What kind of driveway material is appropriate for a midcentury home? Pavers? Concrete? Pea gravel? Asphalt? Reader Jane does not like the pinky-gray brick paving blocks added at some point as the driveway of her 1958 home, and welcomes our ideas and suggestions. I have some immediate reactions and thoughts… but I have not researched this topic… Readers, what do you think? Read on for Jane’s complete question and story…
Jane writes:
I searched your site for any info on driveways… but I think it is a topic you have yet to cover! My midcentury home has been unfortunately renovated with a pinky-grey interlocking brick. I [*h*-word edited by pam] interlocking brick. With a passion. Looking up ways to cover it seems to result in no answers – apparently, everyone on the internet wants to put this in, not cover it or take it out!
Wondering if you have any thoughts on midcentury driveways — I think concrete looks best… but maybe pea gravel would be a cheap way to cover up the interlock… I dunno. I was thinking to maybe post a pic of my Midcentury Don Mills (Ontario) house exterior and have some of your readers weigh in on cool midcentury driveway ideas.
Forgive the lawn, it’s Canadian winter, everything is dead at the moment.
I just got a quote from my family contractor, he said 8 to 10 THOUSAND dollars just to rip out the interlock and put in plain concrete. Ay caramba! Now I know I need some more options! I wonder what else would look good with this house.
Dumping pea gravel over the interlock is looking like the cheapest option… but can you roll giant recycling bins over that stuff? Will it get all over the road? So many questions!
Can you just pave over interlock? I’m guessing the experts will say no…
I also asked Jane for more info on what got her into this lovely home. She responded:
I have always had a fetish for Mid Century houses. Didn’t grow up in one, but I had friends who did. I swore one day when I could afford one, I’d buy one! We bought the house in 2010 after a very loooong search – they say no one leaves Don Mills, except in a hearse. People all moved in in the late 50s when it was built, then loved it so much, they never moved out. So housing stock is hard to come by. Don Mills is the only area in Toronto (within commuting distance to my job) that has these types of homes. First modern planned community in Canada. Lots of great MCM houses. And a great place to live.
Anyway, after 10 months of searching, we found this one. Unfortunately it had fallen prey to some ‘flippers’ who bought it in 2008, put in some cheap Home Depot/Ikea updates, then resold in 2010. I’m in the process of trying to undo all that they did, such as putting fake wood floor over perfectly good linoleum (arrrgh!), painting over wood panelling (gasp!), ripping out kitchen (silent weeping), etc.
I have pics of what the original house looked like in ’58 – but doing before and afters will wait for another time, when I am happy with my interior (but will I ever be happy?) haha.
By the way, the grey in the front was picked from that palette of Eichler colours you posted ages ago – Chelsea Grey. Thanks for that – they have been very useful. I’m picking some more from that set for my fence.
Cheers, Jane
Thanks, Jane, for all this information. This is a good one. Readers: Read more about historic midcentury Don Mills at Jane’s blog, Don Mills: Rediscovering the Suburban Dream.
And now: Let’s hear your ideas… I’m gonna hang back, read your ideas, think about ’em, and pop in later with an opinion and ideas…
Jane says
Staining! I like it! You’re right, the pink colour (its more pink than the photo shows) is really what’s turning me off the most. It makes it hard to pick house colours because everything clashes with it.
I’m all for pink bathrooms. But I draw the line at pink driveways!
Oooooh off to google staining now…
Patty says
Pink goes with grey, black, blue, green, red. Be creative.
Lynne says
If you want to replace the pavers, I’d use concrete. Considering snow removal, ice, salt and such, its the most durable practical choice in a northern climate. I don’t think the pavers would be stable enough for anything to be laid over them.
Have you considered a little sweat equity? Okay, well, A LOT of sweat equity? Perhaps you could remove the pavers yourselves, it would save quite a bit on the labor costs of the new driveway. Maybe you could sell the blocks to someone who loves the look? Like thru Craigslist? Or a sign in the yard while the work progresses? Or, maybe you wouldn’t dislike them so much if they were re-used on a patio in the back?
