What are the main alternatives to recycled asphalt for my driveway?

• <div><p>If you’re looking for a similar, eco-friendly driveway material, you might consider one of these options:</p><ul><li><p><b>Permeable pavement:</b> This material is sometimes called “pervious” or “porous” pavement; it allows stormwater to drain into the subbase, eliminating storm drain costs. </p></li><li><p><b>Gravel:</b> Consider paving your driveway with locally sourced gravel. By sourcing from a nearby source, your money won’t fund international shipping and will be invested back into your local community.</p></li><li><p><b>Natural stone pavers:</b> Because natural stone pavers are made from organically-produced stone, there’s no new manufacturing required, limiting the environmental impact. In addition, water easily flows and drains through the gaps in the pavers.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

When should I replace my asphalt driveway?

• <div><p>Even with regular maintenance, most driveways don’t last much longer than 30 years. Alligator cracking is a clear warning sign that your driveway’s foundation is failing, and cracks that are deep and wide can let water in, causing more damage. Standing water is another red flag. If your driveway doesn’t drain properly, it’s going to degrade slowly. Finally, if you’re seeing dips or uneven patches, that’s a sign the base layer or soil is shifting. If these issues pop up, it’s <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/driveway-repair-should-you-patch-resurface-or-replace.htm#:~:text=Replacing%20the%20driveway%20is%20necessary,20%20years%20with%20proper%20maintenance.">time to replace your driveway</a>.</p></div>

Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Ely, MN

Q: What is the best material for steep driveways?

• <div><p>Several materials are suitable for steep driveways. Gravel and crushed stone are affordable options that provide good traction. Permeable pavers&mdash;such as plastic, rubber, or concrete&mdash;filled with gravel or crushed stones are also excellent, as they allow water to drain without causing erosion and perform well in ice and snow. Another option is resin, which can be coated with an anti-slip finish and helps prevent puddles. For added stability, you can install a retaining wall to prevent pavers and gravel from shifting over time.</p></div>

Q: What are the main alternatives to recycled asphalt for my driveway?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re looking for a similar, eco-friendly driveway material, you might consider one of these options:</p><ul><li><p><b>Permeable pavement:</b> This material is sometimes called &ldquo;pervious&rdquo; or &ldquo;porous&rdquo; pavement; it allows stormwater to drain into the subbase, eliminating storm drain costs. </p></li><li><p><b>Gravel:</b> Consider paving your driveway with locally sourced gravel. By sourcing from a nearby source, your money won&rsquo;t fund international shipping and will be invested back into your local community.</p></li><li><p><b>Natural stone pavers:</b> Because natural stone pavers are made from organically-produced stone, there&rsquo;s no new manufacturing required, limiting the environmental impact. In addition, water easily flows and drains through the gaps in the pavers.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: When should I replace my asphalt driveway?

• <div><p>Even with regular maintenance, most driveways don&rsquo;t last much longer than 30 years. Alligator cracking is a clear warning sign that your driveway&rsquo;s foundation is failing, and cracks that are deep and wide can let water in, causing more damage. Standing water is another red flag. If your driveway doesn&rsquo;t drain properly, it&rsquo;s going to degrade slowly. Finally, if you&rsquo;re seeing dips or uneven patches, that&rsquo;s a sign the base layer or soil is shifting. If these issues pop up, it&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/driveway-repair-should-you-patch-resurface-or-replace.htm#:~:text=Replacing%20the%20driveway%20is%20necessary,20%20years%20with%20proper%20maintenance.">time to replace your driveway</a>.</p></div>

Q: Is asphalt milling better than gravel for driveways?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s best to weigh the pros and cons of each material and decide on your priorities for your driveway. Gravel won&rsquo;t be an appropriate choice if your driveway experiences heavy traffic. You&rsquo;ll find that you need to level and top it off regularly, which could make the material a much more expensive option.</p></div>

Q: Are asphalt and asphalt concrete the same?

• <div><p>Sometimes, when people talk about asphalt driveways, they&rsquo;re actually referring to asphalt concrete, which is a completely different compound. Asphalt concrete is asphaltic cement combined with sand or grit. It is significantly more lasting and durable than regular asphalt but also much more expensive. If you&rsquo;re considering using asphalt concrete, ask an <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/asphalt-companies">asphalt company</a> for their expert opinions. </p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your asphalt driveway service project in Ely, MN?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Ely, MN

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Ely, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Ely, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

Last update on April 19, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
I recently hired Jason for a home project, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. He was professional, responsive, and incredibly easy to work with. He took the time to understand exactly what I wanted, offered helpful suggestions, and delivered everything on schedule. The quality of his...
Fortified Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2024
I have hired Josh for countless projects over many years on my homestead, from cement work to carpentry, tree cutting, log building, plumbing, shed building, yard work, skid steer dirt work, firewood, auto mechanics, painting, fence building, â you name it, he can do it, and do it well. He...
Minneapolis Handymen
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2022
This was my third time hiring USA Family Moving. As always, they delivered all my belongings without a scratch. I have never had any issues with this company. They arrive on time, pack everything within a short time and then load the truck with all your belongings. They work very fast. That’s...
USA Family Moving, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2022
Overall A great experience. Promptly gave a quote. Got the job done sooner than I expected. Looks great and I looked not having to pull snow off the roof last winter. So far this summer the house feels cooler with the metal roof. Only reason I donÃ¢Â Â t give 5 stars is there were a lot of...
Vertex Roofing, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2021
Ron Willis arrived promptly as scheduled, was knowledgeable, courteous and very professional. He is a “can do” contractor and I was fully pleased with his work (exterior siding and interior drywall repair). I would not hesitate to hire him again. I highly recommend his services.
Ron Willis Enterprise, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2021
Friendly, courteous, prompt, and quick... but, careless (significant damage to the bed, set on the finished side on the driveway... amongst other damage).
All My Sons Moving & Storage
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2020
Excellent service! Prompt, detailed, hard working family business! House is very clean and we are very pleased! I have referred the business to other members in my family and plan to continue using their services in a monthly basis! Wonderful!!
Good Mamas Cleaning
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2015
Evergreen has been clearing snow for us for a number of years now. I communicate with Tracy by phone or email. They are always easy to contact and responsive to plowing extra if we are coming up. They couldn't be more reliable. <br /> We can't push snow directly up the driveway or the melt...
Evergreen Construction
Request a quote

