How To Give A Worn Down Driveway A Fresh Look Without Spending A Fortune

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Around two-thirds of homes built in the US have concrete driveways. It's hard-wearing and affordable. Asphalt is also popular and even cheaper. While both can last for many years, they do eventually get to look worn down. Replacing them completely can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but there are a number of products to give your driveway a fresh look (and help increase your home's curb appeal) without spending a fortune.

These are two keys to success. First is assessing the condition of your driveway. If it's just tired and scuffed, or there are a few hairline cracks, then recoating it should be straightforward. If your driveway is sinking, you'll want to know why and fix the problem; otherwise, you could just be wasting your money by patching the surface. If you're concerned about the underlying structure, it's always a good idea to get professional advice. The second issue is understanding the product you need. You shouldn't use asphalt sealer on a concrete driveway, or vice versa. It might look great for a while, but the two surfaces are likely to separate eventually, and you'll have to start over.

Assuming the driveway is sound, then resurfacing it is the way to go. The necessary products are designed to be easy to use so even those with modest DIY skills can tackle the job. They are normally applied with a brush, roller, or squeegee. Let's look at the process in more detail.

It is vital that the driveway be properly prepared or the new surface will not adhere. Clean it thoroughly and remove any debris. Cracks in a concrete driveway can easily be filled with one simple solution, and similar products exist for asphalt. Your local big-box store should have what you need.

Asphalt driveways are easiest to work on. A product like Liquid Rubber Asphalt Restore is ready to use straight out of the can, and two or three coats are recommended to provide sufficient depth of new material. This one is water-based and non-toxic, but not all resurfacing products are, so you might want to check that.

Giving a concrete driveway a new look is just a little more involved, but only because mixing is required. However, something like Sakrete Flo-Coat Concrete Resurfacer is intended for DIY use, and it's just a question of adding the right amount of water. Follow the instructions on the bag carefully. An additional sealer coat is recommended for concrete driveways to protect the new surface.

It isn't complicated to give a worn driveway a fresh look, and it won't cost a fortune. Do take note of how long the surface needs to cure before you can use it again. Instruction videos that walk you through each process can be found online.