Ditch Asphalt Driveways For A Cheaper, Crack-Proof Alternative

Asphalt might be one of the most common driveway materials, but it's not without its faults. Over time, that fresh pavement can go from looking pristine and polished to developing cracks, potholes, and other flaws. Not only does that damage your home's curb appeal, but it also means you'll have to shell out for pricey repairs or replacement. If your driveway is in need of an upgrade, you might want to look beyond asphalt and consider a long-lasting (and less expensive) option — like crushed limestone.

Not familiar with this material? We'll give you a quick overview. Crushed limestone consists of small, broken pieces of rock that are usually gray or off-white in color. When you used crushed limestone for a driveway, there's no risk of cracking like you might expect from asphalt, which is installed as an even, paved surface. And while asphalt driveways require resealing every few years, there's no need to give crushed limestone any special treatment; just basic DIY maintenance will do.

Aside from their crack-proof construction, there are a handful of other benefits to crushed limestone driveways. For one, they have a permeable surface, so water drains easily, rather than pooling like it can on asphalt driveways. Also, since crushed limestone is lighter in color, it doesn't absorb heat like darker-hued asphalt does, so it's a good pick for hotter climates.

Now, let's look at the price difference between these two materials. According to Angi, crushed limestone costs $30 to $40 per ton, and a driveway needs about 2.5 tons of gravel for every 100 square feet (at a depth of 6 inches). To figure out how much you'll spend, let's do some quick math. If we use the average single-car, 200-square-foot driveway as an example (roughly 10 feet wide and 20 feet long), you'd need 5 tons of crushed limestone, which would cost $150 to $200 for the materials alone. With labor, the total price for one of these driveways runs between $250 and $900. Meanwhile, installing a new asphalt driveway can range from $7 to $13 per square foot — so your final cost would be $1,400 to $2,600.

However, while crushed limestone offers plenty of perks like the ones mentioned above, it does come with some downsides as well. For example, even though you don't need to deal with resealing or fixing cracks, some regular maintenance is required to keep the material in good condition. Specifically, you should be prepared to rake the rocks as needed and get rid of weeds that sprout in your driveway.

One final thing to consider: when you drive over crushed limestone, the pieces can move around — and eventually, you could end up with bare spots, uneven areas, or potholes. They can also wash away in the rain. To fix these issues and make sure your driveway is safe enough to walk on, you can explore different ways to keep your driveway secure and locked in place. Some options include compacting the limestone, installing edging, or adding a plastic grid system during install.