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Gravel driveways are significantly more affordable than asphalt driveways, making them an enticing financial decision when choosing your next driveway material. On average, gravel driveways are $5.75 to $13 per square foot cheaper than asphalt driveways. 

It's not just their price that makes gravel driveways more economical. Gravel driveways also can last up to 100 years with minimum maintenance, whereas asphalt driveways only last for 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance. But if you’re looking for the best driveway material for cold weather, asphalt may be a better choice.

If you’ve researched everything there is to know about gravel driveways and aren’t sold on the idea, you have options. Gravel alternative materials for driveways include traditional options like concrete and asphalt. If you want the look of natural stone, stone pavers are another option that sometimes uses gravel around the pavers. For maximum drainage, permeable driveways or brick driveways are also popular choices.

Driveways last 25 to 50 years, but you’ll notice cracks and possible missing pieces during this time. Regular maintenance, such as filling cracks, reapplying sealer, and ensuring that water does not erode the base material, can help extend the lifespan of your driveway. Gravel driveways should be regraded to fill in uneven areas every year or two, depending on how frequently it is needed.

In terms of durability, concrete driveways can last more than 50 years when properly maintained, compared to the typical 30 years for an asphalt driveway. However, the durability depends on the climate, base material and thickness, and thickness of the concrete or asphalt used. The longevity of concrete or asphalt driveways also depends on how well it’s maintained and the amount of wear and tear it endures.