[ktownskier]

Our current driveway is gravel. And not very well maintained. We have wanted to get it paved, either in concrete or asphalt ever since we moved in, but, other things have taken a priority.

We have gotten quotes for both and they are similar in price and prep methods.

I like concrete because if it is done properly, it can last a lot longer. If done improperly, it can look like crap quickly, like my neighbors driveway. It was installed last December and it is spalling something fierce.

I like asphalt because the dark color can make the snow and ice melt faster. But the upkeep is more and you have to make the decision to seal or not.

With both, you have to make sure to keep up with them. Take care of cracks, etc..

I live at 7400 feet in Colorado, not "in" the mountains, but they are all around me. I live in the high plains where it gets colder and hotter and drier than the surrounding mountains. And more sun.

So, what would you suggest we do for a new driveway?

 

[ZTMAN]

What are your streets made of

 

[Nealtw]

With concrete you can pull a string across the forms and see how deep it really is, with asphalt not so much.

The shovel off the back of the truck bunch came in so cheap they put all the good guys out of business, so asphalt has a bad name here and everyone does concrete. Broom finish is the cheapest and easiest to care for. I think keeping it damp and slowing the drying for a few days helps.

 

[Windows on Wash]

How about a heated concrete driveway...?

Now we are talking.

 

[Nealtw]

How about a heated concrete driveway...?

Now we are talking.

With all the stray cuts sleeping under the car. :biggrin2:

 

[ktownskier]

The streets are asphalt.

And I have thought about a heated driveway, but I really like using my snow thrower. But, I could have it put in for the next owner so they can put in the heater.

And for when I get older. Or if I get CV-19!!!

 

[brizzle]

I was in the same boat 2 years ago.
Asphault or concrete.
I choose asphault but wish i had concrete.
Asphault for my drive way 6400 and cheapest concrete bid was 10k.
Asphault bids range from 5k to 10k.
Concrete 10 to 13k.
Driveway 100 feet long. One lane 60 feet then widens out to two lanes for last 40.
24 x 40
12 x 60

Asphault first year so soft. If you plan to ever use your driveway to jack up a car or truck to work on it. For get it. Leave bad mark. This was after 6 months still soft.
Its been 2 years im afraid to mess up the driveway now.

Asphault look awesome first few months.
Now been 2 years cracking on the sides and faded look. Been sealed once still dont look like day one.

I did asphault because it was cheaper and i thought we were saleing home after 10 years but now we are probably be here for 20.

Asphault may have been cheaper but i had 8 inches of rock under new section of drive way extension. Drove cost up little bit.

 

[Windows on Wash]

The streets are asphalt.

And I have thought about a heated driveway, but I really like using my snow thrower. But, I could have it put in for the next owner so they can put in the heater.

And for when I get older. Or if I get CV-19!!!

Instant one water heater and a heat exchanger..done.

I would definitely lay the pipe so that you can hook it up later. It will be a premium for the next buyer.

And shad up with the CV-19 stuff. :vs_laugh:

 

[Old Thomas]

My son put an ice melt system in his sidewalk from the house to the driveway. The cost for the driveway was too high.

 

[huesmann]

Concrete always, unless you have some kind of soil issue that requires a flexible pavement, or can't afford the upcharge for concrete.

 

[HotRodx10]

If you're so inclined, and your budget is tight, some concrete paving contractors will give you a discounted price if you do some of the prep work (digging out, leveling, compacting base, or even setting forms). With asphalt, there's generally not much, if any, DIY work.

 

[mark sr]

Heated driveways can be nice! but I had a customer who had a steep heated driveway and he was furious, 2 yrs after it was installed the ground shifted enough to disconnect it - not much you can do at that point.