Unique Ways To Use Pavers For Outdoor Areas
There’s no denying it, driveways play a very noticeable role in the way your home looks. When it comes to paving your driveway, you will be pleased to know there are several unique options available to you. Whether you would like to keep costs down or have your home stand out from your neighbors’, there are many ways to use pavers for outdoor areas besides the overused, concrete method.
GRAVEL AND LOOSE STONES
Paving a driveway is not cheap, and one way to keep costs down is with gravel and loose stone. Gravel landscaping ideas for driveways do not require nearly the number of repairs compared to a concrete driveway, as they will not crack like concrete. While you may lose some stones or gravel over the years, you can always throw some replacement on the driveway to keep it whole.
When considering a gravel driveway, there are a few benefits to keep in mind. First, remember that with proper care and maintenance, a gravel driveway can last a lifetime. Gravel driveways also cost between $1 and $3 per square foot, and can be built simply by dumping and arranging the gravel on your driveway.
For a loose stone driveway, you will need a base of gravel with the stone laid over it. For maintenance, you will need to rake the stones every once and awhile to smooth the surface as they spill over the edge. To combat the spillage, you can always create a border with bricks or cobblestone. Like gravel, the stone driveway will also last for the foreseeable future, and will cost between $1-$4 per square foot.
TAR AND CHIP DRIVEWAYS
In this type of driveway, tar and chips (loose stones) are mixed together and rolled out to create a solid surface. The most common materials to use are concrete, gravel, pavers or asphalt. This type of driveway is a viable alternative to asphalt, and offers a more solid surface than gravel. Because of its rough texture, it creates much more traction when wet with rain or snow. There is no regular maintenance, and it does not have to be sealed regularly, like asphalt. Tar and chip driveways are also a good short-term alternative, as they will last about 7-10 years.
PATTERNS
Alternatively, you can also mix things up by using varying patterns with brick, stone or turf. By mixing hardy ground covers and brick or stone, you can create a unique visual for the front of your home. Consider laying the bricks or stone out in a pattern, and filling the spaces in between with turf or grass. You can even mix various kinds of stone and bricks together with grass in between to create something truly unique.
DECORATIVE PATHWAYS
If you already have a solid driveway in place but are looking for a way to change things up, consider decorating the pathway. You can install brick or stone with a lined path of planters, succulents, grass or other plant materials. There are many assorted colors and textures to mix and match should you decide to go this route.
PLANNING YOUR DRIVEWAY
Remember to do your homework before starting your driveway project, like you would with any type of home improvement. Some work can be handled yourself DIY-style, but other projects will be better left to the professionals. Consider Pioneer Landscape Centers your partner in creating the yard of your dreams with pavers for outdoor areas. We have nearly 50 years of experience in providing picture perfect service and delivery with a selection of landscaping and hardscaping products to make even the most seasoned landscaper swoon.