An unsightly driveway is one of the best ways to ruin your home’s curb appeal. Transform yours by installing one with Old World charm and long-lasting beauty. Here’s what you need to know about cobblestone driveways.
What Are Cobblestones?
Cobblestones were first used by the Romans to pave pathways and roadways. They can still be seen in many of the Old Towns throughout Europe and are part of the allure of the villages. Cobblestones have remained popular as pavers in various cultures for centuries.
Not to be confused with brick or concrete pavers, cobblestones are granite, basalt, limestone, sandstone, and other natural stones. Granite is typically the priciest cobblestone pavers but their incredible durability makes them worth the investment. Granite and sandstone come in colors ranging from subtle to vibrate so it’s easy to match a cobblestone driveway to your property.
As much as four tons of material may be used to install a cobblestone driveway. Specific stones are used for trucks and heavier cars. Be sure to purchase the right cobblestone pavers for your project.
Cobblestones can be laid in stunning designs, creating an eye-catching driveway that will take your home’s curb appeal to a new level.
Long-Lasting Beauty
Cobblestones are highly durable, waterproof, and stain-resistant. They have a history of popular use in public places for projects like park benches, sidewalks, and alleys because the stones have remained beautiful for centuries.
Because cobblestones are natural stones they’re naturally resistant. They can withstand the pressure of a vehicle load. Done properly with the right materials, the grout spaces between the stones can expand to accommodate tons of weight. With proper maintenance, a cobblestone driveway won’t crack or chip in your lifetime.
Water resistance adds to the durability of cobblestones. They can withstand years of rain and snow. A driveway paved with cobblestones will be water-permeable. Open joints protect the stones from high winds.
Your cobblestone driveway will ensure long-lasting curb appeal and add tremendously to the value of your property.
Easy to Install
Whether you go the DIY route or hire an authorized contractor, a cobblestone driveway is easy to install. It typically involves installing a base layer, a gravel layer, and a sand layer. For the base, the cobblestones are compacted with cement or earth to provide a solid, weight-bearing base. The gravel layer adds both traction for vehicles and form for aesthetics. The sand layer protects the cobblestones and other materials from damage by the elements.
Easy to Clean and Replace
In addition to durability and beauty, cobblestone driveways are easy to maintain. When properly sealed, natural stones such as granite, sandstone, and bluestone are pH-proof and resist stains from fuel, chemicals, and other substances. Unless you live in a very dry climate, you’ll rarely need to wash your cobblestone driveway because the rain will do the job for you.
You can keep your cobblestone driveway looking its best with a monthly washing using a mild detergent. If you should have any broken or defective cobblestones to wind up in your project, they can easily be replaced.
