If you live in the country, then choosing the right driveway for your home can be tricky. Deciding between gravel vs concrete or asphalt for rural driveways is a tough decision. Due to the long distance you have to cover. There are many factors that will affect your decision. Pricing, durability, and drivability all are important things to consider when choosing a material for your rural driveway. Let’s go over the three most common materials used to pave these types of driveways.
Gravel
There are differences between gravel vs concrete, and there is a reason that gravel is the most popular choice when it comes to rural driveways. Its longevity and price are unmatched in the world of paving. Since rural driveways tend to be longer than standard driveways, having these two traits puts it ahead of the competition.
Replacing your gravel is quick and easy compared to the steps you have to take for concrete and asphalt. Because of this, with proper upkeep, gravel roads can last as long as you need them to. Furthermore, its initial cost and its repair cost are significantly lower than its alternatives.
Despite this, it is impossible to argue that gravel has the worst drivability of any material. Gravel roads can damage and scratch unsuspecting vehicles meaning that you will have to tread carefully whenever you drive over your rural driveway.
Concrete
Concrete is the most expensive material on this list. It counterbalances this with its smooth feel and durability. On top of this, concrete requires very little in the way of upkeep. Paving a concrete rural driveway will set you up nicely for the next 25-30 years.
Asphalt
If gravel is too rough to drive on and concrete is too expensive, then you could call asphalt the perfect middle ground. Although it is not the most popular option when it comes to rural driveways, you can not deny that it gets the job done. Asphalt is easy to repair and maintain, all while providing you with a smooth surface to drive over. Although its lifespan is not nearly as long as concrete or gravel, it is important to note that asphalt will still last you a while. With proper maintenance, you should be able to get by for around 20 years, meaning that you get your bang for your buck with this material.
What is the best surface for a rural driveway?
It is difficult to label one of these materials as better than the other due to the different purposes they serve. If you are working on a budget, then gravel is the way to go. If you value your rural driveway’s drivability above all else, then concrete or asphalt is for you. Each of these materials has its own pros and cons, so weigh your options before choosing one. Regardless, you need to determine how long you are going to stay at a property before starting a job like this. If longevity is not a factor, then asphalt or even gravel might be the right choice for you.
How can we serve you?
The professional paving contractors at Sipes Asphalt & Concrete know the ideal conditions for pouring concrete or asphalt. Whether it’s a new driveway, parking lot, or crack sealing, we’ve got you covered. Call Sipes for your paving estimate and the best paving solutions in the Indianapolis area.
