Written by Admin and published on https://www.bhg.com/
Every driveway is a little different. You may have dangerous ruts that make driving uncomfortable, or maybe your gravel is compacted and uneven, or rain washes out your drive, or there are deep divots – or any number of other unavoidable issues. The fact is, if you’re interested in doing a job that will mature seasonally– there’s definitely plenty of prep work to do.
Whether for a new construction project or an update on an older home, quality exterior design is a must. While many individuals spend a great deal of time thinking about home colors and landscaping, one very important focal point is often forgotten– the driveway.
Driveway Basics
A big fat driveway can ruin the look of a carefully landscaped yard. Here’s how to make it blend in better.
- Disguise the stalls. Pavers hidden in the grass can mask a parking spot as lawn, or you can plant special-made concrete forms or screens that allow grass to grow through them. This allows you to drive on the grass without killing it or compacting the soil.
- Change the materials. Shop for interesting paving options. You can stain concrete or asphalt almost any hue. You can choose pavers in various colors and in rectangles, hexagons, scallops, and even freeform shapes. You can place a ribbon of bricks through the asphalt, as shown here, or edge the driveway with a contrasting element.
- Screen cars. Build low fencing or place plants so they cloak areas where cars will be parked. For security, keep an unobstructed path from parking spot to house, and don’t shield cars entirely.
- Add plants. Create undulating flowerbeds along the driveway to soften the rigid lines. Pack some annuals for base color and use small shrubs or trees to vary the height.
- Change direction. A subtle curve adds powerful interest.
- Add an apron. If you can’t afford a more expensive material for the entire driveway, use a different material for the first several feet of the driveway, or use it where the cars park and guests alight.
- Thin it. A driveway could be a single lane if you allow guest parking farther up so visitors don’t trap other cars.
- Repeat elements. Carry the driveway elements into a sidewalk or patio to create a relationship rather than strand the driveway as an outsider.
- Drape the drive. The driveway can be a highlight rather than an eyesore if it brings you under a web of trees. Choose varieties that don’t drop twigs, limbs, or sap.
- Announce it. If you can’t hide the drive, introduce it with an entry arch or pillars. This keeps the driveway from looking like an afterthought and also breaks the curbside monotony.
- Plan early. If you plan your driveway and landscaping together, you may discover an option beyond a wide, divisive driveway that plunges straight from street to house. Consider side-entry garages, a curving driveway, or a turnaround lane that circles a flower filled island.
These are the minimum space requirements for a driveway. Adding 2 feet to the dimensions would allow ideal use. For a visual aid to the dimensions below, download our free diagram. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)
- Single driveway width: 10 feet
- Double-drive width: 20 feet
- Parking length: 18 feet
- Guest parking width (such as to the side of the garage): 12 feet
- Length of approach apron for guest parking: 15 feet
