Congrats go out to this homeowner as they wrap up construction on their newly paved home. This involved grading out some material that was there, putting in a few drain pipes, and paving recycled asphalt through a paving machine and compacting. Low price compared to concrete or hot mix, but fits into the country surroundings perfectly. Looks amazing!

Country roads and driveways are going green! ​

That's right! Using the asphalt millings off an interstate or highway that is being replaced or repaved means less waste and far fewer natural resources. That's because now, we're collecting all that roadway, crushing it into small consistent pieces, and because it retains much of its original adhesive properties, so it can be recycled.

The process of reusing the material is pretty straight forward. The first step is to assess the current driveway condition. If it is in need of repair prior to laying down recycled asphalt, then that would be next. Occasionally, it helps to address any drainage issues (culverts, etc.) at this time since we'll have the machinery there to fix them. Once the area is prepared, the material can be laid down and compacted.

From there, the material will harden over time. Heat and moisture will help this process. Considering we're in North  Texas around McKinney, Celina, Pilot Point, Sherman, etc., we have plenty of sun and most of the year we have plenty of moisture. Once that has a chance to take hold, the bottom layers will solidify while the top layer remains looser. A thin layer of loose stones will lay tight against a firmer base even after as little as a few weeks.

This material is very good for Texas, holding up to the heavy vehicles we tend to drive around here. 

It makes for the perfect rural driveway, country parking area, barn entrance, or ranch road without the expense of higher priced cement or hot asphalt.

Stylistically it looks great, being a grayer, lighter version of blacktop.

Functionally, it is dust-free, and long-lasting.

If anything happens it is perhaps the easiest to maintain. Adding more material or grading is always an inexpensive option. This is a reasonably priced way to do our longer country stretches, parking areas, barn entrances, etc.

Hit us up if we can show you some examples we've recently completed. Contact Us

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It only takes a short drive in the country to realize there's a problem and you may be experiencing it as well if you're in North Texas. Our roads and driveways take a beating. Not only from the heat, but from rain, and even the condition of the soil under them.

So, what are your options if you have a new country road, ranch road, or long driveway in need of replacement or repair?

The short answer is it depends on the money you want to spend and the condition of the driveway now.

Here is a list of paving for rural driveways in Texas:

1. Cement - By far the most expensive.
Pro - Long-lasting.
Con - Cracks in weather extremes, Expensive to repair.

2. Hot Asphalt aka Blacktop - Far cheaper than cement.
Pro - Long-lasting (Adapts to temperature extremes).
Con - to get max lifespan, sealcoating is recommended every 3-5 years.

3. Recycled Asphalt - Still cheaper than hot ashpalt.
Pro - Dust-free & Easiest to repair if needed.
Con - Thin top layer of stone stays loose while base hardens.

4. Recycled Concrete - Inexpensive.
Pro - Strong (Retains original concrete stability).
Con - Left as a top-coat it can be dusty.

5. Crushed Granite - Cost similar to recycled asphalt.
​Pro - Beautiful reddish color.
Con - May have to replenish some after a few years.

6. Tar & Chip - Cost is between hot asphalt and recycled asphalt.
Pro - Solid, long-lasting surface.
Con - Some loose stones remain on top unless removed.

7. Gravel - Lowest cost of all driveway materials.
Pro - Longest lifespan (if regularly maintained).
Con - Could be dusty. Needs grading at some point.

Pavers, bricks & cobblestones are not mentioned simply because in our area (North Texas) it's not all that practical for the long driveways we encounter, not to mention the movement of the soil can be a problem with these materials.

Country Roads Paving & Excavation is installing new driveways and roads with these materials so, if you have any questions, please contact us. If you are in Prosper, Celina, Gunter, Sherman, Pilot Point, McKinney, Frisco, Little Elm, New Hope, Princeton or anywhere close to these areas we'd welcome an estimate request as well. We hope this is helpful, and thanks so much for reading!