We’ll start with one of the most popular driveway options, although it is not the cheapest. However it has one of the longest life spans even without a lot of care. It can be elaborate, traditional, or simple; with color, texture and décor flourishes. It can be a DIY (do-it-yourself) but it does take a professional to make it really look good. What is it? You may have already guessed, it’s CONCRETE.

Next we’ll tell you about another driveway option that is cheaper than concrete. It retains heat and snow melts faster. It does need care and possibly resealing every three to five years for it to maintain the original look. It usually comes in dark gray or black. Over time, it will fade to a dull gray and loses its luster. Don’t try it if you’re a DIY’r. . . It’s ASPHALT.

You’ll find the next popular driveway option in higher priced homes because it takes a professional installation, and it is more expensive. When installed properly it should last for the lifetime of your home. It has the greatest curb appeal and will raise the resale value of your home. Colors and varied patterns are now available. To maintain the driveway the costs are very low. This one is BRICK.

The next one is similar to brick, but a bit different. It too has low maintenance and should last for 30 to 40 years. You’ll find more choices in design and color, and possibly a professional for proper installation.  This is PAVERS.

This one should probably not be listed with the most popular, but it is a good one when you compare one over another. The colors vary from off-white, brown, to gray. There are usually three varieties: clam, oyster, and scallops. Yep, you guessed it, SHELL.

Another one you may not know about, but has gained in popularity because it has no sand in the mix. Therefore, it is very porous and the water can drain right through it. It’s environmentally friendly as well as attractive. It’s PERVIOUS CONCRETE.

Many cities will not allow this because of the dependency on water, and they don’t want their citizens parking on the grass. We’ll make this short, it’s GRASS.

Other types are RECYCLED MATERIALS that give the homeowner the option of creating a one-of-a kind driveway using brick, concrete, and gravel. BASALT PAVER TILES, and basalt is the rock that makes up most of the earth’s oceanic crust.

You might want to educate yourself on the different types of installations of each of the driveways we’ve mentioned. Just make certain that you’ll be welcomed to your home.