Don’t you want your home to look and feel amazing? For both guests and your family (and yourself, for that matter). Beauty affects our wellbeing, and when we are surrounded by aesthetically pleasing decor, we feel motivated to do more and be more.
If you are thinking of new ways you can enhance your home exterior, consider installing driveway pavers because they are extremely durable, give you a lot of flexibility when deciding on colors and patterns, and will add a special feel to your residence.
Let’s go more in depth on this topic.
Why Should You Invest in a Driveway Paver?
Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see, as they are coming up to your front door. You can make that first impression with something both safe and durable. Overall, the look of your property makes it go up in value and makes you feel more at home.
Investing in something that will serve you for a long time and leaves room to play around with the decor can be both a fun experience and a good financial decision.
The Benefits of Installing Driveway Pavers
Here are some benefits of adding a paver driveway to your house’s exterior:
1. Durability
Driveway pavers are loved for their durability. Unlike ordinary concrete or asphalt roads, which may develop cracks over time and slowly degrade, pavers can withstand heavy loads without losing their shape. They require less repairs and last longer.
2. Customization
One of the most attractive and exciting aspects of driveway pavers is their flexibility in appearance. You have the freedom to select from a wide variety of colors, patterns, and styles so that your driveway complements the whole street.
This leaves plenty of room for creativity and expression. You can customize it to fit in with your house exterior (and interior- if you like everything to match.
3. Minimal Maintenance
Maintaining a driveway can be a pain, but with pavers, it’s not as bad. If it happens to get damaged or stained, you can just pop in another one. Pavers are also resistant to stains and require very little cleaning, meaning they’ll save time and elbow grease later on.
4. Enhanced Property Value
By adding driveway pavers to your home, you can easily make it stand out. Prospective buyers are often willing to pay more for a house with a well-kept driveway, so pavers may be more expensive than concrete, but look at them as investments that pay off in the long run.
5. They Are Eco-Friendly
Driveway pavers are more environmentally friendly than traditional concrete driveways. They allow rainwater to permeate the ground, reducing the risk of floodings.
Also, pavers are made from natural materials, making them a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
6. Versatility
Driveway pavers aren’t just for driveways anymore. They can be used to link pathways, patios, and even bedrooms in the form of a natural extension from your house to your garden. This is a fun way to play around with your decor and make the most of it.
You also have a lot of choices when it comes to the design of the driveway paver itself, so installing it can be a creative experience for your household.
7. Fast Installation
Unlike traditional paving materials, which require long construction processes, driveway pavers are relatively quick to install. So, your new driveway will be ready for you to use in no time, with little to no hassle.
8. Long-Run Financing
Although the first expense is greater than choosing concrete, over time, driveway pavers will pay off. They are very low maintenance and have a large lifespan. You’ll need less repairs and will ultimately save more money.
How Is a Paver Driveway Different from Concrete?
Driveway pavers and concrete are among the most common choices for the driveway surface. However, there are a few differences:
- The material used to create them: Material is one of the most significant distinctions between driveway pavers and concrete. Generally, driveway pavers are created from various materials, like brick or natural stone.
They are also available in different forms, sizes, and colors. In comparison, most concrete driveways are made by pouring it into a mold and then drying it for the desired effect.
- The installation process: Installing driveway pavers requires placing them on the pre-installed base of sand and gravel. After that, the space between each block is filled with sand or cement to hold them in place. Concrete is poured into a prepared area and left to dry.
- The possibility for customizing them: We’ve talked about how customization is a big benefit for driveway pavers. You can choose to incorporate various designs like borders, circular patterns, and any other designs you want. However, concrete materials have fewer design possibilities and a simpler design.
- The repairs: Driveway pavers are easier to repair since it is possible to remove one or two blocks and then place others. They are also very resistant, which makes flowering, for example, easier. For concrete blocks, you would have to remove and install the repair of the whole section, which definitely costs more.
Three Tips to Design the Perfect Driveway Paver for Your Home
1. Choose the Right Paver Material
The first step in designing the perfect driveway is choosing the right paver material. There are a ton of options available, like concrete, brick, natural stone, and permeable pavers.
Think about factors like durability, aesthetics that go with your home, and maintenance requirements. Concrete pavers are popular because they are durable and come in a wide range of colors and textures. Brick pavers offer a classic, timeless look and can add charm and a warm feel to your home.
Natural stone pavers, like granite or limestone, give off a luxurious vibe and elevate the appearance of your residence, but they do require a bit more maintenance. Permeable pavers are a good, sustainable option.
2. Plan the Layout and Pattern
Once you’ve chosen the paver material, it’s time to plan the layout and pattern of your driveway. Think about the shape and size of your driveway, the architecture of your home, and the overall look of your landscape.
You can go for different patterns, like herringbone, basket weave, or running bond, to add visual interest. A great way to experiment with different designs is to use online design tools like Marshalls or Tobermore. You can also consider hiring a professional designer to help you out if you have the funds.
3. Pay Attention to Detail
Pay attention to every detail. In design, everything matters. From the edge and borders to the accents you will use. Adding contrasting borders or accent pavers can create a strong visual effect and well-defined boundaries for your driveway.
Consider using curves or gentle slopes to soften the look of your driveway and create a more inviting entrance. Don’t forget to plan for proper drainage to prevent water from pooling on your driveway. This makes sure your pavers stay durable.
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it. Choosing a driveway paver for your home has its benefits and cons (the biggest con being that it’s a bit more expensive). But, over time, the investment will pay off, and you will have a beautiful addition to your exterior home decor.
If you do go with this type of look for your driveway, make sure you pay close attention to the design and make sure it matches the overall vibe of your property.