Do you face the problem of parking space when people come over to your house?
If yes, then you might be looking for elegant and cheap driveway extension ideas for your home.
These ideas will help you make extra space for parking and events.
You can also DIY them and save on the labour cost.
You can completely renovate your space within your budget that can also be used for events and barbecue nights.
The affordable materials that you can use are gravel, pavers and mulch that will provide stability to your ground.
It will also enhance the durability and charm of your driveway.
Here, you can explore the cheap extension ideas for your house using long-lasting materials that are also versatile to use.
They will increase the curb appeal, and of course, they will add significantly to the property value.
Driveway Extension Cost For Your House
After deciding to extend your driveway, what most people are unsure about is the driveway extension cost.
Is it going to be expensive or cheap? Or which material is best for the house?
Here is the table that breaks down the overall expense of the landscaping design for you.
| Material Type | Cost per feet | Recommended area | Features of the extension |
| Gravel / Crushed stone | $1.25-$4 sq ft | It is suitable for short and long spaces, transforming a single-car space into a multiple-car driveway. | It is the lowest in cost and DIY friendly, but it requires maintenance from time to time for stability and longevity. |
| Concrete | $6-$12 sq ft | Suitable for small to large driveways, if you have sloped sites, then it can be chosen | It is budget-friendly and viable, but it can crack and leak, which needs regular repair. |
| Brick / Natural stone | $8-$25 sq ft | Best for multi-car driveways, and you can opt for the borders | It is distinguished and aesthetic with a wide range of style but it can’t be DIY and requires expensive repairs |
| Pavers (permeable) | $8-$40 sq ft | It is reasonable for a medium to large driveway extension that is decorative in appearance | It looks attractive and manages storm-runoff, but it needs maintenance and is relatively expensive |
| Stamped textured concrete | $9-$22 sq ft | It can be used on small-medium driveways that are made using decorative concrete stones | It is a decorative and cost-effective material option, but it damages over time, so it requires repairs often |
The cheap driveway extension is preferred for being budget-friendly and long-lasting.
You can choose from these ideas for your house, taking the length and width into account for better results.
They are also easy to DIY and make a huge change in your property by being eco-friendly and attractive.
10 Attractive Cheap Driveway Extension Ideas For Your House
The most attractive cheap driveway extension ideas for your house are discussed here with detailed reasons.
You can choose from these elegant ideas because of their longevity and allure.
They can be DIY with your personal touch to make it appear distinguished.
We have multiple driveway extension ideas on a budget.
Wood chip Driveway Extension
The wood chip driveway extension is a budget-friendly, unique idea that is low-maintenance and can potentially renovate your space.
It is an easy-to-install driveway that needs to be replenished every 2-3 years.
Usually, people opt for this idea for the muddy regions that can enhance the rural aesthetics of their house.
I really like the autumn aesthetic of this extension that can certainly improve the curb appeal and pet-friendliness.
If you can’t arrange wood chips, then you can also go for mulch.
It absorbs the excess moisture from the ground, making it last longer.
You can choose one of the DIY cheap extension ideas for your house as a quick option that appears rustic and classic.
Brick Ribbon Extension for Driveway
The brick ribbon extension for a driveway is a versatile idea that can last for decades.
It increases the property value upto 10%, ROI.
Not only does it add to the texture of the driveway, but it also gives character to the house.
It is a classic design that is decorated with a ribbon border where you can grow flowers and shrubs.
This extension idea is durable and improves the curb appeal elegantly, preventing cracking and leakage of water into the cracks.
Most people prefer it as they can use bricks to make intriguing patterns on the ground.
It is an attractive renovation idea for your property.
I personally would like to grow bushes around the corner of the extension.
DIY Interlock Concrete Paver Extension For Driveway
The interlock concrete driveway paver extension is a durable landscape that is versatile in installation.
You can DIY this extension, but once it is installed, it will complement the background of your house.
It increases the property value and certainly looks stylish in appearance.
It resists the floor from cracking through the interlocking system.
One of the reddit users commented and stated,” Interlocking Concrete pavers are your friend here”.
It was especially for the driveway extension proving to be the perfect and durable choice.
You can easily turn your cars into this extension and avoid traffic on the pathways.
I prefer this extension as it offers great drainage and an elegant look.
Turf Grass Grid Pattern For Driveway Extension
The turf grass grid pattern is a functional landscape for your house that can manage the water runoff.
It is also durable and versatile, and can last decades without maintenance.
This idea is also great as it reduces flooding and improves water quality.
It will eventually increase the property value and enhance curb appeal.
The space is extended to accommodate more vehicles and make loading and unloading easier.
It acquires professional installation for better results with excellent quality.
It maintains harmony with nature and also manages the underground water level.
If you are confused about how to extend driveway with gravel, then it is the perfect design to use alongside.
You should definitely use this idea for your house to extend the driveway with practical features.
Create A Driveway Extension with River Rock & Flowers
The river rock driveway extension provides flexibility to the design by being cost-effective and lasting.
People prefer this extension as it provides them with the freedom to use the area accordingly.
You should make a border of flowers to use river rock around in various patterns.
The river rock is also best for a drainage system and providing stability to the ground.
It is a sustainable idea that enhances the allure of the space.
The best flowers for this idea would be hydrangea, lavender, and blue fescue.
Normally, the river rocks are positioned in a rough manner, but in patterns, they appear even better.
It lightens the tension around the space and eventually creates space for parking and hobbies.
Use Colourful Asphalt for Driveway Extension
You can add colours to your driveway extension for visual attraction.
The colours will appear aesthetic and often absorb the light to prevent heat.
The asphalt is used to create stability and increase the longevity of the space.
