* Loose Stones. A loose stone driveway is one of the most inexpensive; it runs about $1.00 to $4.00 per square foot. The rustic look works well with ranch homes or for houses going for the rural look. The stones can be had in different colors to match the trim or to complement the landscaping theme. The stones should be laid over a solid gravel base and should be bordered for containment. Loose stones work particularly well on meandering garden walkway paths. Lifetime is about 100 years with periodic maintenance.
* Gravel Driveways. This is arguably the cheapest driveway materials, it runs just $0.45 to $4.00 per square foot. It's actually a mixture of clay, small stones, and sand. This combination packs nicely. It can last a century or more with annual re-grading and proper containment.
* Tar and Chip. Also commonly known as macadam, construction involves first laying a gravel base, and then coating it with hot, molten asphalt. Expect to invest $1.75 to $6.00 per square foot. Edge containment is important with a new driveway or path, but once the curing process is done, it's not needed. In most areas, it will need to be redone in approximately 8 years.
* Plain or Decorative Concrete. This is the most common driveway found in modern subdivisions. The price is generally in the $5.00 to $18.00 per square foot ballpark. The price can spike due to global demands, such as when China was undergoing a building boom during the late 90s. A good concrete contractor can stain it to a desired color or stamp it with any number of patterns, and with a proper concrete pour and finish, will last at least 45 years.
* Asphalt or Blacktop. This is also a traditional favorite and can be had for about $2.00 to $6.50 per square foot, again, depending on market demands. In this case, the cost depends on the price of hydrocarbons or petroleum. Asphalt is one of the final products in the petroleum refinery cracking process, just before coke. It can also be stamped and stained. Asphalt driveway patching needs to be done from time to time, but it's an easy fix for the homeowner. Lifespan is only 10 to 35 years.
* Cobblestone. This is solid rock, usually basalt or granite. Because of this, it's very durable. Also, since it's installed in chunks, it doesn't suffer from cracking like concrete. It makes a particularly nice touch on a garden walkway path. The cost is in the range of $15.00 to $50.00 per square foot. Transportation to the building site plays a part in the final price. Expect it to outlive the owner. Just look at the streets of some American colonial towns or some European cities.
* And Finally, Bricks. Bricks work equally well on the driveway and on the garden path. They are moderately priced, coming in at from $10.00 to $35.00 per square foot. They are porous, so they feel right at home playing host to moss. This looks great in the garden, but doesn't work quite so well in the driveway, so it should be treated periodically there. Clay fired bricks should last at least 30 years.
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