I’m getting to replace an asphalt driveway. I’m currently agonizing over what or replace it with. It’s a wooded cottage like setting, so I’m inclined to go with gravel except for the baggage that comes with it. Sure, it will look nicer, but require maintenence both in the form of replacing some of the gravel periodically and killing off the stuff that grows up through it. Also, since it’s not easily shoveled after a snowfall, I’d have to get a snowblower with a lift attachment for gravel. All that said, it will look a lot nicer, I think than asphalt. Both cost about the same based on recent bids. I’ve also considered pavers (too costly and too formal) and concrete. I’m eager to get any opinions I can. Any help is greatly appreciated.
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I haven't used it yet, but both the grasspave2 and the gravelpave2 look intriguing:
http://www.invisiblestructures.com/GP2/grasspave.htm
I am NOT a fan of gravel, but I can remember folks on BreakTime suggesting carpet remnants.
Go to your local carpet store and pick up (for free) the old worn out carpet. Put it down and then put the gravel on top of that. It is supposed to slow down the grass growing through it as well as slowing the gravel from sinking into the soil.
IanDG I think was a fan of this method. You might see if you can dig him up or search the BT archives. The asphalt drive might make a base layer for the gravel drive (ask a driveway person).
jt8
Failing doesn't make you a failure. Giving up, accepting your failure, refusing to try again does! -- Richard Exely
You can get concrete and it can be stained to look like slate. I have seend some that were stained in such a way to look like cobblestone.
Look at exposed aggregate!