Failing all of that, I would call a concrete place and check to see if they could be stained.
Zach Woods says
In my experience, asphalt (with some maintenance) will last longer and better than concrete in salty winter conditions.
Gene Brake says
I actually like the look of the pavers, but I bet the color is whats putting you off more than the actual pavers. Perhaps consider staining them a different more neutral color? Since the pavers are just cement, you should be able to use the same process you would to stain a cement drive or patio. The cost would be minimal and you might find you like it after all.
Gene Brake says
Elaine an I apparently had the same idea. 🙂 Great minds…..
sarah says
I also think stain is the way to go. the pavers are in great shape, and you can stain lighter or darker depending on your taste.
Elaine says
I actually like the way the pavers look. Maybe you could stain them a different color, that would be the cheapest alternative for change. I have a blacktop driveway and that does take maintenance. It must be sealed at least every other year, a real mess. Concrete can also be a problem with cracks and heaving. DH has gravel at his office, and that takes a lot of work. In winter, the plows move the gravel off the driveway and in spring is must be put back. Also, cars track it into the street where it washes down into a low area up the street. If I were you, I would keep the pavers until they need work, THEN look into replacement.
Elaine says
PS the asphalt also cracks and needs to be repaired every spring. After just 20 years, we are getting recommendations that we get it redone completely.
Jane says
Also, I agree, my front yard needs some landscaping love. That is this year’s project. Last year was all about the inside… this year is all about the outside! I’m taking out some old dying bushes, moving some beds around, and putting in some interesting perennials and edibles.
In the summer, weeds like to poke up through the interlock driveway. But that is not the additional foliage I desire!
Anna says
The second I saw that photo, I knew it was Don Mills. Beautiful. I think I know what street it is on too.
An asphalt driveway, though boring, might be the best for T.O., but I would dress it up with a border, like the one that is already there, and a concrete ‘landing pad’ in front of the carport to the front door.
You can’t put asphalt on top of the interlock – you need a good deep gravel base or your driveway will heave in the freeze/thaw cycle.
You could save some money by taking out the interlock yourself. Not exactly the most fun job but…
Connie says
I would use pavers, in a color that compliments the color of brick on the house.
Jane says
I love the look of Turfstone Pavers. I’ve been thinking of doing my driveway and backyard (small) with it. Very eco friendly (no run-off).
Tallulah says
I don’t know what it’s called, but it looks like pea gravel in concrete. I’ve seen this used at some Mid-Century homes around here…
pam kueber says
It’s called aggregate, I believe.
Patty says
And I understand it is expensive and should be resealed regularly.
Jane / MulchMaid says
My husband with the architecture background calls it “exposed aggregate”. We had it done when we replaced our cracked, broken, RED concrete back patio and I love it! It wasn’t a lot more expensive than having the standard smooth or brushed concrete, just took one more step. The MCM look is perfect for this great house, Jane, so do consider it if you decide to go for complete driveway replacement.
Jane says
Thanks for your comments, and keep them coming! I am intrigued by asphalt… and agree that concrete over the pavers (even patio stones) will crack. Good to know pea gravel is a PITA.
I do like the look of the 2 strips with grass inbetween, too. But it still necessitates removing the interlock.
Even more interesting is that some of you like my driveway, ha ha! Please, feel free to come and take it away…
Heidi says
I agree with asphalt. I think the color and lack of pattern would go nicely with your house. I’m sure you would have no problem selling the bricks from your driveway. That would help offset the cost of the asphalt.
redneckmodern says
be sure to consider your location insofar as freeze/thaw and snow in addition to adjacent plantings (trees, etc. that might promote heaving).
like others,i’d suggest first attempting to stain a dark gray/black — this could be a DIY job. second, gray pavers that you actually like (which would necessitate a rip-out) and lastly, ripping it out and starting over with a poured concrete with lots (and lots) of control joints as your winters would be tough on a solid slab.
asphalt… would look like the first syllable of the word (and the texture of the pavers would eventually telescope through).