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How Much Does A Driveway Cost?

The main factors that determine how much it will cost to have a new driveway installed include the size of the driveway, the amount of labor required, material costs, the design and shape of the driveway, demolition and removal costs, and permit fees. Also, if you are looking for any additional special features, you could increase the cost significantly. Some of those special features that could increase the cost of a driveway installation include adding culverts, decorative pavers, or opting for a heading driveway that can melt snow and ice in the winter. 

That being said, considering all of the different options, the average price for a typical driveway installation is around $4,696. 

What Is The Cheapest Type Of Driveway?

The cheapest type of driveway is by far gravel. Gravel driveways typically cost around $1,500 on average, or somewhere between $1 and $2 per square foot. Gravel driveways are composed of mainly rock, sand, and clay, and installation is quick and easy. The main downside to a gravel driveway is that it will need regular maintenance, however, by upkeeping the gravel driveway and adding new gravel periodically, a gravel driveway can last up to 100 years. 

What’s Cheaper For A Driveway Asphalt Or Concrete?

When looking at the price per square foot for an asphalt driveway compared to a concrete driveway, asphalt driveways tend to be cheaper. Asphalt driveways can average between $7 and $13 per square foot whereas concrete can cost between $8 and $18 per square foot. As you can see, there is some overlap there that might produce some scenarios where a concrete driveway is cheaper, however, overall, asphalt is the cheapest option. 

Typically, an asphalt drive can last somewhere between 15 and 20 years whereas a concrete driveway can last up to 40+ years. The main benefit of asphalt is that it can better handle extreme weather conditions, like extreme heat and freezing temperatures. Concrete tends to crack easier when put under the stress of extreme weather conditions, therefore if you live somewhere where the temperatures can get incredibly hot or cold, an asphalt driveway may not last as long, but it will require much less maintenance and repair through the years. 

How Much Does It Cost To Install A Concrete Driveway?

The average cost of installing a concrete drive can range from $1,800 to $6,000. Typically, a homeowner can expect to pay somewhere between $8 and $18 per square foot for a concrete driveway. There are also two options you can do with a concrete driveway that can increase the price a bit but may be worth it to increase curb appeal and resale value. 

Some homeowners opt to have a stained concrete driveway. When the concrete is drying, workers can apply a stain to the concrete to give it some texture, depth, and even color. Stains can come with either a matte finish or gloss.

Another option some homeowners look into is getting their concrete driveway stamped. You can either have the entire driveway stamped to look like stone, wood block, cobblestone, brick, slate, or flagstone, or you can choose to have only parts of the driveway stamped with a decorative pattern. For example, you could have a pattern stamped that creates a border on either side of the driveway or maybe have some decorative leaf patterns near the garage and walkway. 

What Type Of Driveway Adds the Most Value?

It is estimated that replacing a driveway before selling your home can increase the listing price by 5% to 10%. A new driveway increases the curb appeal while giving the new owners one last thing to worry about. An asphalt driveway can easily last between 15 and 20 years, and a concrete driveway, 40 or more years. A new driveway can really go a long way to attracting potential buyers and making your property look great when it is on the market. 

When it comes to what kind of driveway adds the most value, really it is a toss-up between an asphalt driveway or a concrete one. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, then an asphalt driveway may add the most value. If you live in a temperate climate, then a concrete driveway can give you all of the longevity you want, look great, and require little to no maintenance.

What Is The Most Maintenance-Free Driveway?

The most maintenance-free driveways are resin driveways and stamped concrete. Resin driveways typically only require being swept and an occasional spray down with a hose. Resin driveways prevent weeds and moss from growing and they can last up to 25 years. Stamped concrete driveways are also low maintenance because they are put in as one continuous slab and the control joints are stamped as well to prevent weeds from growing. A concrete driveway simply needs an occasional wash down with a hose and stiff brushed broom. Stamped concrete driveways can last more than 40 years. 

What Can I Use For A Driveway Instead Of Concrete?

There are many other driveway materials other than concrete. Some examples of alternative driveway materials include asphalt, chip seal, resin, gravel, pavers, rubber, and grass. 

Is It Better To Pave Or Concrete A Driveway?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both a paved driveway and a concrete driveway. However, if you live somewhere where the temperature can drop below 0 degrees in the winter and hit over 100 in the summer, for example, in a state like Minnesota, then an asphalt driveway may be the better option. Asphalt is better equipped to handle extreme temperatures. 

How Often Should Driveways Be Replaced?

How often driveways need to be replaced depends on the type of driveway. For example, asphalt driveways can last 15 to 25 years whereas concrete can last between 30 and 40 years.