What $150 will do for your driveway’s first impression

First impressions start the second someone turns into your driveway. Even if the rest of your property looks great, a stained, cracked, or neglected drive can make the whole place feel worn down. The good news? You don’t need to repave or spend thousands to make it look cared for.

With about $150 and a little time, you can make your driveway look cleaner, sharper, and more inviting. These fixes don’t take special tools—just smart updates that actually make people notice the difference.

Pressure wash the driveway

Grime, oil stains, and mildew can make any driveway look years older than it is. A thorough pressure wash brings back the original color and instantly boosts curb appeal.

You can rent a pressure washer for around $40–$60 a day or hire a local service for about $100. Either way, you’ll end up with a surface that looks freshly poured without touching the concrete or asphalt itself.

Reseal small cracks

Those little cracks may seem harmless, but they collect dirt and water that eventually widen into bigger damage. Sealing them early keeps the surface smooth and uniform.

A good-quality crack filler or sealant runs under $30, and the job can be done in an afternoon. It’s one of the cheapest ways to make your driveway look maintained instead of neglected.

Clean up the edges

A clean border instantly makes a driveway look intentional. Overgrown grass and uneven soil make it look smaller and sloppy.

You can edge along the sides with a shovel or trimmer, then add mulch, gravel, or even simple pavers for definition. It’s a low-cost fix that makes a big difference in how tidy the whole front of your property feels.

Add solar path lights

Lighting your driveway makes it look high-end at night without touching your electric bill. It also helps guests see where they’re going after dark.

Solar path lights start at around $10 each. Line the edges evenly for a professional look, or cluster a few at the entrance for an instant upgrade that makes your home feel more welcoming.

Paint or stain the surface

If your driveway is faded or uneven in color, a concrete stain or driveway paint can make it look new again. These products add depth, hide discoloration, and resist weather.

A gallon usually costs under $50, and you can apply it yourself with a roller. Stick to neutral tones like gray or charcoal for a clean, high-end look that won’t clash with your home’s exterior.

Tidy up the entrance

The area where your driveway meets the street takes the most abuse, from tire wear to oil drips. Giving that section some attention makes the whole driveway look cared for.

Use degreaser on oil spots and refill any missing gravel or patch holes. Even adding a few edging stones or plants at the entrance can make a huge difference in how polished it looks.

Add potted plants

You can make your driveway feel more inviting by softening the hard edges with greenery. Two or three large planters near the entrance or garage add color and life.

Pick hardy plants like boxwoods, grasses, or seasonal flowers that can handle sun exposure. A few well-placed pots look intentional and cared for—and cost far less than redoing the landscaping.

Install a gravel border

Adding a narrow gravel border helps define your driveway and keeps grass from creeping in. It also improves drainage along the edges.

A few bags of decorative gravel or crushed stone will usually stay within budget. Choose a color that complements your home or driveway tone, and rake it smooth for a finished look.

Repaint your mailbox and post

It may not seem directly tied to the driveway, but the mailbox is part of the same first impression. A faded or rusted post makes everything nearby look dated.

A can of spray paint or a small quart of exterior paint can freshen it right up. It takes less than an hour and makes the front of your property look pulled together.

Refresh the driveway apron

The apron—the part that connects your driveway to the road—is often the dirtiest, most neglected section. Cleaning or patching that area gives your driveway a uniform finish.

You can use leftover cleaner, filler, or paint from the rest of the project. The smoother, darker, and more defined that section looks, the more your driveway stands out in the best way.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.