Driveways are often overlooked when considering a home to buy, or build. Yet a driveway is an opportunity to create a memorable first impression! Having a beautiful, well-maintained front walk and driveway increases curb appeal, adds value to your home and makes coming home each day a more pleasant experience.
The size of a driveway, its elevation changes/slope, surrounding landscape and budget will enter into your plan for a memorable driveway. Choices include gravel, concrete, asphalt, brick or stone:
- Crushed stone and gravel are inexpensive and easy to install, though the gravel will scatter and need replenishing from time to time. Gravel paths and driveways are also difficult to keep cleared of snow.
- Concrete is long lasting (15 to 30 years and beyond) and smooth, and has a modern look. It does tend to crack in cold conditions and does not take well to patches and repairs.
- Asphalt has more give than concrete, making it a good choice for cold climates, and is easily patched and repaired. However, asphalt breaks down more quickly, sometimes requiring repairs or replacement within five years, even in a mild climate.
- Cobblestone and pavers are the longest-lasting option — a cobblestone driveway or walk can last 100 years or more! Repairs are fairly easy with both; you can replace individual stones as needed, making upkeep costs relatively low.
Real stone; cobblestone and pavers, whether old, reclaimed antique or new cobble from any number of quarries/suppliers around the world, is perceptible to the eye – nothing compares to the look and feel of real stone. Above is an image of a reclaimed, antique granite cobblestone driveway we supplied in Wyoming and below, a new cobblestone driveway in a domestic sandstone, a project located in California. Both looks are rich and very inviting. The cost for materials varies between $8 and $15 per square foot depending on quantities and delivery area.
Historic European Cobblestone is available in a tremendous variety including traditional European squares or rectangles in either granite or a very hard/dense European sandstone (appropriate for all freeze/thaw conditions).Originally harvested or quarried, hand trimmed and installed in village and city streets in Europe 100 to 400 years ago, the top surface is naturally weathered and worn after centuries of exposure to climate, foot traffic, horses and carriages. The patina is impressive and unmistakably real.
New sandstone cobblestone pavers and curbing are quarried and fabricated here in the U.S.A. and can be custom ordered in almost any dimension and thickness required. The image left, is something we call “Cobble Plank”. Colors vary from consistent warm golden hues, to a gray / tan mix. These color choices blend well with architecture using natural stone such as Santa Barbara Sandstone, Texas or French limestone or Buechel Stone products.
Driveway installation methods vary. We suggest purchasing full depth cobble for installation on a natural base with natural joints. For driveways this means at least 3″ in most areas. This is the traditional method and also allows for water to permeate via the joints. Sawn thicknesses from 1″ to 2″ are also a great alternative, when installing with a concrete base and mortar setting bed.
Create a memorable first impression with your driveway. By working with a landscape architect/designer, a trusted contractor and quality material, your ‘welcome’ will begin at the curb!
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