Country homes often have very long driveways. They’re different from suburban driveways because they need to be built from materials that don’t require a lot of regular maintenance due to their length and location. They also need to be able to stand up to long hours in the sun in most areas.
Rural Driveway Design Ideas
If you live in a rural country home and are looking for innovative ideas on what kind of driveway to install, you’re in luck. Here are 9 driveway design ideas to consider for your rural home:
1. Blacktop
Blacktop is the most expensive type of asphalt, though not as expensive as a material like cement. It’s great for cold and snowy areas because of its ability to adapt to extreme temperatures. Blacktop is durable enough to withstand the rigors of country life, but it’s not without its drawbacks. The price can be too high for some, and it needs to be sealcoated every 3 to 5 years as well.
2. Recycled Asphalt
Recycled asphalt is a cheaper alternative to blacktop, but it’s not necessarily the best for country driveways. It is dust-free and can be easily repaired when needed, but it has a thin layer of stone on top that stays loose while the base hardens. This layer can become easily dislodged, and recycled asphalt isn’t nearly as heat-resistant as blacktop.
3. Cement
Cement can be one of the longest-lasting surfaces if it’s properly maintained. Cement needs to be sealed and requires resealing about every 5 years. It’s not great for areas that experience temperature extremes, however, because it easily cracks under such conditions. Cement is also the most expensive material to use for a rural driveway due to its initial expense as well as its regular maintenance costs.
4. Recycled Concrete
A slightly cheaper alternative to cement is recycled concrete. It’s almost as strong as cement and has most of the characteristics that attract people to cement. One of the dangers of using recycled concrete for a driveway, though, is that you may end up with broken glass or miscellaneous debris in your driveway because recycled concrete is often sourced from demolished buildings and other similar types of sites.
5. Crushed Granite
Crushed granite is a unique red color that is great visual option for those who want a more stylish or aesthetically pleasing driveway. It costs similar to what recycled asphalt costs, making it one of the cheaper options. Maintenance is the biggest problem ( though this can be solved stabilizing it with a plastic grid system). Loose crushed granite will need to be replenished quite frequently, which can be a hassle if you’re considering it as a potential driveway surface.
6. Tar and Chip
A tar and chip driveway has a base layer of asphalt and aggregate, with bigger stones pressed into the surface of the asphalt. This is to achieve the durability required for a driveway to bear weight.
Tar and chip driveways can last up to 10 years without needing to be resealed. They lack aesthetic appeal, however, and can be rough on tires.
7. Loose Gravel
Loose gravel is one of the most popular rural driveway ideas. It’s by far the cheapest option, which is why it’s so commonly used. Loose gravel is easily eroded, however, and can pose dust problems as well. Ruts and mud holes are a common occurrence when dealing with loose gravel.
8. Grass Pavers
If you want a different kind of rural driveway, you could opt for grass pavers. Products like the TRUEGRID ROOT® system are made from plastic and simply snap into place right on top of grass. The grass grows up through the holes in the plastic grids and the pavers themselves are barely noticeable.
This option is great because it’s incredibly cheap, yet maintenance-free and durable. Grass pavers are also permeable and will prevent any flooding issues with your driveway.
9. Stabilized Gravel
Gravel that’s been stabilized with permeable plastic pavers is the best option when it comes to gravel driveways. Stabilized gravel gives you more stylistic versatility and makes your driveway more visible for added safety.
These pavers are more durable than asphalt, cement, or concrete and they cost less. They also take around 24 hours or less to install and are just about the most eco-friendly driveway option you’ll find.
Rural Country Driveways Have Special Requirements
If you’re installing a long driveway on your property, you should know that not any driveway material will work. You need something that’s low-maintenance and durable, but stylistically diverse enough to look good too, like the TRUEGRID® PRO LITE system.
All the options we’ve listed here are good, but grass pavers and stabilized gravel with plastic permeable pavers stand out as some of the best options thanks to their cost-effectiveness, fast install time, durability, aesthetic appeal, and eco-friendliness.
Contact TRUEGRID today for a more reliable rural country driveway solution.
