Now that our newest building mission is finished (the garages) and till we begin the subsequent one (the carriage home), now we have fewer vans, automobiles, and tools 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 suitable determination. We in contrast concrete (too costly), gravel (would wash away in rain), chipseal (would additionally wash away with rain), asphalt (least expensive however very black and new-construction-esque/incorrect vibe), and regrind (compacted recycled asphalt with a layer of free gravel on prime). We selected regrind, which was $2k greater than asphalt (finished by our asphalt contractor). I left that final put up on a cliff hanger – did we make the suitable $40k determination???? 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 (a minimum of it feels that method once 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 wished one thing that felt older, applicable to a 120-year-old farm. Pay attention, nevertheless fancy our home has turned out, it nonetheless has an off-the-cuff vibe, and we have been (and nonetheless are) afraid that asphalt wouldn’t be the suitable alternative, style-wise. And as a reminder, gravel would have washed away as a result of we’re on a hill and we stay within the Pacific Northwest, the place God blesses us with months of rain yearly.
Our preliminary response was “it’s fantastic,” then months later, “it’s really 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. Pay attention, I barely know which of our two automobiles I drive (not joking, I’ve what the youngsters name “automotive blindness” the place I get into the closest black SUV), so all of us have the issues we care about, and driveways aren’t one in all mine.
Now, Our Regrind Driveway in 2025…3 Years Later
It seems to be largely the identical however dirtier and looser in components. I simply requested Brian what he considered it now, and he mentioned, “I don’t know – I suppose it’s fantastic?”. That’s form of how I really feel. I nonetheless want the allure of the gravel sound below my ft. I really like that it’s extra rustic and never a harsh darkish new shade (or damaged concrete). You may actually beat it up with out leaving a hint. I do worry that had we finished asphalt, we must have it redone already since we cope with so many vans right here, doubtless damaging it.
Over time, some areas have gotten a tiny bit “bald” of free gravel, however the compacted asphalt beneath continues to be there. I didn’t even discover it, to be trustworthy, till I pressured myself to look. I believe it’s largely 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 continues to be your best option for us, even when we aren’t vocal Regrind fanatics. It’s simply nice, applicable, and works right here very well. Pay attention, if we didn’t have an older, extra rustic property AND have a sports activities court docket for biking/curler blading, then I believe asphalt would most likely have been our alternative. In case you have younger youngsters and wish a spot for biking or blading (or taking part in basketball), then regrind isn’t the very best for that. They’re about the identical value, so like most issues, it is a private desire, and we’re completely happy sufficient with what we selected. Now we have zero regrets, however actually don’t assume that asphalt is a foul alternative, simply stylistically not what we wished. We don’t love dragging the trash cans right down to the road (looks like 1/4 mile) on the regrind driveway, nevertheless it’s higher than gravel. However the appear and feel is price it to us. Will provide you with an replace in one other 3 years 🙂
*Fairly Photographs by Kaitlin Inexperienced
**Emily’s Outfit: High | Shorts | Sandals