Find Asphalt driveway pros in Ely

Vick's Sealcoating

3.7(

)

Serving Ely, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

"Mr. Vick was very professional and friendly. We were impressed with the quality of his job and how it only took him one hour to finish the it. We would recommend him to anyone that needs their driveway or parking lot seal-coated.
"

Recommended by75%of homeowners

Request Quote

K John Custom Homes and Remodlers

5.0(

)

Serving Ely, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

"Jamey at KAC Construction was great to deal with. The gentleman who did the work on the deck was terrific. The deck looks great."

Recommended by16%of homeowners

Request Quote

Earthscape stone masonry & landscape design

0.0(

)

Serving Ely, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

At Earthscape, our uncompromising dedication to quality craftsmanship ensures that every project is approached individually, creating a personal masterpiece that meets the needs and expectations of our clients, from design to completion. We specialize in landscape and architectual stone masonry (interior & exterior). Examples of our work include: Fireplaces(indoor & outdoor), walls, flooring, facing, patios, and pool decks. We also make custom birch and stone furniture and furnishings. Let our team go to work and add the beauty and strength of natural stone to your home and landscape, creating your perfect little corner of the world.\n \n

Request Quote

Asphalt Driveways questions, answered by experts

Several materials are suitable for steep driveways. Gravel and crushed stone are affordable options that provide good traction. Permeable pavers—such as plastic, rubber, or concrete—filled with gravel or crushed stones are also excellent, as they allow water to drain without causing erosion and perform well in ice and snow. Another option is resin, which can be coated with an anti-slip finish and helps prevent puddles. For added stability, you can install a retaining wall to prevent pavers and gravel from shifting over time.

If you’re looking for a similar, eco-friendly driveway material, you might consider one of these options:

Permeable pavement: This material is sometimes called “pervious” or “porous” pavement; it allows stormwater to drain into the subbase, eliminating storm drain costs.
Gravel: Consider paving your driveway with locally sourced gravel. By sourcing from a nearby source, your money won’t fund international shipping and will be invested back into your local community.
Natural stone pavers: Because natural stone pavers are made from organically-produced stone, there’s no new manufacturing required, limiting the environmental impact. In addition, water easily flows and drains through the gaps in the pavers.

Even with regular maintenance, most driveways don’t last much longer than 30 years. Alligator cracking is a clear warning sign that your driveway’s foundation is failing, and cracks that are deep and wide can let water in, causing more damage. Standing water is another red flag. If your driveway doesn’t drain properly, it’s going to degrade slowly. Finally, if you’re seeing dips or uneven patches, that’s a sign the base layer or soil is shifting. If these issues pop up, it’s time to replace your driveway.

It’s best to weigh the pros and cons of each material and decide on your priorities for your driveway. Gravel won’t be an appropriate choice if your driveway experiences heavy traffic. You’ll find that you need to level and top it off regularly, which could make the material a much more expensive option.

Sometimes, when people talk about asphalt driveways, they’re actually referring to asphalt concrete, which is a completely different compound. Asphalt concrete is asphaltic cement combined with sand or grit. It is significantly more lasting and durable than regular asphalt but also much more expensive. If you’re considering using asphalt concrete, ask an asphalt company for their expert opinions.

The Ely, MN homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Rachel Hoffman
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Heated Driveway Cost? [2026 Data]
Don’t knock it until you try it. A heated driveway can save you a lot of manual labor in colder months. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of a heated driveway.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Asphalt Driveway Repair Cost in 2026?
Asphalt driveway repair costs account for everything from hairline cracks to complete overhauls. Learn what to expect from your asphalt repair bill.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Pave a Driveway? [2026 Data]
The average cost to pave a driveway is $4,897, but prices vary by size and material. This guide breaks down common cost factors and helps you budget.
Jouviane Alexandre
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
6 Types Of Asphalt for Driveways
Choosing the right asphalt is key to a long-lasting surface. Find out which mix works best for roads, driveways, and heavy-traffic areas.
Xiao Faria daCunha
•
Apr 6, 2026Apr 6, 2026
How To Seal an Asphalt Driveway
Properly seal an asphalt driveway with a squeegee and asphalt sealer. Start by cleaning the surface, spreading the sealant, and applying a second coat.
D.P. Taylor
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
6 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Asphalt Pavement
Asphalt is a long-lasting material, but it is at risk of damage from moisture and contaminants. Here’s how to protect your asphalt pavement for years.