Your driveway and walkway both receive heavy foot and vehicular traffic day in and day out. Given that they serve such as practical purpose, it’s vital that they’re well constructed with strong and durable materials. However, it’s also crucial to consider which materials are the toughest to maintain since consistent maintenance is the key to its longevity.

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Types of Driveway or Walkway Materials

Here’s a quick glance at the most common types and their pros and cons.

1. Concrete

Concrete is a very labor-intensive material, but it is also one of the cheapest and longest-lasting. On average, a concrete driveway will last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, depending on the local weather conditions and how well it’s taken care of. Unfortunately, concrete is not environmentally friendly and isn’t one of the most aesthetically pleasing materials.

2. Gravel

Gravel is perhaps the longest-lasting material. It sheds water in an environmentally friendly way and is very affordable, especially for those with long driveways or walkways, but it does need to be graded every few years. It can also make snow blowing or shoveling difficult as rocks get stuck in with the snow.

3. Asphalt

Asphalt tends to be cheaper than concrete and a bit more pleasing to look at, but it doesn’t last as long. On average, asphalt needs to be resealed every few years. Since it’s made from oil and petroleum products, it is not environmentally friendly.

4. Pavers

Pavers are one of the more aesthetically pleasing materials, but they come at a higher price. Fortunately, they are typically very durable if cared for. Installation will be quite costly, and snow removal can be difficult, but they can be environmentally friendly. They will need careful routine maintenance to remain in top condition and last as long as possible.

5. Bricks

Bricks are a fairly common walkway material and are relatively inexpensive. They’ll last about 25 years, but they do need to be pressure washed twice a year to prevent moss and algae growth. Bricks can be environmentally friendly as long as they aren’t laid with mortar and sand or gravel is used instead.

6. Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain is a modern and aesthetically pleasing solution, but it is also one of the most expensive. Porcelain pavers are less prone to algae growth and will require less maintenance than other paver types. In general, you can get away with a quick sweep and hose down. 

7. Resin Bound

Resin bound driveways or walkways are incredibly durable and affordable. Many resin bound aggregates are environmentally friendly and use non-toxic or organic materials. Installation is fairly easy, and maintenance is minimal, which is encouraging more and more homeowners to choose them.

Which Are the Toughest to Maintain?

Asphalt and stone pavers are the two most difficult to maintain. They will both need to be resealed every few years, and stone pavers should be pressure washed relatively often to avoid grass, moss, or algae from growing.

Gravel will need to be graded every few years, which can be quite a project, so it isn’t the easiest to maintain either. Additionally, bricks will also need to be pressure washed twice every year. 

When it comes to the toughest materials to maintain, the order is typically asphalt, stone pavers, gravel, bricks, porcelain pavers, then resin bound. In certain climates, though, this order may be a little different as weather conditions vary greatly, and these materials all require varying levels of care.

Conclusion

There are numerous materials you can choose for your driveway or walkway, and these are some of the most common. Before you make your final decision, it’s always beneficial to consider their maintenance, so keep that in mind as you search for the best material to use.