Until our latest construction project (garage) was completed and the next construction project (carriage house), we stared at our Regrind Lothway with fresh eyes, as fewer trucks, cars and equipment were wreaking havoc on our property. I reread the original article from three years ago, discussing all the driveway options and not knowing if I made the right decision. We compared concrete (too expensive), gravel (washed away by rain), chipseal (washed away by rain), asphalt (cheapest but very black and new construction wind/wrong atmosphere), and Regrind (compact recycled asphalt on top of a loose layer of gravel). I chose Regrind. This was 2k$2k over asphalt (made by asphalt contractor). I left that last post on a cliff hanger – did we make the right $40k decision???? Let’s take a look in three years.
Previous – 2019
As a reminder, I’ve been arrested before – Super Bust. And I wish I had known the exact area of our driveway, but I think it’s about a quarter mile (at least, when we take the trash cans into the street, it’s going crazy for so long).
I was hoping not to invest in the driveway (a boring way to spend money), but we had to make the decision as to what to do. Read articles that use the advantages and disadvantages of each to analyze all your options.
The First Year of Regrind Driforway – 2022
As a reminder, we wanted something that felt old, worthy of a farm 120 years ago. Listen and hear what our home has been revealed. It still has a casual vibe. And we were (and still is) afraid that asphalt was not the right choice stylistic choice. And as a reminder, we would have washed away the gravel as we were on the hills and live in the Pacific Northwest, where God bless us with the rain of several months each year.
Our first response was “It’s okay.” A few months later, “It’s actually great.” Since then, that’s honestly not what we’ve ever thought. It’s only our driveway and I’m not paying attention to it. Listen, I barely know which of the two cars I drive (not kidding, there’s something I call “car blindness” that kids enter the nearest black SUV).
Currently, the Regrind Drifway in 2025…3 years from now
It looks almost the same, but the parts are dirty and loose. I asked Brian what he thought about it now and he said, “I don’t know – do you think it’s okay?” It’s like how I feel. I still like the charm of the sound of gravel under my feet. I love that it’s more rustic and not a harsh dark new colour (or broken concrete). You can really hit it without leaving traces. If we were doing asphalt, we would have to do so many trucks here and maybe it could damage it, so we’re already worried we’ll have to start over.
Over time, some areas are getting a little “b-grained” of loose gravel, but the compressed asphalt underneath is still there. To be honest, I didn’t even realize it until I forced myself to see myself. I think it’s pretty much the same, but if the top layer of loose gravel is shaking a bit, I won’t be shocked.
My official verdict – Liglind or asphalt?
Regrind remains the best choice for us, even if we are not voice Regrind lovers. It’s great, appropriate and it really works here. If we didn’t have old and more simple assets, ask and There is a sport court for bikes/roller blades, but asphalt was probably our choice. If you have a young child and want a place to cycl and blade (or play basketball), Regrind is not the best for that. They cost roughly the same, so like most, this is a personal preference and I am fully satisfied with what we have chosen. There are no regrets, but don’t think asphalt is a bad choice. It’s not what we wanted, and not stylistically. I don’t like dragging garbage cans into the street (the street on Regrind Driftway (feels like a quarter mile) but it’s better than gravel. But the look and feel is worth it for us. We’ll offer an update in another 3 years 🙂
*Cute photos Caitlyn Green
**Emily’s outfit: top | Shorts | Sandals
Source: Emily Henderson – stylebyemilyhenderson.com
