Having a great-looking driveway is an important part of having a beautiful home. Not only does it provide you with a safe and secure place to park your car, but it also adds curb appeal to your property. But getting the perfect driveway for your home isn’t always easy. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right material and design for your driveway, including cost, durability, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal. So read on to find out how to create a stunning entranceway into your house that will last for years to come!
1. Getting The Right Tools
Whether you’re planning on laying your driveway or hiring a contractor to help, you need the right tools for the job. Investing in quality paving tools such as bricks, trowels, and levels will ensure that your driveway looks professional and is laid correctly. If you decide to use diamond tooling, these are best for creating accurate and even cuts in the pavement. This is great for creating intricate designs or for cutting to perfectly fit a particular space. Additionally, using long-handled tools for laying bricks and paving will save you from having to bend over constantly, which can be uncomfortable.
2. Choosing The Right Materials
Choosing the right material for your driveway is an important step to ensure that you have a long-lasting and attractive entranceway into your home. You can choose from different options such as asphalt, concrete, brick, cobblestone, or gravel. Asphalt is relatively easy to install but requires regular sealing and maintenance to keep it looking good, concrete is extremely durable but expensive; brick will require more upkeep and may need replacing over time due to wear from weather and cars driving over it, cobblestone is very attractive but may be difficult to lay properly, and gravel is affordable but needs ongoing raking and cleaning. If you choose asphalt for your Texas home, it is best to find a full-service asphalt paving contractor in New Braunfels, as they can provide you with expert installation and regular maintenance services. This will ensure that your driveway remains smooth and functional for years, with fewer repairs needed.
3. Preparing The Area
Before you start laying the pavement for your driveway, make sure to prepare the area by removing any existing surface and ensuring that it is level. You should also fill in any gaps or holes with gravel or sand and tamp down the ground firmly to ensure a smooth surface. If you’re using concrete, you may need to build a form to contain the wet concrete. Make sure that you leave enough space between the form and the edge of your driveway so that you can install edging around it later.
4. Calculating The Amount Of Material Needed
Before you start laying your pavement, make sure to calculate how much material is needed for your project. This will help ensure that you don’t run out halfway through or end up with too much left over once the job is done. For asphalt or concrete driveways, it’s best to measure the area in square feet and then multiply this by 0.5 inches for each inch depth of asphalt or concrete needed to cover it. Some people tend to underestimate how much material they need, so it’s best to always add an extra 10%-15% just in case.
5. Installing Edging
Adding edging around your driveway gives it a more finished and professional look. Not only does it help define the space, but it also acts as a barrier between the pavement and any surrounding grass or foliage. There are various types of edging available, such as brick, stone, plastic, steel, or aluminum. If you decide to use brick for your edging, make sure that you lay them flush with the ground to prevent tripping hazards. Brick can also help to define a curved or undulating driveway because it is easier to work with than other types of edging.
6. Sealing The Driveway
Once your driveway has been laid, you may want to consider sealing it to protect the surface from weather damage and wear. Asphalt driveways can benefit greatly from being sealed every two years, while concrete driveways should be sealed at least once every three years. Pressure washing your driveway before applying a sealer will also ensure that any dirt and grime buildup is removed, resulting in a better result. And while you’re at it, you can also apply a fresh coat of paint to any edging features to maintain the look and feel of your driveway.
Creating a driveway can be a challenging project, but as long as you take your time and plan out each step properly, it doesn’t have to be difficult. From choosing the right material and calculating the amount of material needed to installing edging and sealing the driveway, these tips will help ensure that your entranceway looks great for years to come.
