How to Give Your Driveway a New Look

Your driveway is the first impression you make on visitors as they approach your home, and regular upgrading should be part of its overall maintenance.

You can upgrade the driveway by adding lighting and concrete stamping alongside focusing on landscaping. Here is how these options can give your driveway a new look while improving your house’s exterior look.

If your driveway looks worn and faded, it may be time to give it a fresh look. One of the best ways to do this is by providing landscaping services that include driveway design and installation. Whether you want to create a curb appeal upgrade with a new look or revamp your entire driveway, many options can help you achieve the style and functionality you desire.

Whether you want geometric tiles, pavers in intricate patterns, or gorgeous natural stone, working with a reputable landscaping company can make all the difference in creating the perfect finishing touch for your home. So why wait? Give your driveway a new look today!

Landscaping

A driveway that incorporates plants can catch visitors’ attention at a glance. However, due to the limited space of the driveway, the plants selected should not obstruct the movement of vehicles and people.

In case you opt for flowers, ensure they are planted in a way to spruce up the lawn or be placed along both sides of the driveway to offer an additional pop of color.

Before landscaping the driveway, below are some factors to put into consideration:

Visibility

The landscaping options should not obstruct visibility since it can be a safety concern. Ensure the trees of flowers you select can retain and maintain clear and safe access to the house.

Materials

The landscape should be complemented by the driveway materials used. In most cases, you will need to combine both plants and landscape architectural elements, including trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, or decorative stonework.

Local Regulations

In some areas, you will be required to get permission before proceeding with the landscaping venture.

Since adding plants is altering the driveway, you might need permission for the construction, maintenance, or alteration. Check with the Kitchener housing market for what is required.

Stamping

This is a common driveway upgrade option that also serves as a decorative element. The basic stamping entails imprinting fresh concrete with a pattern to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, and other stone-related textures.

In general, stamped driveways come with different design options where you can select from stone or brick patterns.

At the same, based on your preferences, you can customize the color to align with your home and landscape.

Stamping the driveway might be a good decorative option, but it is vital to understand some of the drawbacks, like easy moisture absorption that might lead to cracking.

Improved Maintenance

General driveway maintenance practices involve preventing cracks by sealing the driveway, removing weeds from spacing and cracks, and filling any potholes or depressions.

Additionally, during winter, you need to remove snow promptly to prevent ice from forming in the cracks since it’s a safety issue.

Cleaning your driveway is also the most convenient maintenance practice to consider. Scout around for the specific chemicals that are friendly to the material used in building your driveway. When cleaning, use a pressure washer since it’s ideal for removing stains and any residual chemicals.

Failure to conduct regular maintenance on your driveway can result in reduced curb appeal, damage to your home’s foundation, a loss of market value, and safety concerns.

Adding a Gate

You can improve your driveway by adding a gate to highlight your household’s curb appeal. Additionally, a gate also guarantees safety by controlling who has access to your home. When installing a gate, consider the distance to the road, driveway size, and any impact of landscaping.

These factors influence the choice of gate you select and can be either sliding, swinging gate, or vertical liftgate. Be sure to check with the local government and homeowners association about permitting the addition of a gate and what it should look like.

In most cases, you will have a choice between metallic or wood gates. Metallic gates guarantee durability, while wood can be susceptible to destruction by moisture.

Resurfacing

Resurfacing the driveway works well if it’s made from concrete. In most cases, concrete can wear out, causing the driveway to look old. Before resurfacing, ensure the driveway is cleaned and make minor repairs where necessary. You can also fix any cracks alongside crumbling edges.

Overall, resurfacing your concrete driveway is cost-effective compared to replacement. Resurfacing carries certain benefits, such as enhanced appearance, extending the lifespan of the driveway, and minimizing chances of patching, all while saving time and money.

Endnote

While improving your driveway, you can consider doing it yourself or hiring a professional to conduct the work. Since the driveway figuratively welcomes visitors to your home, you need to make it more appealing by considering the highlighted options for your home to stand out in the neighborhood.

In case your driveway restoration work requires a third-party involvement, carefully select the contractors you intend to work with by reviewing their experience in the field.

Home Base Project Team
Home Base Project Team
At The Home Base Project, we offer practical, real-life tips and inspiration about DIY, decorating and gardening. The Home Base Project provide the best information about home renovation and design, connecting home design enthusiasts and home professionals across the world.