While we’re not normally a DIY or How-To blog, this time around we wanted to offer up some ideas to help you enjoy your driveway more. Last time on the blog we talked about why summer is the perfect time to pave, so if you’re planning on doing just that, or you recently completed your asphalt driveway here are some ideas to get more out of the space! Whether you’re trying to make your neighbors jealous, or just looking to really make your driveway you, we got you covered this time.
The Best Driveway Ideas
Pressure Wash
One of the cheapest, easiest, and most oddly satisfying ways to keep your driveway the envy of the neighborhood? Spend an afternoon with a power washer! So long as your driveway is intact and not riddled with cracks, a pressure washer can blast away the build up of grime and stains, revitalizing the look of your driveway.
Repair or Fill Cracks
Speaking of cracks! Over time your asphalt is going to endure wear and tear – it’s natural and expected. But that doesn’t mean you should leave them like that when they happen! Instead make sure you’re filling the cracks quickly, resealing as needed to keep your driveway looking great and structurally sound!
Add An Accent Border
Ok, now that we’re past the obvious ‘clean and maintain’ ideas, let’s dive deep. Depending on your driveway situation, adding a brick or paver border alongside the asphalt can be a great way to enhance the visual appeal!
Landscaping Gives a Leg Up
Your driveway doesn’t have to be a plain asphalt stretch. If you’re looking for more color, add some flower beds alongside the asphalt to give a pop of life. Just be careful about how you’re installing them – remember, moisture is the enemy of asphalt and a flower bed will need frequent watering! For the best results get a perennial that will live more than a couple years, avoiding you extra work replanting every couple of seasons.
Also, spend some effort tending to the yard around your driveway, not just right next to it. A well-landscaped yard can compliment a driveway wonderfully. Here in Tucson, a water-saving xeriscaped yard can be a low maintenance, cost-efficient choice.
Light it Up
You know what really draws the eyes? A spotlight! Ok, maybe a spotlight is a bit too much, but the principle is the same. Adding some lighting to your driveway will draw attention which is a benefit for style and function! It will help you and any guests see better at night as they use the driveway, and can add flair to the landscaping, highlighting particular plants or decorations.
Decorations
Whether they’re pots or sculptures in the yard, or a designed, decorative mailbox, adding decor to your outdoors can drastically increase the visual appeal of your driveway! Mailboxes are a great first step, since you likely already have one sitting at the end of your drive. Paint it with a bright color or replace it with a brand new architectural mailbox to really add some personality and flavor to your space.
But what about the driveway itself?
So Concrete vs Asphalt Driveway?
What to know whether to do concrete or asphalt for your driveway? We wrote a whole blog on just this topic a couple of months ago, so read this for more info. But basically, it comes down to this: the surface that is more cost-effective, better for the environment, is easy and fast to install, and therefore, the winner in the concrete vs asphalt duel is asphalt.
Ready to take your driveway to the next level? Have an old one that is in desperate need of repairs? Work with Sunrise Asphalt today! Get in touch with our crew and we can give you a free estimate. We’ve been serving the Tucson area for over 40 years – and we have the happy customers to prove it!