Red, blue, green, and grey pigment is added to the hot asphalt and layered on the ground.
The material used in the installation is UV and chemical-resistant.
It increases the property value and durability that lasts for years.
Colourful asphalt is a low-maintenance and cost-effective landscaping idea for your house.
It is chosen for its decorative nature. You can easily make your driveway look attractive to others just by adding colours.
Create Modern Concrete Driveway With Entrance Lights
The driveway is incomplete without entrance lights.
They are perfect for navigation at night and also improve the curb appeal of the house.
You can also use solar lights on the pathway.
They look aesthetic and take up less space.
It serves an authentic appearance through the use of cobblestone.
The driveway extension with lights is a compact and beautiful landscaping idea.
It is also budget friendly and requires no maintenance at all.
You can design the space the way you want. I would also add a grass floor at the borders.
You should use concrete to give a stable ground for the lights at the corners.
Add Entrance Planters For Driveway Extension
Adding entrance planters to the driveway is a luxurious choice while still being under the budget.
A palm tree is ideal as it is a low maintenance plant.
You can also use succulents or ground covers.
They are minimal and symmetrical for the house, which increases the property value and enhances the beauty.
I absolutely prefer adding planters to the entrance of the driveway extension.
Extensions are meant to increase the property value.
The plants at the entrance will eventually make your extension appear classic and become a visual anchor.
It puts the look altogether in harmony with the background of the house.
It is an eco-friendly addition to your well-maintained driveway.
Crushed Seashell Driveway Extension
If you live near a tropical or coastal region, then the crushed seashells are going to be the best material for your driveway extension.
They are not only more affordable than gravel but also make your space more welcoming.
The seashells, like oyster shells, clam shells, and coquina shells, are used because of their strength.
Once you lay them on the ground, then you have to bind them altogether to make them immovable.
Most people like to use them as they provide a stable ground for parking and also give grip to tyres that prevent slipping.
The sustainability and the eco-friendliness of the material make it the preferred choice for people in that region.
Driveway Extension Using Irregular Flagstone
The flagstone offers a rustic appearance, and when it is irregular, it looks even more beautiful and modern.
It is laid down in a dry and wet manner and later sealed for an even surface.
People often go for this landscape because of its durability and excellent drainage.
The stones are positioned in an interlocking pattern that looks attractive.
It is also called out as crazy paving for being unique in appearance.
Even after being eco-friendly, it is low-maintenance and has excellent traction.
You can choose this design to increase the property value of your house and enhance its functionality.
It handles the moisture, snow, rain and sunlight easily, which decreases the repair cost every year.
I have discussed 10 cheap driveway extension ideas here with all the possible reasons why you should prefer them.
They are cost-effective, beautiful and functional.
Not only the give you space for your hobbies but also increase the property value.
It is not a fruitless investment if you are planning to extend your driveway.
Is It Possible To Extend The Driveway Without a Permit?
Can I widen my driveway without a permit? This query is reasonable to ask.
The extension of the driveway depends on the local municipality code.
That varies according to the area you live in. If the driveway extension is having a long term effect on society, then you may need a permit.
After reading some comments on Reddit, I came across a comment by a Reddit user that tends to elaborate on the issue.
He states, “Chances are you will need a permit. Better safe than to be sorry”.
He meant to say that even a good contractor seeks approval for a driveway extension.
If you contemplate the landscaping design regarding the entrance, you may need a permit.
You may own a house under the HOA (homeowners’ association), which normally doesn’t allow the extension of a driveway.
Then you don’t just need their approval, but also the local county for the same.
Just in case, if your permit is not approved, then they are obliged to the municipality code and push the boundaries of your property.
They can also make you pay a huge amount of penalty for the act of ignorance and breaking the rules.
So, it is better to be safe than sorry, as that Reddit user stated above, and make sure to cross-check the permission before extending your driveway.
Conclusion
When you extend the driveway, you desire to increase the parking space and increase the curb appeal of the house.
I have discussed cheap driveway extension ideas that can help you renovate within your budget.
Extending your driveway doesn’t mean it can affect your budget negatively.
If you use materials like gravel, seashell, and bricks smartly, it can save you a hefty amount on labour costs.
The purpose of having an extension is to increase the property value and use it reasonably to be functional for events and the parking lot.
You should go through these ideas to decide on the best for your house after you determine the property layout and local climate.
Now that you are also aware of the extension permit, you can decide on the approachable extension idea for your house.
They will provide a stable foundation and also improve the drainage of your house for the better.
These ideas will make your driveway extension stand out in your house.
FAQs on Cheap Driveway Extension Ideas
Ans. The driveway can be extended cheaply if you use gravel for the base. The gravel is affordable and easy to install yourself. It is perfect for DIY projects that are stable and creative. A driveway made up of gravel has excellent drainage and can be maintained regularly.
Ans. Yes, you can increase the size of your driveway but you have to seek the approval of the local government to extend the area of your property. It is a time-consuming process and often gets approved. You can later landscape the driveway extension the way you want.
Ans. Yes, you can expand the driveway yourself using gravel, stone, and concrete. You can DIY the driveway through gravel and wood chip/mulch. It is a versatile choice that is affordable and low-maintenance. You can save the labour cost and also be creative with the installation of the same.
Ans. Yes, extending a driveway is worth it. It increases the parking space and can be landscaped for improved visuals. Driveway extension increases the property value and improves the functionality of the space. It is a worthy investment for your place that is durable and can be customized easily according to your needs.
Ans. The cheapest way to make a driveway on a budget is to use gravel. Gravel is the cheapest material of all that is affordable and covers the most space. You can also DIY this material to look expensive and eco-friendly for your driveway. Gravel is low-maintenance and durable for your house, too.
