Concrete Paving Options that Could Save You Money

Having a driveway in your house is like a gold standard in the property market. In a time when on-street parking areas are scarce and parking spaces are expensive, having your own parking spot or driveway is almost a necessity.

On the other hand, paving a driveway isn’t as easy as you think. There are many considerations such as size, type of material, and costing.

But if you are looking for cheap concrete paving, you are in luck because you have great options out there. And we have listed the best ones just for you!

Why Do You Need a Paved Driveway?

Driveways are more significant than you think. It’s a great and convenient feeling when you go home from a tiring workday and there is a spot for you to park your car. This is specially true if your garage is somehow cramped and occupied by some other things for the time-being.

Moreover, having a driveway, whether expensive or cheap driveway alternatives, enhances the overall value of a property. Other than having the functionality of an improved dedicated parking space, a paved driveway can also enhance your home’s curb appeal.

In turn, this will make the value of your home significantly higher. So when the time comes when you plan to sell your home to upgrade, rest assured that the investment you made to pave your driveway will be worth it.

What is the Cheapest Option for Driveways?

The good news about having cheap concrete paving is that there is not one specific solution. In the housing and concrete landscape market, you have quite a few options to choose from.

1. Low-Cost But Useful Gravel Driveway

One of the cheapest materials that is also (probably) available in all your local landscaping companies is gravel. Gravel is used in most, if not all construction activities anywhere in the world due to its cheap price and flexible use.

In the United States, gravel costs around $45 per cubic yard. The overall price will of course depend on the size of your driveway.

If your driveway is like a mini-road that goes towards your house, this may get a little bit expensive. But this is still way cheaper than other raw materials.

Installation of gravel is quite easy. It is often suggested that the driveway area should be excavated by at least 10 or 15cm to form a solid base.

Afterwards, a landscaping mesh can also be added for maintenance purposes; specifically to keep weeds at bay. Additionally, edging material should also be added to prevent the gravel from spilling over other areas.

2. Cost-Efficient Asphalt Driveway

Another inexpensive way to pave a driveway is through the use of asphalt. Asphalt as a raw material used for road-building can be traced back to as early as the Babylon empire. But it was in the 1870s that asphalt was used commercially for road paving in the United States.

The best thing about asphalt, other than its cheap price, is its known durability and strength. Asphalt driveway can last a very long time without needing excessive maintenance. However, a downside of a cost-efficient asphalt pave driveway is its appearance.

In its most basic form, asphalt isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing material due to its plain black color. There is an option to have it colored but it will make the overcall costs significantly more expensive.

3. Affordable Tar and Chip Driveway

If you want to upgrade your asphalt into a more aesthetically pleasing driveway, you have an option through the use of tar and chip. Tar and chip driveway is arguably more lively and decorative to look at than plain asphalt.

This paved driveway is generally a combination of asphalt or tar and crushed stones. Most of the time, a gravel base is also laid out as a solid base of the whole paved driveway. Then the hot asphalt cement is poured over this base.

The last step is putting a layer or two of crushed stones above the asphalt. This will serve not just as a decorative layer but more importantly as means to improve the functionality of the driveway paving.

Just note that tar and chip, although still inexpensive overall, is relatively pricier than a plain asphalt and gravel paved driveway.

4. Concrete Driveway

Concrete paved driveway is one of the most common types of driveways in the United States. It is easily observable in most suburban housing areas in the country. This is because for its cheap price, concrete can be styled in various ways.

Basic design for a concrete driveway typically costs around $10 per square foot. This price goes higher with the complexity of design or customization you want.

Like all other paving material, excavation is also needed in installing concrete for your driveway. This is needed so that the concrete slabs will be laid out properly to have uniform thickness all throughout.

The advantage of a concrete driveway apart from being relatively cheap, is its lifespan. If maintained well, a concrete paved driveway can last by at least 25 years. Overall, this is already a great investment on your part.

Where Can You Get Cheap Concrete Paving Services?

Now that you have the basic knowledge on some of the cheapest and best options for paved driveway, the next step is choosing a contractor or landscape company to do it for you.

If you live in New Orleans, Big Easy Concrete is just a few clicks and calls away. With years of experience in concrete services of fully licensed and insured concrete contractors, the company can guarantee an excellent yet affordable workmanship. So what are you waiting for? Contact us now to finally achieve your dream paved driveway.

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BIG EASY CONCRETE is your go-to concrete pouring contractor in New Orleans. We’re a Louisiana-insured company ready to provide you quality.

Whether you need us for home or business, we’re dedicated to bringing you services at reasonable rates. Our other services include curb & gutter, concrete demolition, and gunite services.

Contact us now and get your concrete pouring ready!