How to Make an Asphalt Driveway Look Great

Many homes in Utah have asphalt driveways. Asphalt is durable and versatile, making it a great choice for any property. Here are some great ways to spice up your driveway whether you are starting from scratch or want to spruce up the one you currently have:

1. Add some lighting – this looks great if you have an especially long driveway, but it also works for any size. Add some solar lighting on both sides of your driveway to give it an upscale and visually attractive appearance. When the sun goes down, the light shining off the crisp black top will look really neat.
2. Curve it up – Who says your driveway has to be a straight shot to the garage? This is another great option if you have a bit longer driveway. Think about starting the entrance at a different angle and curve it around to your garage for a little more appeal. You can also take the driveway to a semi-circular design to avoid having to back entirely, which is both beautiful and functional (especially if you live on a busy road).
3. Add brick or rock – Create a lovely edging to the asphalt driveway with bricks, rocks, or pavers to add a decorative look in addition to providing drainage protection. The options here are limitless, as you can install large sections of stones or bricks for a dramatic design or a singular line of edging for a minimalist and clean finish to your driveway. This look is also great for mixing it up with different colored bricks or different types of stone choices.
4. Soften with plants – A clean, smooth driveway looks stunning with intentional plantings along the pathway. Steer clear of plants with aggressive roots that can grow under the asphalt and lift it over time. Instead, opt for some beautiful Utah-native or water-wise plants to line the edges of your driveway to give it an eye-catching finished look that won’t damage the asphalt as they grow.
5. Ribbon driveways – Also called a Hollywood driveway, these designs became popular in the 1920s. Like the name, these driveways are two parallel “ribbons” with another product in the middle, such as grass, plants, rocks, or anything else that sounds appealing to you.
6. Custom designs – If you’re unsure of the look you want, but you know you don’t want the standard driveway, explore some design options, and bring all your creative ideas to us. From oval cutouts with a grassy island in the middle to custom edging work, the limit is only your imagination.
7. Keep it standard – All these suggestions aren’t to say that the standard driveway is a negative. A quality, basic driveway can still look beautiful if it’s done right and maintained well. For current driveways, start by pulling weeds and removing debris, filling cracks or holes, and seal it up to bring it new life. For new driveway projects, hire a professional like Go Pave Utah to ensure the job is done right and to your liking.