Edging — The Final Touch For Your Asphalt Driveway

Do you want to make your new asphalt driveway look great and last longer? If so, it's time to consider how to edge it. Why does asphalt need edging? And what can you use to edge it no matter what your landscape goals are? Here are some answers to your questions. 

Why Edge Your Asphalt?

When laying down your driveway, the asphalt will come to a tapered edge on all unframed sides. This may surprise some homeowners used to other materials like brick, stone, or concrete. These materials are self-edged and come to a nice, crisp vertical stop. However, particularly in concrete, this is due to the molds and forms used until the material hardens. Asphalt laying is not so precise. 

This less formal edge may or may not be a visual you want, but lining it has a more important purpose: protection. As you walk and drive on the edges over time, they can crack and break. In addition, things like mowers, weed eaters, and play equipment that come into contact with the edge can further damage it.

Unfortunately, broken edges can be hard to repair — in contrast to the simple repair methods for internal asphalt breakage — and may cause tripping hazards or landscape damage. So it's best to minimize them with proper edging. 

How Can You Edge Your Driveway?

The good news is that you can give your asphalt driveway the finishing touch in any number of ways. One of the most popular is to use pavers known as Belgian bricks. Rough-cut rectangular pavers fit along the sides and top or bottom edges to form a frame that gives the asphalt the support it needs and prevents landscaping equipment from making contact.

Along with solid materials like Belgian bricks, you might consider materials like brick, stone, faux pavers, and even railroad ties. All these options meet different budgets and different visual goals. 

Finally, don't forget simple landscaping. While flower beds, trees, or shrubs provide less physical protection, they make a clear barrier that discourages people from driving or walking too close to the edge. If you want a less casual, more rustic look, landscaping could do the trick. 

Where to Start

Learn more about asphalt edging, options, and recommendations by meeting with an asphalt paving company in your local area. With their expertise and experience with other local property owners, they'll help you find the right way to complete your new driveway. Make an appointment today to get started.