Sand Driveways | Inexpensive and Good for the Environment

Sand driveways are experiencing a rejuvenation in popularity: this historic driveway construction material had, for a long time, fallen out of favor as concrete and asphalt became more affordable. However, now that people are concerning themselves more and more with environmental responsibility, sand driveway construction is surging once more.

Sand driveways are prized for their porousness, which allows for better water penetration and thereby limits run-off, their minimal environmental impact, and the variation of appearance that gives the owner considerable aesthetic control. In this respect, they are similar to gravel driveways, and require similar maintenance and attention to detail.

As with gravel, the most important consideration in the construction of this type of driveway is the foundation: a poor foundation will be unable to deal with water from heavy rain, prove ineffective at bearing the load of heavier vehicles without distorting the driveway surface, and do a poor job of keeping the sand on the top layer from being blown or washed away. Careful attention and diligence should be paid during the laying of the foundation, as this will make or break your sand driveway.

Maintenance will be inexpensive but can be maintained by spending less than 1 hour a month: sand must be swept back into place with a broom or large brush; weeds must be removed at earliest appearance; and, when enough sand is lost or blown away, new sand must be purchased and added to the driveway surface.

The ideal candidate for a sand driveway is someone who is conscious of his or her individual impact on the environment, and wants a material that is both green and effective. By choosing sand for your driveway, you are choosing a renewable, environmentally friendly driveway construction material that will minimize the release of toxins into the environment, is sustainable in its cultivation, and will reduce erosion and water waste through effective management of water run-off. Furthermore, because the sand comes in many different textures and colors, and can be swept into intricate and beautiful patterns, they are also suitable for landscaping and property beautification.