Driveways are practical, but they are also more than that, because driveways are the initial entrance into your home. A driveway is an opportunity to give the introduction your home deserves, and improving it can transform your home’s exterior to add value and appeal.
Along with being attractive, a driveway must be constructed properly for long-term durability, so they don’t pose any problematic issues down the road. Renovating a driveway is a major undertaking with many considerations and should not be a do-it-yourself project.
Ware Landscaping has extensive experience with hardscapes and will work with you to ensure your driveway improvement project meets your satisfaction. We know that engaging with our customers to understand their wants and needs is how we achieve the desired outcome. We will take the time to execute a design that integrates your wishes, vision, and budget. Give us a call today at (630) 885-6370 to schedule a consultation.
Common Driveway Materials
We can renovate a driveway made of any type of material, but the kinds listed below are the most commonly used in the construction of residential driveways:
Gravel – Initial costs for the installation of gravel driveways are low, so it is widely used, especially in rural neighborhoods. Gravel comes in different colors and is quick to install, and it compacts well to create a stable service. Driveways made from gravel require frequent maintenance because they need to be regraded every couple of years, but if well cared for, they can last a very long time.
Asphalt – Popular in cold climates, asphalt is pliable and withstands freeze-thaw cycles better than other materials. The black color camouflages oil leaks and cracks and also retains heat to help melt snow, but it also gets very hot during the summer. Asphalt needs to be sealed every three to five years, but it can hold up for over 20 years.
Concrete – A versatile and durable material, concrete works well for driveways in any climate. It is smooth and stable and can be poured to form sections or patterns. Water moves over it easily, and concrete stays cooler than other materials when exposed to direct sunlight. Concrete is low maintenance, may be enhanced with color and texture, and can endure for over 25 years.
Pavers – Made of beautiful stone, such as granite or flagstone, pavers can be placed in an array of patterns. They give a driveway character and add to a home’s curb appeal. The material is more expensive and installation is labor-intensive, so the upfront cost is higher, but pavers do not require much maintenance. If laid properly, a paver driveway can last for many decades.
Driveway Repairs and Upgrades
Many homeowners overlook the importance of improving the look of their driveway. It can be made into an appealing feature that changes the first impression your home makes and increases its overall value. Whether you have repairs done or make upgrades to your driveway, the investment will certainly be worthwhile when you trust Ware Landscaping.
Repairs
Harsh weather conditions and the weight of vehicles moving over your driveway will cause damage over time and present itself as small cracks or divots in the driveway surface. Sometimes damage happens from a driveway being installed without appropriate drainage. This needs to be addressed as soon as possible, and Ware Landscaping offers expert drainage solutions. Our driveway repair services include:
- Patching and filling cracks
- Sealing
- Resurfacing
- Paver restoration
Upgrades
You can enhance your driveway’s worth by expanding it with an additional section to accommodate extra parking, or by giving it a makeover. A concrete driveway in good condition can be enriched with a stain in your choice of translucent color. You can also opt for special effects that create the same look as natural stone or marble. Placing an accent border of stones, wood, or brick along any driveway will give it contrast and a polished look.
Driveway Landscaping
If you don’t want to make changes to the driveway itself, you can still improve its visual appeal by drawing attention to the surrounding area. A professional landscaping plan by Ware Landscaping specifically for your driveway is the perfect way to dress it up, and it could incorporate ideas such as these:
Entrance plantings – Trees, shrubs, or flowers placed at the beginning of a driveway are an eye-catching element that will make visitors feel as if they are driving through a grand entrance. Tall vegetation can be carefully placed so it won’t hinder a driver’s view while backing out.
Border plants – Plants or flowers along the driveway are a colorful, natural-looking shift from the driveway surface. They soften the edges of the hardscape and enhance the rest of the yard’s landscaping.
Pocket plantings – Instead of lining a driveway with plants, you can make an arrangement of plants stand out by grouping them together or planting them in smaller nearby plots. Plants of varied sizes and shapes work well for this, and they should be selected to ensure that they don’t outgrow the space and infringe on the driveway.
Low hedge – Small shrubs or flowering plants positioned close together in a row disguise the edge of a driveway and give a streamlined appearance. Their size at full-growth should not block sightlines for safe driving.
Raised bed – Elevating plants in a bed along a driveway will draw the eye up from the driveway to their colors and blooms. Flowering groundcovers or medium-height perennials or annuals are excellent choices for this purpose.
Ready to Renovate Your Driveway?
Your driveway may seem like the most mundane part of your property, but you may be surprised by how making some changes to it can dramatically increase the curb appeal of your home.
When it’s time for improvements to your driveway, Ware Landscaping has the solutions and services you’re looking for. We have many satisfied customers in Naperville and the surrounding areas, and we welcome the opportunity to work with you as well. Find out what we can do for you by contacting us today. Just call (630) 885-6370 or get in touch online with our chat feature or contact form.
