Online building supplies share their tips on making your driveway look as attractive as possible without spending a fortune.
Only DIY what you can
If you’re unskilled in the DIY department or have very little DIY experience there are still many things you can do yourself when it comes to revamping your driveway. However, it’s important to know when to call in the help of a professional or a skilled friend. Trying to take on too much work that’s beyond your skill level may result in you paying for it in the end, either in extra time or repairs if you make a mistake. By calling in professional help, you’re likely to save money in the long run but only if you choose someone reputable and with all the right qualifications, so do your research before you decide to go with a certain company or tradesperson.
De-Weed and Clean
No matter how many weeds you have growing on your driveway, they’re an eyesore in any capacity and taking the time to remove them can make a huge difference to your driveways overall appearance. Unruly moss can also have the same affect, so be sure to kill and remove it from your flagstones or use a wire brush to remove it between the gaps if you have block paving.
If you have a gravel driveway and weeds are starting to poke their way through, you may not be able to get away with just killing them. To stop them from coming back or at least reduce the amount of weeds growing, you’ll need to lay a new weed control membrane. This is an easy enough job to do even if your DIY knowledge is very limited.
Once you’ve de-weeded your drive don’t stop there. Be sure to look for weeds poking out of walls, around borders and the base of your house where the brick meets the ground.
Once you’re done de-weeding take the time to clean your driveway. Cleaning will not only help to improve your driveways appearance, it will also allow you to spot signs of damage and wear. If your drive still looks worn out after a good clean, then you may want to think about investing in a new driveway covering.
The most effective tool for cleaning flagstones and concrete is a pressure washer, which in most cases can be rented for around £20 a day. Pressure washers will effectively remove stubborn dirt build up, moss and algae without scrubbing.
Add Decorative Features
- Plant Life
One cheap and effective way to give your driveway an uplift is to add decorative features. Try adding some potted plants around your front door to create more of an ‘entrance’. You could also add a plant border around the perimeter of your drive to brighten it up.
- Door Number
You may think something as small as a door number won’t make a difference to the appearance of your home’s exterior but it will! A door number is one of the first things anyone sees when entering your home or using your driveway. If your door number is worn or broken, it creates a feeling of unkemptness for your driveway overall. You can find personalised door numbers for as little as £20.