Choosing the materials used for your driveway is a big decision. After all, it's a key aspect of your home's exterior, and functionality is just as important as appearance. The best way to narrow it down is to consult with your paving contractor — Foley, AL, residents and businesses choose R & S Paving & Grading. They've handled everything from driveways to parking lot paving in the area for over 25 years, so they'll find the perfect fit for your home.

When you break it down to the most popular driveway materials, most paving contractors will start with the following three: 

• Asphalt: One of the most popular driveway materials, asphalt brings a variety of benefits that make it popular, including low installation cost and increased durability against drastic changes in temperature. It does require regular upkeep, though, and an application of driveway sealant is recommended every two to four years. 
• Concrete: Concrete's chief advantages are strength and versatility. There's a great deal you can do with concrete from an aesthetic perspective, so it's worth seeing what kind of personalization options your paving contractor has to offer. There aren't many cons to the material, but stains can be tough to remove, and while major cracks are unlikely, extreme freezing and other issues can lead to damage.
• Gravel: Gravel, like asphalt, is relatively inexpensive and simple to install. It comes with high maintenance requirements, from dealing with dust and loose rocks to periodically resurfacing the top layer. However, installing and maintaining it properly could make it last a lifetime. 

There are many driveway materials worth considering; check with your paving contractor to see what they can install. To guarantee the installation process goes as smoothly as possible, work with the experts at R & S Paving & Grading. Visit them online to learn more about their paving services, and call them at (251) 943-2071 to request a quote today.