Homeowners often look for ways to improve their homes. While many homeowners have visions of refurbished kitchens and brand new bathrooms dancing in their heads, smaller jobs can also give a home a new and improved look.         

One such job is redoing the driveway. While it might not be as glamorous as a new kitchen or creating a home theater, redoing the driveway can give a home's exterior a decidedly different look. Those considering a new driveway should carefully consider the different materials available before getting to work.           

* Gravel. Gravel driveways provide a more historical feel, one that harkens homeowners back to the days of horse-drawn carriages. Those who want to add a touch of yesteryear to their home's exterior might want to consider a gravel driveway, which is not only a more classical look, but, in many instances, a more affordable one as well. A definite consideration for homeowners considering gravel, however, is the average rainfall. Homeowners who live in areas with heavy rainfall should probably avoid gravel driveways, as washout could wash away all of the driveway's stones. It's also likely a gravel driveway will turn muddy should heavy rains arrive. 

* Asphalt. Many homeowners choose asphalt driveways because of their ease of maintenance and cost effectiveness. Contractors are used to installing asphalt driveways, and many DIYers can even do the job themselves.  Perhaps the biggest argument against asphalt driveways is they attract heat. Parents might not want their kids playing on an asphalt driveway in summer, when a trip or fall might not only result in a scrape, but quite possibly a burn as well. Asphalt driveways tend to crack over time as well, forcing homeowners to repave them more often than they might prefer.     

* Cobblestone or bluestone. Homeowners with deep pockets and the environment on the brain might want to consider cobblestone or bluestone for their next driveway. Both cobblestone and bluestone are environmentally friendly, but they're also expensive. What's more, driveways made of cobblestone and bluestone are prone to weeds and will require resealing during their lifespan.   As much as they might scare off some homeowners, the beauty of cobblestone and bluestone might make it all worthwhile. Homeowners with smaller driveways might want to consider these materials, as their aesthetic appeal is often unrivaled, and a smaller driveway will result in less weeds to pull and less maintenance costs.        

* Concrete. Concrete driveways, like asphalt, often make parents cringe. In spite of their aesthetic appeal, Moms and Dads often look ahead to nasty spills taken by kids on concrete driveways, which can also prove tough to clean, as they're prone to stains.  In spite of those characteristics, concrete driveways are quite popular, thanks in large part to customization. Concrete driveways can be customized to a homeowner's particular needs and wants, including colors and designs. Homeowners who want a driveway beyond the standard fare might prefer concrete for its versatility of style.         

* Brick. Another expensive but very pleasing driveway material is brick. Labor costs make brick driveways among the more expensive to install. However, homeowners with brick driveways typically find the driveway becomes a talking point and the envy of neighbors.

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