• Concrete driveways are cost-efficient and durable.house image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
  
  Because driveways affect a home's appearance, landscaping options and even property value, choosing a driveway that meets your needs is essential. Homeowners face many driveway options, including concrete, asphalt and gravel. Concrete driveways offer many benefits.
  
  

Durability

• Concrete driveways are highly durable, often lasting 30 years or longer. Other driveway options, like asphalt and gravel, must be refinished or replaced much more frequently. Concrete also won't get sticky or form bumps or potholes.
  
  

Cost Efficiency

• Because concrete driveways last so long, they are highly cost-effective. Although installing a quality concrete driveway is not inexpensive, this investment improves your property and lasts for decades.
  
  

Low Maintenance

• Concrete driveways require little maintenance, unlike asphalt and gravel. Concrete driveways don't require resurfacing or resealing, and it's easy to clear off snow or debris.
  
  

Visual Appeal

• Concrete driveways contribute to the clean, neat appearance of your property. There also are many different concrete driveway finishes available, including several textures, patterns and colors. For example, concrete driveways can be pattern-stamped with swirling, brick or cobblestone patterns. Available textures include exposed aggregate, light broom and salt. Colored or textured concrete can add an extra visual dimension to your home.
  
  

Environmental Benefits

• Concrete is also an environmentally friendly material. Concrete is composed of renewable resources and can be constructed from recycled materials. Concrete also reflects light, which can reduce the need for lighting at night. Finally, concrete driveways can be recycled into granular fill or concrete aggregate.
  
  

Safety

• Concrete driveways may also be safer than other driveway options. Concrete has a non-skid surface, making slips less likely, and the reflected light helps illuminate your home and yard.