Driveway options? Concrete, Paved, or Brick?

Redcar GUY · 04-11-04, 07:01

Well in the next year or so we will be putting in a new driveway. As it is now it is about 12 feet deep and 40 feet wide and gravel Bla... We are thinking about concrete, Paved, or even Brick/pavers. Does anyone have anything to add that may help us pick one over the other?

Rlockyer · 04-11-04, 07:14

Paved is cheap and low maint, but needs to be refreshed every few years, so the cost is a wash.
Concrete is nice and even, but you'll freak the first time oil drips on it. Lasts forever IF poured properly and kept damp for the first week.

Brick pavers are beautiful, but are a pain to lay and get even (if you're doing the work yourself). Higher maint than concrete, but perhaps better drainage.

I love the look of brick.

DaGonz · 04-12-04, 05:33

My take: anything exposed to the elements will eventually crack, separate, and heave... that's Mother Nature at work

Paved: okay, does show stains, needs to be resealed every year or so.

Concrete: If done correcctly and reinforced should minimize cracking problems. Stains easily.

Brick: the most expensive, but it does look classy.

If I had to redo the driveway..my choice would be Brick!

gb387 · 04-12-04, 05:42

How about a stamped concrete? My thoughts you get the low to no maint. of concrete but a better "brick" looking driveway. Just another option!

FlyNavy · 04-12-04, 07:14

I had a "paver" driveway in my last location (Sun Valley, ID). Trust me, they are a real nuisance! The problem is that no matter how carefully laid they are, they will move around. Thaw and freeze moves them and they develop ruts from the weight of the car.

My current driveway is concrete with a variety of textures. It is as attractive as the pavers and is NO trouble at all with it.

MSOsr · 04-12-04, 07:24

I live in Florida and have a concrete driveway, with brick pavers as a border up each side.

I am presently contracting to have the pavers extended out 4 feet on the outside of the curve leading into the garage entrance. That will allow greater flexibility going into and out of the garage.

I think the final product will be efficient and classy looking.

remus · 04-12-04, 07:40

I'd say brick pavers are by far the best looking solution. I am looking at getting them installed perhaps next spring. I would also consider stamped concrete as well. They can color it and apply some very nice textures.

$$ is a big factor here too. Pavers are probably the most expensive option!

kgb · 04-12-04, 08:05

Pavers suck. They heave way too easy and you will have to fill the joints in with sand and seal them like once a year. Concrete is the best way to go in my opinion. If they cut some control joints in the concrete then you will not have to worry about cracking. Also, make sure you pic a really good contractor. The best way to do that is to call your local city building department and have the inspector give you some recommendations. Most likely he won't say so and so is the ebst but he will give you names of good contractors. And he should know since he inspects their work.

MartyGrant · 04-12-04, 08:25

Quote:

Originally posted by Gonzo0903
My take: anything exposed to the elements will eventually crack, separate, and heave... that's Mother Nature at work

Paved:...does show stains...

Concrete:...Stains easily.

Brick: the most expensive, but it does look classy.

If I had to redo the driveway..my choice would be Brick!

Brick...also stains....

Concrete! Color and stamp it if you like the "look" of brick. I wouldn't want all the grooves for ice and dirt to catch in...but it's up to you.
You could find out about various concrete "surface treatments"....the post that told you about freezing/cracking problems of brick is right on. You do live in Indiana, don't you? Shoveling snow/ice off a brick surface must be real fun.
If you go brick ... find at least two people in your area who have brick and ask them how they like it. I think they could give you your best answers.

blkZ28Conv · 04-12-04, 08:26

Our home is brick so we decided on concrete. Low maintainence and installed perfectly in terms of drainage pattern. Concrete will stain easily but for 2-4 hundred dollars a pressure washer removes everything (leaf stains (

), oils ( darn visitors s-boxes

and tire dressings

quite easily.

LouisanaJeeper · 04-12-04, 08:53

Cement with a pea gravel finish on the top. Popular in the 80's but it works well and hides stains.

hi-res picture example (56k=death)

HRP · 04-12-04, 09:01

We built in 1984 and have cement with a larger smooth gravel finish. It has held up beautifully over the past 20 years, and in spite of my kids driving and working on all manner of cars, clunkers,lawnmowers, mopeds, motorcycles, sand rails, etc, the stains don't show. Also the surface is "all weather" so you have better traction for vehicles and people in inclimate weather.