The driveway is one of the first features visitors notice about your home, so it plays a major role in curb appeal. Two of the most popular styles are concrete and gravel driveways. Each comes with certain benefits and requirements for keeping it in optimal condition, all of which must be considered before making your replacement or installation choice. Here's a closer look at the differences between these two materials.

Concrete

Concrete is a good option for those with short driveways who are more interested in long-term durability. According to industry experts, concrete surfaces can last for up to 40 years or more with routine care and repairs. Thus, diligent maintenance is needed to recoup your investment in this type of driveway.

However, that maintenance is typically undemanding, with occasional pressure washing and costly resealing every three to five years. Furthermore, concrete is usually easier for snow removal since the even surface will present fewer obstacles to the plow blade.

Gravel

Gravel driveways are increasingly popular among budget-minded homeowners who want an attractive, practical option that doesn’t require much maintenance. It's also ideal for longer driveways, for which concrete is a significant investment.

Because gravel requires minimal ground preparation or skill to install, it’s both an economical material and can reduce installation costs if you decide to build one on your own. To install one, the ground is first stripped, compacted, lined with fabric, and finally paved. It’s also vehicle-ready immediately after installation.

These driveways require only minimal maintenance consisting of top dressing every few years and periodic pothole repair carried out with the addition of small amounts of gravel. Because it’s available in a wide variety of colors and grades, you also have plenty of options when it comes to choosing the style that best complements your home’s exteriors. Though snow removal can be an issue after a heavy winter storm, the superior traction of gravel is usually enough to provide a safe path to the home.

If a gravel driveway is right for your home, you can count on LaSalle Sand & Gravel in Kalispell, MT, for the perfect design and installation. Serving the Flathead area for over 15 years, they carry a wide range of affordable gravel and aggregate products to help you create an attractive, long-lasting driveway. To learn more about their first-class services, visit them online. Call (406) 756-9070 to request your free estimate today.