Alternatives to Stone for a Driveway

Concrete

• Concrete is a common surface material for driveways and a long-lasting option. The typical gray coloring can be changed for a more appealing look by adding concrete coloring and pattern-stamping the surface. Keeping the surface clean is simple, since you can easily remove most dirt and debris with a standard garden hose. Since concrete tends to stain easily from automobile fluids and other materials, regular maintenance is required to a maintain a protective seal. Concrete driveways often develop cracks due to freezing and thawing cycles during winter months, but relayering is not an option to hide the flaws.

Asphalt

• Less expensive than concrete, an asphalt driveway provides similar benefits. Pattern-stamping is one option for enhancing the surface appearance, and you can spray away dirt and debris with a garden hose to keep it clean. Though cracking does occur from frost heaves, asphalt is less susceptible because of some flexibility in the material. Regular maintenance is a drawback, because the surface must be resealed regularly to maintain a protective coating and extend the life of the driveway. You can have the driveway relayered to hide all damage and create a smooth, like-new surface.

Crushed Gravel

• A crushed gravel driveway is one of the least-expensive surface options. For very long driveways and rural locations, gravel is ideal, because it goes down quickly, requires little maintenance and needs only minor repairs to maintain its look and its even surface. Frost heave is a minor issue for loose-fill-type driveways, since there is no solid surface to buckle and crack. Though its appearance is less desirable than many other options, keeping the surface free of debris is one of its biggest drawbacks, because it can't be hosed off to remove the loose material.

Tar-and-Chip

• Constructed by pressing loose stone chips into a layer of hot tar, this type of driveway is durable and attractive. You can choose the color of the chips you prefer, to coordinate with your surrounding landscape. The individual pieces embedded in the tar produce a rough surface, which provides more traction than a driveway with a smooth surface. The rough surface minimizes slipping during ice and snow conditions, but the pieces sticking up can catch a plow blade, with makes snow plowing more difficult. An added problem with tar-and-chip driveways is finding a professional experienced with this type of installation.