Now that our newest development venture is completed (the garages) and till we begin the following one (the carriage home), we’ve got fewer vehicles, automobiles, and gear wreaking havoc on our property, which made me stare at our regrind driveway with recent eyes. I simply reread the unique article, from three years in the past, debating all of the driveway choices and uncertain if we made the proper choice. We in contrast concrete (too costly), gravel (would wash away in rain), chipseal (would additionally wash away with rain), asphalt (most cost-effective however very black and new-construction-esque/fallacious vibe), and regrind (compacted recycled asphalt with a layer of free gravel on prime). We selected regrind, which was $2k greater than asphalt (accomplished by our asphalt contractor). I left that final put up on a cliff hanger – did we make the proper $40k choice???? Three years later, let’s see.
Earlier than – 2019
As a reminder, right here’s how busted it was earlier than – SUPER BUSTED. And I want I knew the precise sq. footage of our driveway, however I’d say it’s round 1/4 of a mile (no less than it feels that method after we take the trash cans to the road – so freaking lengthy).
Whereas I had hoped to not put money into the driveway (boring strategy to spend cash), we needed to and belabored the choice of what to do. Learn the article the place I break down all our choices, with the professionals and cons of every.
First Yr Of Our Regrind Driveway – 2022
As a reminder, we needed one thing that felt older, applicable to a 120-year-old farm. Hear, nevertheless fancy our home has turned out, it nonetheless has an informal vibe, and we had been (and nonetheless are) afraid that asphalt wouldn’t be the proper selection, style-wise. And as a reminder, gravel would have washed away as a result of we’re on a hill and we dwell within the Pacific Northwest, the place God blesses us with months of rain yearly.
Our preliminary response was “it’s effective,” then months later, “it’s truly GREAT”. And since then, it’s actually not one thing we ever take into consideration. It’s simply our driveway and I give zero consideration to it. Hear, I barely know which of our two automobiles I drive (not joking, I’ve what the children name “automobile blindness” the place I get into the closest black SUV), so all of us have the issues we care about, and driveways aren’t considered one of mine.
Now, Our Regrind Driveway in 2025…3 Years Later
It seems principally the identical however dirtier and looser in elements. I simply requested Brian what he considered it now, and he mentioned, “I don’t know – I assume it’s effective?”. That’s sort of how I really feel. I nonetheless choose the allure of the gravel sound below my toes. I like that it’s extra rustic and never a harsh darkish new colour (or damaged concrete). You possibly can actually beat it up with out leaving a hint. I do worry that had we accomplished asphalt, we must have it redone already since we cope with so many vehicles right here, probably damaging it.
Over time, some areas have gotten a tiny bit “bald” of free gravel, however the compacted asphalt beneath remains to be there. I didn’t even discover it, to be trustworthy, till I compelled myself to look. I feel it’s principally the identical, however I wouldn’t be shocked if the highest layer of free gravel is shaken up a bit.
My Official Verdict – Regrind Or Asphalt?
Regrind remains to be your best option for us, even when we aren’t vocal Regrind fans. It’s simply nice, applicable, and works right here rather well. Hear, if we didn’t have an older, extra rustic property AND have a sports activities court docket for biking/curler blading, then I feel asphalt would most likely have been our selection. When you’ve got younger children and wish a spot for biking or blading (or taking part in basketball), then regrind isn’t the most effective for that. They’re about the identical price, so like most issues, it is a private choice, and we’re completely satisfied sufficient with what we selected. We’ve zero regrets, however actually don’t suppose that asphalt is a nasty selection, simply stylistically not what we needed. We don’t love dragging the trash cans all the way down to the road (seems like 1/4 mile) on the regrind driveway, nevertheless it’s higher than gravel. However the feel and appear is price it to us. Offers you an replace in one other 3 years 🙂
*Fairly Pictures by Kaitlin Inexperienced
**Emily’s Outfit: High | Shorts | Sandals
