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While the specific timeline for building a driveway can vary based on driveway length and local weather conditions, the average concrete driveway can require several days to lay down all of the different parts of the driveway. The curing process may require you to avoid using your driveway for a week following construction. Heavier vehicles should be kept off of a new concrete driveway for several weeks. Building a gravel driveway may take just one to two days in total.

Like all driveway materials, asphalt can crack in the wrong conditions and with age. Many things can cause asphalt to crack, including shifting soil or settling under the foundation. Other common causes are driving oversized vehicles on the asphalt, tree roots, and using rock salt during the snowy season. Proper installation and sealing the driveway every 10 years can help prevent cracks.

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.

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.