Driveways enhance the home aesthetics and the entire homes real estate value given the right designs and materials.
Like everything else, when given enough thought, beautiful driveways can be done on a budget.
They are finished in themselves, easy and cheap to install, and very durable when maintained properly.
Here are some ideas fromThe SpruceandHouzz.
It is natural-looking, resembling gravel even, but without pebbles and rough stones that could cause inconvenience.
It is a cheap, low-maintenance driveway that will give off the rustic look anytime.
Just look at these ideas fromBricoand Houzz.
Small, fine stones edged with concrete, planters, or bricks have a classy effect for long driveways.
Related:10 Best Driveway Edging Ideas On A Budget
5.
Concrete
Another low-cost, sturdy, and functional choice for driveways would be concrete.
They come full circle thanks to the array of designs that it comes with.
They are the default driveway material in the suburbs.
Here are some ideas from Concrete data pipe andLandscaping data pipe.
It is expensive at first but with its longevity and classic look, everything will be worth it.
Other than this, pavers can be installed DIY.
If you are looking for somedriveway designs made of pavers, heres some houzz.
7.Cobblestone
This material is the best choice for locations with tropical climates.
If you are all in for a classic, white style, go for cobblestone.
It is low maintenance and when splashed with some tropical landscape flair will enhance the entire estate.
Just look at these ideas fromStepping on StonesandAbove All Masonry.
This way, water is absorbed, weed is resisted and pollutants are filtered.
If you are eyeing permeable driveways, here are some sample designs from Houzz andPaver Connection.
Staining natural stone tiles are imperative for its pristine look for years.
It is an important maintenance mechanism that may come with additional costs.
They also fit winding driveway designs, especially for literally long driveways.
Here are some wood chip driveway ideas fromPinterestand Houzz that you’re free to consider.
11.Rubber
This material is the new age of driveways.
Compared to asphalt and concrete, rubber is more inexpensive and easier to install.
It is also at par with them in terms of durability.
With its smoother surface, it is a good option for homes with small kids.
And since they come in different colors, you might use darker colored rubber accents in between.
Here are some concept designs fromHouzzandStalbert Today.
Add some more crushed stones to use as a border to hold it all together.
Here are some ideas.
Raking will not be necessary and weed growth will not become a problem.
Overall, the resin is functional and stylish at the same time.
You would want it for longer and rustic driveways.
To include more dynamics, you could add grass arrangements that will exude a geometrical look.
It can be overlapping, the traditional square, or the hedge maze effect of large estates.
Here are some concepts to consider fromPinterestandDea Vita.
It evokes the most rustic look and the most heritage style.
It will look good in ranch house driveways, coastal villas, and barn and English cottage designs.
They look classy, traditional and the gateways themselves are equally durable.
Gateways like these are common for large estates but they will also look fine in compact suburban driveways.
Look at these concepts.
Related:30 Best Driveway Gate Ideas and Designs
17.
Natural landscaping
By natural landscaping, we mean tree canopies and plant accents and borders.
All in all, it has a unique aesthetic touch like the ones from House Beautiful andSurround Landscaping.
It is versatile for both compact and long driveways.
It also gives off a classic Southern California feel.
you could accent out the winding look with permeable grass at the center.
You might want to consider these designs.
19.Mosaic
There is no limit to what you might add to your driveway design.
If you have family emblems, they are also good inclusions for a customized mosaic design driveway.
If you are thinking about this, here are some designs to consider fromFair Fax Family FunandPatio Magic California.
Darker colored tiles are always the most recommended ones.
Minimalist driveways are neat and calming especially when set out in contrast to bright colored homes.
Putting in potted plants as accents are also commendable.
Here are some minimalist driveway designs fromTrend Hunter.
FAQs
What is the best material to use for driveways?
There is no one answer to the best material used for driveways.
According toHome Advisor, materials alone would range from $4-50.
Installation can cost from $5-15 per square foot.
All in all, expect a range of $2000-7000 for a driveway.
How can I make my driveway look nice?
The straight-up answer is concrete.
It is the old school driveway material and is the go-to option for suburban homes.
It does not break or crack easily, it will last for decades when maintained properly.
Runner-ups would be loose materials such as gravel and stone.
What is the best low maintenance driveway?
The cheapest driveway does not mean the lowest maintenance.
The lowest maintenance driveway material would be paver.
Specifically, the three lowest maintenance pavers would be permeable pavers, paving stones, and concrete grass pavers.
As for maintenance, a good pressure shower once in a while will do.
Do weeds grow through resin driveways?
The good thing about resin driveways is that they are completely bound.
This means that weed growth is rare.
To make it more weed resistant, the resin is double treated with sealing.
It has to be noted that the sealing will wear off in traffic.
As such, it is an important part of the entire resin driveway maintenance.
Seeds distributed by the wind during windy seasons might still cause weed growth in between.
In more moist climates, algae or moss might emerge instead of weeds.
Conclusion
Driveways are important groundworks, literally and figuratively.
If you have all of these, you are ready to go.
