Get matched with top paving pros in Walnut Cove, NC

There’s no single best asphalt grade—it all comes down to where and how it’s used. Highways and heavy-traffic roads need something tough, like polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) or Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA). Local roads and parking lots rely on the Performance Graded (PG) system, chosen based on climate. A PG 64-28 mix, for example, handles a broad temperature range while simpler, more cost-effective mixes are typically enough for residential driveways. The best grade of asphalt depends on traffic, weather, and your budget, which is why a professional’s input is always a smart move before making a decision.

Cobblestone driveways can take a major hit on anyone's bank account, begging the question of whether it's worth it to build a cobblestone driveway. Some homeowners might prefer more affordable driveway materials like concrete or pavers, which can give a similar appearance to cobblestone without the high price tag.

Paving your driveway costs between $2,500 and $6,600, to put that in perspective. But for others, there’s nothing quite like the timeless look of cobblestone driveways.

Building a road on a slope requires careful planning and will normally require a drainage system underneath to prevent flooding and damage to the road over time. Your professional may lengthen your road to create switchbacks if the slope directly to your home is too steep, as there are regulations for maximum road slope. The drainage system will help prevent runoff from the higher side of the slope from damaging the asphalt or concrete. Keep in mind that building a road on a slope isn’t a good DIY project, as a lot can go wrong.

If your new pavers look dull or unclean, it is likely due to efflorescence, a chalky, white powder that forms when lime in the pavers gets wet. This condition often resolves on its own, as rain will naturally wash it away within about a year. For faster results, you can use a pressure washer to clean the pavers. Alternatively, consider using cleaning products specifically designed to remove efflorescence or applying sulfuric acid crystals.