Have you ever dreamed of having one of those grand driveways that are often pictured in magazines? Getting one is not as hard as you think, as it only requires a desire to have one and a few tips! Gone are the days when driveways were just considered as a simple passage to the house. Today, a driveway has become one of the focal points of a house that speaks about the elegant and luxurious living style of the residents.
If you want to add a stylish driveway in the outdoor space, think carefully about the design. It should be aesthetic, durable, and safe to drive and walk on. We have assorted important driveway designing tips to help you accomplish the task and enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Decide the size and shape
Before you create a design and pick materials for your driveway, you must decide the size and shape of the feature. You should ensure that it is wide enough to fit the vehicles with room on the side to get in and out swiftly. You should also decide whether you want a straight drive or a curved layout to create an easy route from the road.
Design your driveway
Ditch the black asphalt, and design your driveway with high-quality materials to be trendy and inviting. Durable and weather-resistant materials can give a great finish, with the right coating material reducing the need for maintenance and repair. If you are planning to construct a new driveway or reconstruct the existing one, you must use premium materials and fluoropolymer coating so that you get the best quality and durability.
Weigh pros and cons of different materials
There are mainly three types of materials that are used to create driveways, each with pros and cons determining your choice.
- Concrete: It is durable and you can easily create a design on the concrete surface before it sets. The downside of concrete is that it is a bit expensive. You may also be without your drive for several weeks while the concrete sets fully.
- Asphalt: It is often used in the creation of driveways, but it can be prone to cracking if it’s not sealed in the right way.
- Gravel: It is one of the most affordable materials with which to create a driveway. It’s easy to maintain as there is no surface to crack. But, it can be difficult to clear and clean a gravel driveway.
You need to take all of the pros and cons into account when deciding on the best material to design your driveway.
Keep vehicle dynamics in mind
The prime directive of a driveway is for your vehicles to be able to navigate the space easily and safely. So design your driveway accordingly, adding fewer curves and turns to accommodate the sweeping motion of turning vehicles. It is better to have a circular turning point somewhere in the middle of your driveway for smooth revolving and passing.
Consider the length and location of the driveway
The position of your home, along with the front gates, also needs to be considered when you are designing a driveway. Straight driveways are often more appropriate if there is only a short distance between your home and the front gate. Whereas, a winding driveway can add interest and privacy if your home is further away from the gate while allowing for swift vehicle movement.
Install a drainage plan
While creating a driveway, many people often forget about adding an effective drainage plan. You must draw up a drainage strategy to help solve rainfall and flooding issues in the yard. You can use drainage channels and an underground soak-away crate or create direct surface runoff to water the garden. The latter solution is the cheaper and easier one and saves water on irrigation as well.
Landscape the outdoor space
If you are investing money and time in designing a new driveway for your home, it is a good idea to landscape your entire outdoor space. If you’re not the best DIYer, you can seek help from a professional excavator hire company to create an organized and attractive garden around the driveway. Besides, a well-planned and designed landscape will increase the value of your property and make it aesthetically pleasing.
Conclusion
If you are designing a driveway for your home, you will find all of these tips useful. If you are not confident enough to do the work yourself, enlist the services of a professional who can turn your ideas into reality.
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