Are you looking for the perfect driveway for your home that is durable as well as aesthetic? Whatever the material you choose, gravel, concrete or asphalt, your main goal is to build a solid and long-lasting path for people and/or vehicles. But, which one is the best, gravel vs concrete vs asphalt driveways? Well, it all depends on the role you assign to your driveway. This article intends to answer these questions explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each type and help you choose the right one according to your needs!
Let’s start our discussion with the advantages of a gravel driveway over others!
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Gravel Driveway
Gravel comes in different shapes and colors and is made of small stones from 2mm to 100mm thick. It is often used as a temporary solution for driveways as it is low in cost than asphalt and concrete. In fact, it is the cheapest outer lining for driveways in the market. In addition, a good handyman can arrange the gravel driveway and lay it on their own, which saves on the cost of installation. You can find different sized gravel in the market, such as Margo Garden Products Rainforest Gravel Bag and a gravel binder such as the Vuba Easihold Resin Binder for Gravel and repair your driveway yourself.
- Gravel can be used in landscaping beds to inhibit weed growth
- Helps retain moisture in soil and prevents erosion
- Made of 100% long lasting natural stone
- Mulch and Soil Council certified for product assurance
- Perfect for residential or commerical landscape designs
It is abrasive and non-slippery due to the small pebbles, ideal for places where there are heavy rains or snow. So, if adhesion is the factor you’re looking for, gravel is the right choice. You can opt for a medium gravel driveway or loose gravel. The first one is harder and angled, laid throughout the driveway, while the latter can move with time due to traffic. Just like concrete, gravel is porous and allows rainwater to penetrate through it. It can be an excellent alternative to asphalt if you want a flat driveway. However, if you want a slope, gravel can be problematic.
- HOLDS AND FIXES LOOSE STONES - New or Existing, Easihold will hold together 4-20mm stones when applied and left to dry for 48 hours in good dry conditions. 4-10mm diameter is recommended for foot traffic (larger stones will have a lesser bond).
- POUR, SPRAY, HAND MIX - Pour On method covers up to 26 sq ft per Coat, Spray On method covers up to 46 sq ft and Each container of Easihold mixes 3 x 25kg bags of stones for the Hand Mix Method
- PROTECTS STONES - Easihold coats and protects stones, leaving an attractive protective silk sheen which helps prevents staining over time.
- FINALIST AT CHICAGO SHOW - Easihold was a finalist in the best product category at the International Garden Centre Convention, Chicago, 2019.
- GUARANTEE GREAT RESULTS? Follow the instructions on the bottle when they arrive. Dont over saturate your stones / mulch, use at the advised coverage rate and ensure conditions are dry. Doing this and you will achieve fantastic results every ti
Concrete Driveway
Concrete is often confused with asphalt, yet the two are very distinct. It can be in the form of road, stamped, smooth or leached concrete. In addition, it is available in the form of slabs and pavers in different colors and sizes. Its distinctive feature is that the material that binds it is cement.
There are two types of concrete: draining concrete and deactivated concrete. Drainage concrete is slightly different from ordinary concrete because it has a much lower sand content. It is also available in different colors and is laid exactly like asphalt. The aggregate concrete is itself clearer in appearance. It arises like a classic concrete slab, but afterward, a deactivating product is applied to give it a graveled look and make it slip-resistant.
A concrete driveway is more durable than gravel or asphalt, which means little repair and maintenance. In addition, it is entirely recyclable. However, when it comes to safety, it’s not a good choice as compared to the other two. Vehicles tend to slip on concrete driveways in rain or snow. Although it lasts longer than other materials, its repair costs are higher if it damages for any reason. Repairing a concrete driveway often requires the replacement of the entire concrete slab.
Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt is widely known for its durability and strength, due to which it is considered the best option for driveways. Its construction requires less effort than concrete and is suitable for light and heavy vehicles. It is made of recyclable material, making it an environmentally friendly option. The material that binds it is tar that does not require much maintenance. However, in case cracks appear on your asphalt driveway, different asphalt repairer products are available online, such as Aquaphalt 6.0 Permanent Repair, Asphalt patch and pottage filler 56 lb pail, etc.
- Ranked #1 by Consumer Reports
- Permanent asphalt repair, backed by a 3-year warranty
- Environmentally friendly, no VOCs
- Sets up with water
- Open to traffic immediat
- FIX POTHOLES FAST. This all-in-one pothole filler takes the pain out of patching asphalt. Holds up against years of motor traffic for a long-lasting solution, or your money back.
- NO PREP NEEDED. No need for primer, mixer, or special preparation. Can be applied in any weather condition. With this driveway patch, you can fill a pothole yourself—no prior experience needed.
- TRAFFIC READY IN AN HOUR. Safely drive on Asphalt Patch within one hour of application. Boasts a flexible and fast-drying mixture of limestone, quartz, a petroleum solvent, and a petroleum asphalt base.
- MORE THAN FOR JUST ASPHALT. Don’t stop at roadway cracks. Use Asphalt Patch to fill cracks in concrete, stone, and brick. Perfect for parking lots, playgrounds, and home driveways.
- STRONG IN MANY WAYS. ASPHALT PATCH works at any temperature above 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The product can be stored indefinitely with no risk of hardening or decay in stora
An asphalt driveway is smooth yet non-slippery. Many people prefer asphalt for private driveways being less costly than concrete and durable. Removing snow is also easier on it.
When it comes to your driveway, there are different types of asphalts you can choose from: waterproofing asphalt, porphyry asphalt, and sanded asphalt. The first one is not an ideal choice for your private driveway as it is generally used for bridges and other major constructions. Porphyry asphalt is comprised of different elements such as limestone, chippings, sand and tar. It is ideal for driveways and sidewalks and can also be in color. In sanded asphalt, its aggregate is visible. It is the most slip-resistant and is often used for cycle paths.
Once you have familiarized yourself with the different types of asphalt that exist, you will be able to freely choose the type suitable for the driveway of your home.
Gravel vs Concrete vs Asphalt Driveways: Which One is the Best?
As for the choice between gravel, concrete and asphalt, it all depends on your driveway’s use and your budget. All three materials have advantages and disadvantages, making one better than the other. The least expensive is the gravel, which is also compatible with different uses. It is a non-slippery, cheap and low-maintenance material, light on your pocket.
However, if you’re looking for more durability and strength, go for concrete or asphalt driveways. They are ideal for heavy vehicles. Among these two, asphalt is less expensive than concrete and takes less installation time. It is safer and noiseless, giving your driveway a modern look. Concrete has its advantages. Being durable and strong, it requires the least repair than the other two. However, it is not safe. It becomes slippery in rain or snow.
Our Final Thoughts!
The above information on ‘gravel vs concrete vs asphalt driveways’ must have helped you understand the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of the three materials. It all depends on your budget and the usage of your driveway. Gravel is the cheapest, while the other two options are durable and stronger. It’s up to you which one to choose for your driveway.
