Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Boscobel, WI

When hiring an asphalt paving contractor to install your driveway, ask as many questions up front as possible. Here are a few questions to ask a prospective driveway contractor:

• How many years of experience do you have?

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• Do you have worker’s compensation?

• Do you use subcontractors on your projects?

• Do you clean up after the job is done?

• Who is responsible for any damage to lawn or landscaping?

• Do you provide a guarantee or warranty on your work?

• Do you give free estimates?

• What is the timeline for completion?

• How do you handle change orders?

• Can you provide at least three references?

• Can I see some of the work you’ve done?

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.

Asphalt can get sticky in high temperatures and intense sunlight and is better for cooler or moderate climates, while concrete is more likely to crack in colder climates where water can seep into the slab and freeze. Asphalt requires more maintenance in terms of sealing, it has a slightly shorter lifespan, on average, and it’s a bit more expensive to install. Concrete will last longer with less maintenance, and it offers you more options for customization, including staining and stamped patterns. As such, a concrete driveway adds to home value more than an asphalt driveway in many cases.

Asphalt, which is stone mixed with tar, is the most common material for outdoor basketball courts because it’s so sturdy and versatile. However, you don't have to use it: another option is polymeric rubber, which has shock pads that can prevent injury. This option is a little more expensive, ranging between $16 and $25 per square foot.

Materials used for indoor basketball courts, such as hardwoods, aren’t really an option outdoors.