Rock Driveways | Affordable and Easy to Maintain Driveways

While asphalt is made up of rocks bound together with oil, an actual rock driveway is a very different set up. A rock driveway is not only affordable, it is also easy to maintain. Rock also lends good traction to traffic and does less harm to the earth than asphalt. The combination of these two benefits makes having a rock driveway a smart choice for many people.

Rock driveways give homeowners many options as far as style and construction. Both are important to create the driveway of your dreams, but it’s important to start with construction and an understanding of when a rock is the best choice. For instance, this type of driveway doesn’t work well on steep slopes since the rocks frequently tumble off the roadway. Even when on a flat surface, rock driveways do slowly disperse the rock onto the roadsides. To maintain it, you have to rake the rock back onto the roadway. This maintenance labor is one of the downsides of rock driveways.

Though raking is laborious, on benefit of a rock is how easily it drains water. Because rain and flood water can seep down through the rock and into the ditch, rock is a popular material in areas that frequently gather standing water. If you’re putting rock over a dirt driveway, you’ll be impressed by the decrease in mud during rainy months. In winter, rock maintains traction even when covered in snow.

One of the best things about a rock driveway is how cheap it is. Dramatically cheaper than concrete, rock is one of the cheapest materials to use on a driveway. The type of rock you choose and the amount you need will change the price, but rock usually runs from 50 cents to $3 per square foot. Compare this to up to $6 per square foot for asphalt! Plus, rock lasts a lifetime while asphalt only lasts 10 years or less.

While rock is not the most technologically advanced material for a driveway, it is one of the cheapest. In fact, only recycled rubber driveways made of old tires rank cheaper than rock, though the lifespan of the two materials remains the same. Rock also requires much less installation and labor when first being installed, even compared to cheaper options like recycled materials.

A rock driveway is easy to maintain, except for the occasional raking job, and provides safety during severe weather. In rainy areas, choosing a rock driveway is one of the best ways to maintain a safe, dry driving surface year round. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option or a material that drains well, a rock driveway can provide a sturdy roadway to your home.