A Comparison Between Decks and Driveways
The debate between crushed concrete vs gravel is one that is commonly seen in landscaping projects. Both alternatives can be used for this purpose, but they do have their pros and cons. It is important to understand both of these options before making a final decision. Let’s take a look at these different types of landscape material.
Gravel is created using crushed stone or sand
This material is usually mixed with water and then formed into gravel. Because of the rock like appearance, this is often used as a base for landscaping. However, because it is so coarse, this can wear through over time. Gravel that is not properly mixed with water may also crack and break apart over time.
Concrete is a mixture of materials
Two of these are cement and sand. Most people think of concrete as being flat and in square shape. This is because it forms from crushed rock and sand, however it is actually a combination of the two. Unlike gravel, concrete is made to be as flat as possible while still maintaining a certain amount of flex.
Gravel on the other hand, is created by mixing concrete and gravel together. This mixture can range from coarse to silvery white in color. Some of the most popular examples of this type of material include parking lots, patios, and walkways. Concrete is less coarse than gravel. Because of this, it is often used for exterior surfaces where some flex is needed.
When it comes to drainage, both concrete and gravel have no problems with drainage. Gravel will sit on the surface without any significant amount of drainage. This makes this an ideal material to use when there is no need for much water runoff. On the other hand, concrete must drain because water seeps in between the rocks when it is poured over the surface.
Now that you know what to look for when choosing concrete or gravel for your project, you should take a moment to think about how you will work with them. It is best to choose crushed concrete in a slurry form. To do this, you should first pour in several inches of water. Then, using a power washer, you should press the water against the concrete. After it becomes compacted, you should use a large pothole pump to wash the excess water away.
If the crushed concrete needs to stay moist, you should let it sit out in a bucket of water with a little bit of bleach added to it. You should cleanse the area with water at least three days before staining it. In order to get the best effect, you should also prime the surface of the crushed concrete.
Once the process is complete, you should leave it to dry for the best results. To do this, you should apply an exterior concrete sealer. However, if you prefer your gravel to be a bit more natural looking, you can stain it with an epoxy.
The main reason why people like colored gravel over crushed concrete is because the former produces a better visual effect. Colored gravels look better on driveways, sidewalks, and other outdoor areas. The difference between crushed concrete and colored gravel is that the former is easier to handle. When you have to move this around, you can easily do so without harming yourself.
For smaller surfaces, you should always use crushed concrete
If you have to make an entrance way, this can also serve as a stepping stone. But for larger surfaces, it would be best to use gravel. It is easier to work with and look great. And it is also much safer to walk on than crushed concrete.
Gravel is also better in colder weather because it does not absorb heat well. If you want a nice looking driveway, you should consider using concrete vs gravel. If you are looking for a way to improve the look of your concrete, you should use gravel. It can be used to conceal stains and to create patterns. You can even use it to create a pattern on a patio or porch.
One disadvantage of using gravel is that it is more expensive than concrete. But if you think about how much money you will save in maintenance, it might actually be a good investment. If you have a driveway that needs to be sealed and then maintained regularly, you should use concrete vs gravel. This way, you will save money on upkeep costs. If you have a garage or a pool, you should use gravel as well. A little bit of water and a good sealant is all it takes to keep your concrete in top shape.