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Just a few of these are the slope of your lot, the style of your home, and the severity of the weather in your neck of the woods. Circular driveways offer the benefit of not having to back out; if you live on a busy street, this may be an important consideration. Keep in mind, however, that if you don’t have a garage and you have more than one vehicle using the driveway, then only the first car in has the luxury of not backing out. A variation, the teardrop driveway, is similar in that it splits off into two paths, but it has only one access point from the street. Either way, a circular drive will take up quite a bit of real estate in your front yard, so this isn’t the best choice for everyone.
Concrete Driveway Ideas and Designs
The width of the drive, whether it's straight or curved, the materials it's made from and how it's edged will all add to your home's kerb appeal – and potentially add value to your property. This dark gray concrete driveway compliments the black accents of the home’s exterior and makes a statement without stealing the spotlight. The classic builder material comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to choose one that compliments your home’s exterior. Pebble stones look nice and don’t require a lot of maintenance, which is important for a large driveway.
Organic Shapes
When pouring a new concrete driveway against an existing concrete approach, sidewalk or curb, be sure to install a felt or mastic expansion joint to avoid unwanted heaving and cracks. It is a good idea to plan ahead and place an extra 3 inch pvc pipe (like a drainage pipe) inches below the driveway for access under the drive later on if needed. We photograph the conduit placement before burying our lines so we can find them later if markings have disappeared. Often times home builders and designers place a walkway at the top of the drive. I believe this is a mistake, and find walkways placed at the car door exit point to be much more convenient.
Slick and Smooth
Asphalt and concrete are two popular choices known for their durability and longevity. Asphalt is more affordable but requires regular sealing, while concrete is pricier but offers a sleek, low-maintenance surface. Pavers and gravel are other options with their own advantages, such as design flexibility or cost-effectiveness. Consult with a professional contractor to determine the best material for your specific needs.
I like that this driveway idea could lean toward either traditional or modern depending on the exterior of your home and the landscaping that surrounds it. If you’re not looking for anything particularly fancy, but really need to establish a driveway, consider this project from Lady Lee’s Home. Utilizing materials like recycled, crushed concrete, this driveway is ideal for a rural setting or an area that’s prone to heavy rains. Packed gravel does a good job of keeping muddy puddles at bay, giving you a beautiful concrete driveway that is always clean and trim.
Stone Driveway
Although you’ll be constrained by the natural topography of your property, there’s definitely a desirable “sweet spot” for the slope of a driveway, neither too flat nor too steep. If it’s too flat, drainage may become an issue, and if it’s too steep, the surface becomes slippery and dangerous. As a general rule, a driveway should be less than a 15% grade, which means that it should not rise more than 15 feet over a distance of 100 feet. If your driveway is completely flat, however, be sure to build up the middle so water runs off the sides and doesn’t pool. If your driveway is very steep and long, you may have to add curves or switchbacks to reduce the slope. That’s just one of life’s little mysteries, but there’s no mystery involved in creating a beautiful and practical driveway—just some thoughtful planning.
Additionally, assessing the ground for any potential issues, such as uneven terrain or poor drainage, is crucial. Addressing these factors beforehand can prevent future complications and ensure the longevity of your driveway. For accurate cost estimates and design considerations specific to your property, consulting with a paving or landscaping professional is recommended. They can offer tailored advice based on your property’s unique characteristics and your personal preferences. The serpentine driveway, with its winding path, offers an elegant and intriguing approach to the home. This design is perfect for long driveways, providing a visually engaging experience as it snakes through the landscape.
Cement Pavers + Green Grass
Even some homeowners associations seem to have an opinion now, so be sure to check your CC&R's (covenants, codes and restrictions) before getting too far along with plans. Fire truck access and turn around ability may also be a consideration, especially on longer driveways. 'The difficulty and effort will depend on whether you need to do the groundwork for drainage, or whether your water capture regime will use the garden lawns and beds to absorb run-off rainfall.
Short Asphalt Driveway
And if you're looking for more projects to elevate your garden, then our guides on how to lay a patio and how to build a rock garden have got you covered. And, if want even more peace of mind, you could invest in one of the best outdoor security cameras, too. And don't forget about lighting, whether that's recessed, staked, or wall-mounted styles. It's important to rake the gravel regularly to remove weeds and debris, and maintain an even surface.
However, because they're at the front of your house, it's definitely worth checking out what can be done with a driveway and you can check out some great front garden ideas while you're at it. Grass is ideal if your home is a country idyll that would be spoilt by hard landscaping. However, you can't just drive over a conventional lawn - you'll need to use a sub-base (try Marshalls’ Grassguard Permeable Paving).
The sealer helps protect the concrete from moisture absorption, exposure to chemicals, and grease and oil stains. On decorative colored concrete, a sealer will also help enhance the color (see What's the Best Concrete Driveway Sealer?). This driveway by Glengate Company is fitted with a custom front gate that has stone pillars with bluestone caps, creating an elegant and fairy-tale-like enclosure for a yard with old-growth trees. It ensures a beautiful entrance every time you drive up, not to mention extra privacy. Ditch the standard, skinny drive-up and give your guests a wide, open place to park. This Glengate Company–designed driveway is made of asphalt with a Belgian block border, which helps elevate the look.
For more insights on how each driveway shape can complement your property and meet your specific needs, keep reading. Whatever material you decide to use for your driveway, make sure you take time to lay it out right. While it’s nearly impossible to prevent all cracks, there are steps you can take to minimize their occurrence. Proper base preparation, sufficient reinforcement, and control joint placement during installation help control cracking.
Residents of villa community petition for chance to dress up their driveways - Villages-News
Residents of villa community petition for chance to dress up their driveways.
Posted: Sat, 10 Apr 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]
A fusion of robust functionality and an artistic touch, the acid-stain method brings out rich, vibrant tones that’ll make your driveway the envy of the block. Let your creative spirit run wild and transform your driveway into a masterpiece. These driveways are not your ordinary gray slabs; they’re masterpieces imprinted with patterns and textures, reflecting a perfect blend of functionality and creativity. Gentlemen, imagine pulling up to a driveway that echoes the elegance of a Victorian courtyard.
It is surprising how much nicer a home can look with a driveway facelift. Straight driveways are the most economical option, offering a straightforward design that minimizes materials and labor costs. Their simplicity allows for a quick installation process, making them an ideal choice for homeowners seeking efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Achieving perfection with straight and L-shaped driveways relies on maintaining precise alignments and ensuring a level base. Utilizing string lines or lasers can help keep edges straight and angles sharp. Proper compaction of the base material is also crucial to prevent settling or shifting, which can lead to cracks or uneven surfaces over time.
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