Your driveway is the focal point of your home and an updated well-proportioned driveway will increase the curb appeal of your property. According to the knowledgeable experts at Future Vision Remodeling, there are a wide range of options available to you when it comes to materials that can be used to create a custom driveway including stamped concrete, pavers, marble, and travertine. The next thing that you will need to consider is size. With so many larger vehicles on the market the benefits of a larger driveway are often a necessity if you live in an area with limited parking on the street. The truth is that driveway fabrication and design have come a long way in the last ten years and technical advances allow for a variety of materials, textures and colors without compromising durability.
Types of Driveway Surface Materials
Asphalt: While asphalt is the most common option for driveways it certainly isn’t anything to write home about other than its affordability. As far as appearance goes asphalt is actually pretty mundane and comes with a long list of disadvantages including its ability to hold heat, and its tendency to crack over time leaving you with a driveway that appears lackluster and mundane.
Poured Concrete: Concrete is an excellent choice for driveways and is very resilient in mild climates. Concrete can be stamped, stained and tinted which give you a lot of options when it comes to the overall appearance and style of your new driveway. Sealing your concrete is affordable and will ensure that the appearance and finish are preserved. Light colored concrete will stay cooler during the summer months but it can be prone to tire marks and stains although these can be removed using a specialized stain remover which makes cleanup and maintenance quick and easy.
Driveway Pavers: Driveway pavers are available in a wide range of materials including concrete, cobblestone, marble and travertine, and while they cost more than other options they are also the most resilient requiring the least amount of maintenance. When it comes to design, pavers are the crème de la crème of upscale driveway options with a wide range of custom designs and borders available. Pavers are installed over a sub-base to ensure that the pavers are secure so you will not have to worry about them settling or shifting. Since quality pavers contain color pigment throughout the entire paver, the color will not fade over time. Although the initial cost is higher, pavers are well worth the extra expense especially when you take into account the lower maintenance costs combined with the longevity of the final product.
Travertine Pavers: Travertine is beautiful and not just on the inside of your home. Driveway installation can be done right on top of your existing driveway thus reducing the time needed to complete your project. Chiseled travertine pavers can hold up to the intense pressure and weight from numerous cars. Their chipped-style edges allow them to fit securely together without causing damage to surrounding pavers. Travertine pavers are also great at resisting weathering and damage from exposure to the elements.
Design & Installation is Crucial to the Success of Your New Driveway
When it comes to driveway upgrades and installation the key to success is professional installation. It is easy enough to find self-help videos on the internet but even if you are working with a high quality product, there are a lot of things that can go wrong should you choose to go the DIY route. Uneven pavers and edges are common examples of improper installation practices which will leave you with a visually unattractive finished product.
Driveway Design, Installation & More in Redwood City, Foster City, Palo Alto, Saratoga, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Sunnyvale, Campbell, Loyola, Monte Sereno, Mountain View, Santa Clara & Greater San Jose, California
To learn more about professional driveway design and installation for your California home, contact the knowledgeable experts at Future Vision Remodeling today.