Tips For Designing Driveways In Lake Placid NY

Many people don’t give a second thought to designing driveways in Lake Placid NY. They simply think of it as an extension of the road. Driveways should be as fashionable as they are functional, however, as they are the first thing that guests see. Here are a few tips for designing your driveway.

First, consider the shape of the driveway. Horseshoe driveways in Lake Placid NY are popular because they eliminate the need for backing out. This design features an entrance at the road, curves around as it approaches the house and garage, then has a separate exit point at the road.  Not all lots have enough space to accommodate horseshoe driveways. In this case, you may want to consider a lollypop shaped driveways. This design has a single entry/exit point at the road, but opens into a loop as it nears the house. You can create a grand entrance to your home by adding a raised flower garden or a water feature in the center of the loop. If space is at a premium in your front yard, you probably want to stick with a standard straight driveway. You can always add a bit more functionality to it by giving it extra width as it nears the house.

Once you have decided on a layout for your driveway, you will want to consider the materials you want to use. Concrete or asphalt driveways in Lake Placid NY tend to be the most popular. Each material has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Asphalt tends to have a slight edge over concrete, however. It is more affordable, less prone to cracking during winter months, and will not be damaged by salt or ice removal products. Many people still shy away from asphalt, however, because they want something more decorative. The truth is that asphalt driveways in Lake Placid NY can be tinted to a wide variety of colors and stamped to resemble pavers, bricks or cobblestone.

Determine what decorative features you want to add to your driveway design. Adding two foot wide borders along each side of the driveway in a contrasting color and design gives it visual interest and improves walk-about space. The rest of the driveway can then be paved in traditional black asphalt to save money or in a different color for a custom look. For a more cohesive look, you may also want to consider paving the walkway to your front door with the same color and pattern as the borders. Some people also choose to use decorative features for the driveway apron to provide a stylish and sophisticated transition from the roadway to the driveway.