Paving, and the recycled products of paving, can benefit your property in multiple ways. A variety of paving and paving materials are available. Asphalt paving is durable, versatile, and environmentally friendly. Concrete is also a classic choice, and it holds up well in all weather conditions. Paving can refresh the look of your home, improve your backyard, and provide recreational space for your family and hobbies.
Create a New Driveway
If you have a gravel driveway, or if your driveway is damaged beyond repair, explore the possibility of paving. A driveway paved with asphalt has many advantages. It provides a smooth driving surface but with enough traction to prevent slips and skids. Asphalt can conform to inclines and curves, and it adapts well to changes in temperature and precipitation.
Compared to other options, a paved driveway can be less expensive. If it cracks or chips, it can be repaired easily and cheaply. For maximum protection, you can seal coat it periodically. Sealing refreshes the driveway’s appearance and enhances its resistance to weather elements.
Redo Your Garage Floor
If your garage floor is stained, cracked, or chipped, you might consider repairing or replacing it. Oftentimes, you can refresh your garage floor by power washing and scrubbing. Repair any cracks and then seal the floor with epoxy paint. But, if your garage floor is severely stained or damaged, having the concrete replaced might be the better option. It will add new life to your garage floor.
You may also consider using rubber, interlocking tile pavers. These tiles are tough enough to handle leaks , spills, road salt, and whatever repair or hobby you do in your garage. They are available in many colors that let you mix and match or create patterns. They also help insulate and help reduce noise
Hardscape Your Backyard
Hardscaping refers to adding “hard” (non-vegetative) features to your yard to enhance your lawn, shrubbery, trees, and flowering plants. Hardscaping can involve a variety of materials, including rocks, rubber mulch, gravel, bricks, and paving materials.
Due to its flexibility, asphalt paving is a great choice for garden pathways, especially if you have a large lawn. One option is a path with exposed pea gravel. These start with an underlay of compressed gravel and then topped with asphalt. The resulting texture is attractive and provides traction for safety in wet and icy conditions.
Create a Patio
A backyard patio is always a welcome addition to a home, and with paving, you can create a spacious outdoor space that is durable, attractive, and less expensive than other materials. While concrete is popular, asphalt can be a less expensive choice. Asphalt paving comes in a variety of colors and can be stamped to emulate bricks or stones. You can also embed patterns and geometric shapes.
Complete your patio with a barbecue grill, planters, lights, and furniture such as a dining set or outdoor sofa and chairs. Covering the patio with a gazebo or pergola will provide needed shade and protect your furnishings. You should keep wood furniture out of the sun to prevent damage.
Create a Non-Slip Pool Deck
Since the area around an in-ground pool will be wet most of the time it’s being used, it’s important to use a non-slip surface for your pool deck. A good choice is poured concrete , which can be finished in a variety of ways for both functionality and appearance.
Concrete can be tinted to complement the color of your pool or house. It can also be stamped or stenciled in patterns that look like stone or brick. For safety, texture is added to the surface so those wet, bare feet have something to grip. A concrete pool deck requires very little maintenance and will last for years.
Make a Basketball Court
Many people put up a basketball net in their driveway, but if you’ve got enough room in your backyard, consider installing a dedicated basketball court. Begin with a level pad of asphalt and add striping for lines and the key. Depending on your space and how you plan to use it, you may install one net or two.
Once the court is finished, you’ll also be able to find many other uses for it. Add a net, and you’ve got a pickleball court. Put up a wooden wall at one end, and you can hit tennis balls against it. If you have children, they will likely find many other ways to play on it.
Build an Outdoor Pond
A backyard pond bubbling with waterfalls and filled with koi can be a beautiful focal point of your garden. After excavating, ponds are often reinforced with concrete or other hard materials and then lined. You can buy a premade tub or line your space with flexible sheeting. For a large pond, paving the pond with concrete is a good option.
To add a waterfall, create terraced steps and cover them with concrete bricks, large stones, and gravel. The water can flow over the rocks and into the pool below. Finish the pond with gravel around the perimeter.
Improve Retaining Walls
Many properties benefit from retaining walls to prevent erosion or flooding. On properties with significant slopes, creating terraces with retaining walls can provide more usable yard space. In most areas, poured concrete is the best choice for a retaining wall because of its strength and durability.
For best results, concrete retaining walls should be installed by professionals who have the forms, experience, and expertise in evaluating the unique conditions of your yard. The concrete can be colored, textured, or stamped for aesthetics, and other materials, such as veneers or edging, can be combined for a finished look.
Whether you’re looking to address problems on your property or just wanting new ways to enjoy it, paving can be part of your solution. Repairing and replacing old or damaged facilities with asphalt or concrete paving can give your home an updated look and add to the value of your property.