Driveways can be expensive things, costing anywhere from $6 to $10 per square foot for poured concrete. Anything more exotic than that consequently becomes considerably more expensive. However, there are a few ways that you can get a cost-effective driveway that won’t leave your wallet bare, using loose materials and the right contractor.
Three Kinds of Driveways
The three primary loose fill materials for driveway paving are gravel, loose stone, and tar-and-chip. Gravel and loose stone are loosely defined, although at the basic level gravel is naturally occurring small stone, while loose stone is from crushed larger rocks like granite. Meanwhile, tar-and-chip is a combination of asphalt and loose stone.
Concerning the costs, all three are cheap. Gravel is incredibly durable and can last up to a century, although some redistribution or additional gravel may be necessary over time; the costs vary from under $1 to more than $3 per square foot.
Loose stone costs around $2 to $4 per square foot; although the loose stone may need to be swept back into place, you can avoid this by building a simple border around it. With minimal maintenance, this type of driveway can last forever.
Tar-and-chip, meanwhile, costs about $2 to $5 per square foot. However, due to the material and construction these types of driveways aren’t meant for the long haul and will only last seven to ten years. After that, you’ll need to add another layer. Unfortunately, this will cost you as this requires specialized equipment.
Some things to keep in mind when deciding between these three materials. They may not be suitable for certain residential areas; there may even be zoning restrictions for gravel or loose stone. The material costs are also susceptible to cost changes concerning material and labour access; the design, location, and prior work necessary also affects costs. Finally, doing the work yourself can help cut down on costs.
Contractors
Finding the right paving contractor is important. Take your time and do your research; go with a contractor that’s licensed, bonded, and insured. That way, you’re not legally liable for any worker injuries as the property owner. Make sure to understand your contractor’s qualifications and certificates; that will tell you whether they’re the right choice. Additionally, it’s recommended to compare contractor prices, although the lowest cost isn’t always the best. Ideally, look for the contractor that’s the best combination of cost, experience, and expertise.
West York Paving is one of the GTA’s premier paving companies. We dedicate ourselves to providing superior customer service through our professional integrity, experienced staff, competitive pricing, and exceptional workmanship. We offer a variety of commercial and residential paving services across the GTA. We’re an award-winning paving company that gets the job done the right way the first time, every time! Check out our website for more information on our services and to get a free quote, or get in touch by calling toll free 1-800-317-9558