Unless your home comes with a pre-existing, intricately patterned driveway, you have a simple block of asphalt or concrete. While there is nothing wrong with a driveway that is purely utilitarian, replacing it with something more attractive is an unexpected way to enhance the look of your property. And one of the best ways to take your driveway from simple to spectacular is to use artificial turf to create a customized design.
While most people think of artificial turf as one An alternative to grass lawnsApplying it to your driveway has numerous upsides in aesthetics, maintenance and durability (as long as it is not subjected to heavy vehicle weight or high levels of traffic). The idea here is to use thin strips of turf and place them between the gaps between concrete slabs or pavers. The way the gaps are patterned can be as complex as you like, from a classic grid shape to a more visually complex herringbone style. When combined with hard surfaces, the texture and color of turf bring a sophisticated softness to the space.
One potential downside to adding artificial turf to your driveway design is that it can be expensive. When you add in the $15 to $19 per square foot average cost of turf with paving materials, site prep and installation, this is a no-brainer. Inexpensive way to pave a driveway. However, the overall durability and lack of maintenance of artificial turf will more than pay for itself over the lifetime of the driveway.
Why artificial turf is a great custom choice for your driveway
While the aesthetic value of artificial turf is the primary goal of its use, there are many reasons why it is better than natural grass for this type of work. First, artificial turf requires no mowing or weeding. Say goodbye to grass between patio stones or driveway pavers are a constant chore for many homeowners. With artificial turf, you get all the benefits of its appearance without having to actually do anything to maintain it, aside from an annual infill pour to maintain the color.
High-end artificial turf is also built with UV resistance, meaning it won’t brown or dry out with prolonged exposure to direct sun and heat (just keep in mind that low-quality artificial turf is susceptible to UV damage). Another plus is that artificial turf behaves similarly Concrete Replacement Like impervious pavers that will help with water drainage. Water will seep through the turf and into the soil beneath the pavers, preventing puddles and aiding runoff during weather events.
Then there is the question of sustainability. While standard grass can be easily pulled up and destroyed by tires, artificial turf between pavers can withstand being driven on or parked with minimal long-term damage. While standard-grade artificial turf lasts about 8 to 15 years, good quality artificial turf can last 15 to 25 years. Therefore, you will be able to customize your driveway with unique patterns and selected materials that will stick for a long time.
