"We have a slight hill at the end of our gravel driveway, which washed out pretty badly during the recent hurricane rains. I was looking for someone to repair this, and get us another year out of the gravel driveway before we have it paved. I called three different companies, and Bill Cooper was the one who gave me the best explanation of what needed to be done. He wasn't trying to push me towards an expensive new driveway, but rather gave me options to do it right. In the end, we covered the loose gravel with a milling base, which looks better and sets me up to pave the driveway in a year or so, when it has appropriately settled. I think Bill really knows his stuff, and I'm very happy with the way things turned out."
"We had a driveway and stamped concrete patio (to include steps from our new house) done. We liked them so much we had them back to do a stacked stone flowerbed wall. All work was done in a professional quality manner."
"Love my new driveway, waited years needed re paving , 400 foot driveway. Shon is very responsive hands on owner and very nice to work with. Won’t hesitate to refer this company. Thanks Shon and Team!"
"Magic Seal did an amazing job on my driveway! These guys gave the best quote, fit me in the schedule quickly and did a through job. They edged the driveway, blew it, treated the bigger cracks with extra attention and sealer, then a smooth top coat. Would highly recommend!"
We specialize in decks, fences, patios, and much more! We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service. Call us today for a free estimate. We can make your dreams a reality!\n\nGod bless
"Axel is a pro and was excellent to work with. He responded quickly to text messages and communicated well about the various details of the project. The cost of the project was fair and a better price than other companies quoted. The Castaneda team did an EXCELLENT job. The driveway looks great and they left the work area very clean. You can tell they take pride in their work. We are THRILLED with the way the driveway turned out. I would HIGHLY recommend their company and would definitely call them if I have other concrete projects in the future."
"I hired Richard because there was a depression in my driveway that was getting bigger. He recommended replacing the whole driveway, and I agreed. The driveway looked great but the depression was still there. Richard came back and created a trough in the driveway for the water to channel off. This solved the problem, but it's a little unsightly. He was responsive to work with and I am pleased overall with my new driveway."
"Our driveway looks very good. They sealed our driveway after filling the major cracks. The smaller spider cracks were left unfilled. We like their spray method of applying the driveway sealant. The application dried quickly and left no streaks."
The material that’s best for your private road depends on your property, the climate in your area, and your personal preferences. Gravel is an affordable option, but some homeowners don’t like how it looks. It can be a pain to remove snow from, and it requires more ongoing maintenance than asphalt or concrete. However, while these other options require less maintenance and make snow removal a breeze, they’re more expensive and will need repairs from time to time. Ultimately, you’ll have to choose the road material that suits you and your property best.
To ensure you hire a reliable and experienced paving company, you should start by finding companies in your area that have at least five to ten years of experience working in your neighborhood. Next, rule out companies with poor reviews online or a series of complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau. Since driveways affect your curb appeal, you should also ask each company for references and pictures of recent work to make sure the work the company does is professional and high quality. Finally, check that the company is licensed and insured.
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.
The dimensions of a driveway apron vary based on local building codes, the width of your driveway, and the distance between the driveway and the road. On average, aprons range from 12 to 24 feet wide and 8 to 18 feet long. Typically, the end of the apron connected to the driveway matches its width—such as 10 to 12 feet for a single-car driveway—while the end at the street flares out to allow cars to turn in and out more easily. In some areas, you may not be responsible for the portion of the apron that extends beyond the sidewalk, but this depends on local laws.
The average cost of 1,500 square feet of asphalt ranges from about $10,500 to $22,500, depending on location, thickness, base material, and how accessible the job site is to crews and equipment. Keep in mind that your asphalt material cost may vary depending on its type, ranging from porous asphalt to heated blacktop. Standard asphalt costs $7 to $13 per square foot.
The Tappahannock, VA homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Adding a new asphalt driveway to your home can boost its overall appearance and give homeowners a nice ROI down the line. But how long do asphalt driveways last, and what can you do to maximize their lifespans? Read this guide to find out.
