Several options for driveways exist. It’s difficult to decide between using concrete, asphalt, or paver style. The Youtube channel, Stanley “Dirt Monkey” Genadek, discusses the pros and cons of each option, and the overall maintenance that can come with them.
While buying an asphalt driveway is the least expensive of the three to install, it also comes with the highest maintenance costs of all the options. After two to three years of use, cracks will appear, and require a rubberized compound to stop further damage.
The next best option is concrete. Whereas it is very durable, it is highly susceptible to salt. Salt used on roads in the winter can severely degrade concrete after about two winters.
Paver driveways will typically last the longest and not break. This is due to each individual brick having its own “settlement” level, meaning the surface could end up a bit uneven, but will not crack. The largest issue with this option is weeds growing in between the brick spaces.
A fourth option is stamped colored concrete. However, make sure the entire driveway is colored, as having a company simply color the surface will make inevitable cracks a lot more noticeable.
