occurred, but you may experience some minor movement. While one would expect a corn field to have been well compacted by farming equipment, unfortunately the settlement that one expects after construction has more to do with the degree to which they tamped the backfill, if at all. This is more of an issue at the side of the house, where the excavation for the foundation occurred. The soil for the driveway was driven over by machinery, but probably did not have any large removal and replacement of soil. That being said, the best material to install if settlement is expected would be a unit-paver type of surface, generically referred to as interlocking brick. There are a great range of shapes, colors, and materials available. This type of surface can be lifted up and re-set to correct sinking or settling problems. Since a walkway at the side of the house is more apt to settle, make your decision on the driveway based on what you would do if you weren't worried about settlement. The most durable driveway surface by far is concrete, but it is the most costly. Colored and stamped concrete is popular. Unit paver driveways tend to suffer from ruts over the long term. To its defense, this is due more to how it tends to be installed than any fault with the material. They are relatively easy to repair. They can also look striking. The best bang for the buck is still the basic and pedestrian asphalt. Some systems for stamping and colorizing asphalt are newly available. A driveway can have a major impact on your home's curb appeal. It is advisable to consult with a landscape architect. This will also allow you to plan out the front yard landscaping. Even if you don't proceed with all the work at one time, it is important to work toward a finished look you decide on at the outset. Designers can also suggest creative ways at saving money. For example, you could do an asphalt driveway with a border of "granite" pavers.