Driveways are an essential part of the house. These areas not only add to the visual appeal but also affect the resale value. Driveways are normally used as parking spaces for vehicles. In addition to that, these areas also receive a lot of human traffic on a daily basis. This means the area should be tough and able to withstand years of wear and tear. So, you need to get the services of an expert driveway or patio builder for this. However, not everyone has the budget to spend on expensive pavers and tiles. Here are some cheap driveway ideas for you to consider for your next driveway project.

Cheap Driveway Materials

Resin Driveways

Resin driveways are one of the most popular types out there that require little to no maintenance. The biggest benefit of resin is that it possesses the natural tendency to act and withstand all kinds of mess, ranging from weed growth to moss and slippery algae.

If you have guests coming over and you need to give the resin driveway a quick wash, you can easily do it using a pressure washer as resin can withstand it and you don’t have to worry about puddles or water on the surface as well. The epoxy driveway tends to be porous, which means the water will travel down instead of staying on the surface.

Although resin driveways offer impressive curb appeal and are easy to maintain, it is important for an expert to install them to ensure they come with the right durability. A resin driveway is also a considerable option because it is built to withstand extreme weather conditions and external factors.

Block Paving Drives

Block paved drives are generally considered to be relatively more high-maintenance due to weed growth between the blocks. Plus, these driveways when compared to asphalt or gravel driveways tend to be expensive due to being labor intensive.

The only way to ensure your block paved driveway does not have weed growing between the blocks is if you opt for an expert who installs and seals the blocks properly. The joints need to be sealed and taken care of as well since the weed tends to grow between them.

A benefit of opting for a block paved driveway is that if it was damaged due to some reason, you can simply replace the damaged blocks instead of tearing the entire area up. Plus, block paving also looks smart and is flexible in terms of different shapes and sizes based on the requirements of the client.

Tarmac Driveways

Tarmac is a popular option for driveways but it is not that visually appealing. It may not be a good choice for someone who is looking for a balanced driveway in terms of budget and visual appeal. Tarmac prioritizes practicality over appearance. Plus, the tarmac is durable and can withstand temperature changes.

At the same time, cleaning tarmac is also easy. If it were to become damaged, an expert would replace only a small section instead of working on the entire area. On top of that, tarmac driveways do not need to be fully sealed as the material itself isn’t that hazardous either.

The only downside to having a tarmac driveway is that it does not suit everyone’s taste and you cannot customize it either. The only positive thing is that it is cheap to build and maintain.

Stamped Concrete

Driveways made from stamped or imprinted concrete are low maintenance when compared to concrete driveways. However, weed is not likely on traditional concrete when compared to stamped concrete.

Pattern imprinted concrete slabs usually have weed appear in the center of the joints. This means you will have to either dig them out or de-weed the entire place regularly. Patterned concrete can turn your average-looking driveway into something a lot more visually appealing but it all depends on the expertise of the installer.

Once installed, the driveway will need weekly or monthly cleaning for it to remain looking brand new. Another considerable option is crushed concrete which is a byproduct of demolitions but may be expensive based on the recycling process. You will also need to build retaining walls for your driveway. Your driveway contractor will help you with that. However, if you want to do it later, you can hire a retaining wall builder Long Island.

Gravel Driveways

Gravel driveways are a good way to add some natural vibe to the house but are not generally considered low maintenance. But, if you have a relatively smaller gravel driveway, it is going to be relatively cheaper to maintain and can be fitted without formal planning consent.

The biggest problem with gravel driveways is weed protruding from multiple areas as gravel is not able to stop them from growing. This is where an expert comes in who will use a landscape fabric to stop the plants from reaching upward through the stones.

The only benefit of having a gravel driveway is that if the driveway starts to have patches, you can refill it using gravel. This may happen frequently based on human traffic. If you have friends and family members visiting almost every day. You will need to step up your gravel game.

Recycled Asphalt Driveway

Recycled asphalt driveways are a lot more environmentally friendly and affordable when compared to the other paving options. Recycled asphalt as the term suggests goes through recovery procedures and costs far less than the standard asphalt driveways.

Recycled asphalt comes in a variety of options and homeowners can pick one based on their needs and preferences to match their budget constraints. Recycled asphalt should normally be used for areas that receive regular foot traffic.

Brick Driveway Pavers

Brick driveways look impressive only if installed properly. Brick pavers have a variety of types, sizes, and shapes to choose from but the durability and reliability depend on the effectiveness of the installation. You also have the option of choosing pre-used bricks that are cheaper and reduce the time it takes to manufacture a new batch.

If you are planning a bathroom or similar remodel in the house, you should opt for pre-used bricks. Moreover, the same can be used for the driveway. But, you will have to put in a bit of research and find an expert who can install the bricks the right way.

How To Find The Right Expert?

Finding the right man for the right job is not that easy but we are going to make it easy for you. The best way to find an expert who is equipped with sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience is to ask around your friends and family members.

If that is not possible, you should look over the internet and search for nearby options. Then, personally visit the experts and request them to show you their portfolios. This will give you a better idea of what they are capable of. Narrow down the options by only considering those who are certified and approved by the state. Once that is done, negotiate the quotes and pick the one that offers the best package.

Conclusion

Driveways can be a lot easier and cheaper to build if you pick the right materials and type. It may be a time-consuming process, so you need to practice patience and plan everything out. Make sure you consult a driveway or patio contractor Long Island and communicate your requirements and constraints to come up with a driveway that is easy in terms of maintenance and doesn’t break the bank.