Are you thinking about installing a seashell driveway on your property? This trend has been catching the eye of homeowners and developers all over the world. But is it the right choice for you?
Let’s look at what makes seashell driveways stand out and how they work with TrueGrid pavers to create a durable and stylish solution.
What are Seashell Driveways?
Seashell driveways, often called crushed shell driveways, are a creative and eco-friendly option for home exteriors. This landscaping trend uses crushed seashells, like clamshells, as the primary material to create driveways.
The seashells that spread over the prepared base compact over time and create a stable and firm surface.
It’s a method that creates a unique yet distinctive coastal appearance to homes and, at the same time, offers several practical benefits, which we will talk about next.
Seashell Driveway Pros and Cons
When considering a seashell driveway, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of this trendy option, especially considering there are so many driveway options available.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using seashell driveways.
The Pros of Seashell Driveways
One of the significant benefits of a seashell driveway is its natural beauty. The shells’ varied colors and shapes create a visually appealing surface that can enhance your property’s curb appeal and gain the attention of others.
Plus, seashell driveways are environmentally friendly because they use recycled shells instead of wasteworthy materials. Traditional paving materials such as asphalt have some detrimental environmental effects during installation and throughout its lifespan.
On top of that, seashell driveways offer excellent drainage. The spaces between the shells allow water to filter through, reducing runoff and minimizing erosion.
The Cons of Seashell Driveways
On the other hand, seashell driveways aren’t without their drawbacks, such as:
Shifting Surfaces
Like gravel driveways, they can shift and spread over time, causing uneven surfaces. This means you have to periodically adjust the areas or add shells.
Sharp Edges
Crushed shells also have sharp edges, which might not be ideal for walking barefoot. They also have the potential to damage shoes or car tires. And if you have pets, they could also cause harm to your pets.
Weed Growth
Without proper installation, weeds might sprout through the shells, which may require regular maintenance as well.
Using Crushed Seashells with Permeable Pavers
Pairing crushed seashells with TrueGrid permeable paver systems can enhance your driveway’s stability and longevity. Our pavers provide a solid foundation that helps keep the shells in place, which reduces the shifty nature of the shells.
Here are some other benefits of using permeable pavers to create crushed shell driveways:
Durability
Permeable pavers provide a solid, interlocking base that helps prevent the shells from shifting or spreading over time. The pavers also protect the shells from pulverization increasing the shells’ lifespan and decreasing dust. This increased stability means your seashell driveway will maintain its appearance and functionality for many years, even with frequent use and heavy traffic.
Drainage
One of the standout features of permeable pavers is their excellent drainage capabilities. The spaces within the grid structure allow water to pass through easily, reducing runoff and preventing water from pooling on the surface, which works perfectly with crushed seashells.
Aesthetic Appeal
Seashells bring a unique and charming look to any driveway, while the paver system keeps the overall appearance neat and organized. The combination of natural shells and the structured layout of the pavers creates a coastal-inspired aesthetic that will enhance your property’s curb appeal.
Versatility
This system isn’t just limited to driveways. It’s also an excellent option for walkways, patios, garden paths, and other landscaping projects. And because the shells are held better in place with the paver systems, the walking surfaces are much smoother.
Plus, the versatility of permeable pavers paired with the beauty of seashells provides a cohesive and stylish solution for various outdoor areas—patios, paths, and gardens—making them adaptable to different design needs and preferences.
Use Permeable Pavers to Create Your Crushed Seashell Driveway and Paths
If you want to create a stylish driveway that stands out from others, you can’t go wrong by using seashells with our permeable paver systems.
They help you create a driveway that’s not only beautiful but also practical and durable.
Ready to transform your driveway with the unique charm of seashells and the stability of TrueGrid pavers?
