Paved vs Gravel Driveway
Whether you just bought a new property, or are looking to install a new driveway, choosing between a paved or gravel driveway can be difficult. The material you go with depends on what you really plan to get out of it. Do you want low maintenance, high durability, or endless design options. We have compiled a list of pros and cons for both paved concrete vs gravel driveways.
PROS of Choosing a Paved Driveway
High Durability
Since concrete tends to be a stronger and more cohesive material, it produces high durability. Maintenance on the driveway is needed, but it won’t deteriorate as fast. This could be the number one reason why you choose a paved over gravel.
Short Installation
A paved driveway can only take around a week to install. Contractors are efficient in pouring concrete and getting it laid just how you like.
Help You Sell Your Home Faster
Paved driveways bring a high curb appeal to potential buyers. If you are looking to sell your property in the near future, consider going with a paved driveway. The concrete will help you sell faster than if it was gravel.
CONS of Choosing a Paved Driveway
Limited Color Options
Since paved driveways are made from concrete, there are limited options for designing your where you park. Different colored concrete is possible, but there is not much more than that.
Cannot Be Resurfaced
Since concrete is a solid cohesive material, it cannot be resurfaced. If there are cracks or damage in your driveway, there is no easy process to resurface what is already there.
Regular Maintenance
Concrete doesn’t seem like a material that would need much maintenance, but it does. Sealer provides an extra coat that helps with durability but needs to be replaced once a year. Scrubbing and cleaning is needed on a yearly basis as well.
PROS of Choosing a Gravel Driveway
Quick and Easy Installation
One of the most important benefits of a gravel driveway is quick and easy installation. Since laying gravel is different than concrete, it takes on average around one day to get it intalled.
Minimal Maintenance
Maintaining a rock driveway is not as difficult as a concrete driveway. The only maintenance that needs to be done is slight resurfacing here and there and repair when rutts develop.
Endless Design Options
There are many different colors of rocks that can be used when building a driveway. This opens up many opportunities for you to build a driveway perfect for your liking.
CONS of Choosing a Gravel Driveway
Weather Durability
When gravel is hit with weather conditions like rain or snow, it can cause the rocks to rut or create sinkholes. A concrete driveway is strong enough to withstand wet weather conditions.
Heavy Vehicles
A gravel driveway is durable over time for regular vehicles. They tend to develop ruts when larger vehicles are driven over them. This leads to an increase in maintenance.
Difficult Snow & Ice Removal
The weather gets bad here in North Dakota during the winter season. Snow can pile up and ice forms over roads and driveways. Removing that snow and ice from a gravel driveway can be a lot more difficult than a paved driveway.
Conclusion
So now you know the pros and cons of paved and gravel driveways. We hope this guide gives you direction on which material to choose for your new driveway. If you would like to customize your’s however you want and have it installed easily, then gravel is the way to go. If you want a driveway that is durable and can help you sell your house, then a paved driveway is the way to go. If you liked what you read, be sure to let us know!