Practical Driveway Ideas Perfect for Any Budget

Your driveway serves several purposes. Firstly and most obviously it’s a place to park your car. That means it’s got to be rugged enough to withstand being driven over day-in, day-out, for years on end. But what’s often neglected is the visual impact that a well-built driveway has on your home. It’s the first thing that visitors see, after all; it’s therefore something that’s near-guaranteed to your home’s all-important kerb-appeal.

If you’re on a tight budget, then getting your driveway into good shape can be difficult. Fortunately, there exist several tried-and-true hacks that will help you to get the best from your drive. Some of these are more obvious than others; all of them will extend the lifespan of your driveway, or enable you to get a new one installed more cheaply.

Scrub away weeds and moss

When plant life begins to grow in the spaces in between your paving slabs, it’ll slowly but surely prise them apart. You can keep this effect at bay via periodic cleaning. Invest in a cheap wire brush with a scraper attached, and then work your way from one side of the drive to another. Then give it a good wash, and brush away the excess.

Go for Loose Materials

A paved driveway is a more expensive option than one that’s comprised of loose materials. Moreover, gravel tends to demand less maintenance. With that said, it’s noisy, and doesn’t suit everyone’s taste.

Assess your Options

If you’re intent on going for block paving, then you’ll be pleased to learn that there are myriad options available, some of which vary dramatically in price.

Add Channels

If your driveway is shallow, or, worse yet, slopes upwards, then drainage is something you’ll need to think about in order to extend its lifespan. With flooding being an annual occurrence, this will be a special concern for certain households. Fortunately, it’s something we can easily get around by incorporating channels into the sides of the drive, which will divert excess rainwater straight to a drainage point. This is something which DIYers can neglect, much to their eventual cost!

Sealing

Block paving can last for years if it’s properly sealed. If you’re considering replacing yours, then you might instead extend its lifetime for several years with an application of the right sealant. Look for something that’s approved by the paving manufacturer, and ensure that your paving is adequately cleaned and tidied before getting started.