4 Ways Your Driveway Can Enhance the Beauty of Your Home in Sun Prairie and Middleton, WI
The focus of most landscape renovations is the outdoor living space in the backyard or the curb appeal of the front yard. There is, however, one landscape feature that takes up a considerable amount of space though is often an afterthought in landscape design: the driveway. This essential element is a hidden opportunity for some amazing design and personal expression. Here are four ways your driveway can enhance the beauty of your home in Sun Prairie and Middleton, WI.
A Paver Surface
Paver driveways are always much more beautiful than driveways made from asphalt or poured concrete. While asphalt and poured concrete do a decent job of providing a place to drive and park, there are several drawbacks. Asphalt and poured concrete are both especially susceptible to the freeze-thaw cycles since they are solid surfaces and can’t “give” with the ever-changing movement of soil. And, they lack charm.
Driveway pavers, on the other hand, are specially designed to withstand the demands of a driveway including the freeze-thaw cycle, while adding significantly to your home’s curb appeal. There are many styles of driveway pavers that will pair well with the masonry design and color schemes of your home and surrounding landscape.
Styles ranging from traditional brick to bluestone to brushed concrete can give a unique appeal to your driveway. With so many choices available, you can reduce the overwhelm by choosing materials that complement your home’s style and materials - and work with your landscape contractor to finalize choices and design.
Pavers are compatible with driveway snowmelt systems so you never have to worry about marring their surface with snow plows. With a snowmelt system, your driveway will be a wonderful focal point no matter the weather!
You can even take pavers to the next level by choosing permeable pavers to reduce the risk of ice and surface water collection. Permeable pavers feature larger joints between them and a special substrate intended to allow surface water to seep through to the ground without disturbing the pavers or causing runoff.
The Valet Entry
The mad dash from the car to the front door can be rather unpleasant in stormy weather. A small covered space at the end of your driveway for exiting the car and entering the front door will automatically create a sense of luxury for all of your guests. They’ll come to your front door relaxed and comforted, ready for your hospitality to take it up another notch. This entryway can be seen as an extension of the home and some tasteful design will surely increase interest and property value.
A Luxe Tuscan-Style Touch
If your driveway is long, consider adding a low wall along one side for its entire length. If your driveway moves across a slope, an upslope wall can help prevent erosion and keep water borne debris from washing over the driveway. A low masonry wall defines the driveway in a beautiful way. It is also an opportunity to house landscape light fixtures in an unobtrusive way. Few landscape features say “luxury” more than a low masonry wall along your driveway.
Intelligent Lighting Design
Landscape lighting is always essential for increasing safety, and it’s especially true for driveways. Light fixtures can be incorporated into masonry or even into the driveway surface itself. Or, you can use low-lying walkway light fixtures along the driveway for a romantic touch.
Related: How Updating Your Driveway Can Improve Your Landscape Design in Madison, WI
About the Author
With over two decades in business and maintaining an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau the entire time, Proscapes LLC is a leading landscape company in the Madison, WI, area. As a Unilock Authorized Contractor, we are recognized as the best-of-the-best in our craft—earning numerous awards along the way.