Driveway installation: Cheap driveway ideas for any budget
by
Checkatrade

Are you looking to have a driveway installed outside your property? Maybe you have an existing driveway which is looking a little old and tired, in need of updating. With so many different materials available, it can be difficult to know what to choose. Whether you opt for driveway matting and gravel, tarmac or concrete; it’s vital to make an informed decision.

We have put together a guide full of driveway ideas, to help you to make the choice which best suits your needs. For more detailed information on driveway building costs, please go to our cost calculator.

Driveway ideas which will complement your home

Contrary to what you might think, your driveway doesn’t have to be unsightly. A well-designed driveway can be a really attractive feature point of any home. When it comes to choosing the right materials, you must take into account the existing design of your property and which materials will complement the current design. On a tighter budget? We have a range of cheap driveway ideas which will improve the appearance of your driveway without breaking the bank.

Cheap driveway ideas to keep on top of maintenance

To extend the lifespan of your driveway and to keep it in top condition, you should keep on top of regular care and maintenance. There is a range of things you can do to help keep your driveway in good condition, as depending on the surface of the driveway and the conditions that it is exposed to different issues will become present. Here are just a few of our cheap driveway ideas to keep things looking new:

Kill and remove weeds

Are weeds beginning to grow through the cracks in your driveway? These are not only unsightly but can cause many issues further down the line. You should remove these weeds quickly once they appear and use a weed killer to prevent them from growing up again.

Fill cracks and potholes as they appear

A driveway in regular use is bound to have cracks and bumps appear in the surface, no matter which material you are using. It’s essential that you fill any cracks and repair any potholes as they appear, to prevent them from spreading further.

Use a pressure washer

Over time moss, dirt and grime may build up on your driveway. The simplest way to get rid of this would be to hose it off using a pressure washer. This will help to keep your driveway in tip-top condition for longer.

Driveways: a worthwhile investment

Investing in repairing and maintaining your driveway is crucial to provide the best first impression of your home. This is particularly important if you are considering selling your property in the future, as a poorly maintained driveway could be seen as an indication that the rest of your home may also be in a similar condition.

If your driveway is looking a little worse for wear, then it may be time to consider having it resurfaced. This is a worthwhile investment which can quickly add a new polished feel to the exterior of your home.

The cost of resurfacing your driveway can vary greatly, depending on the materials you are using, the size of your driveway and the condition it is currently in.

Gravel driveways

Gravel, pebbles and shingles are loose materials which can provide your property with a rustic feel. They are the fastest material to install, and the materials can be purchased at a very affordable rate, meaning that if you are looking for cheap driveway ideas, then they could provide you with the solution that you have been looking for. They are easy to maintain and just require topping up with fresh materials every few years. However, they’re not suitable for all kinds of driveways. If your driveway is on a steep slope, for example, you’ll want to avoid these materials as they are not secured down.

Tarmac or asphalt driveways

You’ll be familiar with the presence of tarmac, as it is often the choice for any public areas and roads. However, this versatile material can also be used as an affordable product for your domestic driveway too. It copes well in extreme temperatures and is a hardy product, with a lifespan of up to twenty years. Although it might seem to be less aesthetically appealing than the other materials available, depending on your personal preferences, at such an affordable price, you can’t go too far wrong with it. If, however, you require a driveway with excellent drainage, then tarmac or asphalt may not be the right option for you as it is not porous and therefore any surface water may begin to pool.

Concrete driveways

Concrete will provide you with a long-lasting, hard-wearing driveway which has an average lifespan of four decades, or even more if well cared for. Although you may initially believe concrete to be a dull material, it can be stamped with a range of patterns which will liven it up a little. Despite being hard-wearing, one of the biggest issues which concrete can face is cracking in the materials. This can be caused by challenging weather conditions such as when it rains then freezes.

Paving for driveways

Although the cost for paving may be a little high, if you desire an elegant choice which looks stylish and improves the appearance of the exterior of your property, then this could be the material for you. The beauty of paving is that it can be used in such a variety of ways and comes in a wide range of colours and styles. Whether you are looking for classic paving, vintage-style cobbles or other block paving in an array of shapes, colours and designs – there is something suitable for every home.

Using grass protection mesh and driveway matting

Looking for something more natural in appearance? Maybe you need to park on your lawn as a temporary solution but don’t want to be digging anything up? To avoid causing too much damage to the ground and to reinforce the area so that your cars don’t sink into the mud, invest in some driveway matting. This can particularly be a good solution where protecting tree roots is vital and so digging up is not an option.

Professional driveway installation

Installing or resurfacing a driveway takes a lot of time and can be costly. Although it may initially seem to be cheaper to purchase the materials and have a go yourself, the time and effort required may not be worthwhile. Having the right foundations and ensuring the job is done correctly is crucial, to avoid spending any additional funds further down the line when things go wrong. Hiring a professional tradesperson to install your driveway could be a worthwhile investment, to make sure that you receive that all-desired perfect finish. Find a reputable local tradesperson today on Checkatrade.