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Common alternatives to a gravel driveway include concrete, asphalt, brick, stone pavers, and permeable pavers. Concrete and asphalt are generally the most affordable options. However, concrete can be prone to cracking in cold climates, while asphalt may soften in areas with high heat and direct sun exposure. For enhanced curb appeal, brick, stone, and permeable pavers are popular choices, though their installation can be more expensive due to intricate designs. Stone pavers offer a natural look and are sometimes installed with gravel around them. Both permeable pavers and brick driveways provide excellent drainage, which helps prevent flooding and reduce water runoff.

New asphalt typically needs 24 to 72 hours to dry before it can handle light foot traffic and careful driving. Although it may appear solid after a few days, the full curing process, where the asphalt reaches its peak strength, takes much longer—generally from 30 days to a year.

During this extended curing time, the surface remains relatively soft and can be damaged by heavy vehicles, sharp objects, or high temperatures. To protect your investment, it's best to avoid parking heavy machinery on the asphalt until it has fully cured.

The exact time required for drying and curing depends on several factors, including the weather, the specific asphalt mix, and its thickness. For the most accurate advice tailored to your situation, consult with your asphalt contractor.

While paving a driveway is possible to do as a DIY project, we don’t recommend it. Hiring a driveway professional to pave it will ensure that your driveway looks neat and clean and lasts for years to come, and it will also prevent a weak driveway and, potentially, damage to your foundation. Paving a driveway requires heavy machinery, and while you can rent the equipment needed, operating it close to your garage slab or around your home’s foundation can crack it and lead to structural issues. 

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.