Oil and Stone Driveway in Elwood, NY

Get the Driveway That Actually Lasts

Durable oil and stone installation with better traction than asphalt and half the maintenance headaches.

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Tar and Chip Driveway Benefits

What You Get With Oil and Stone

Your new oil and stone driveway gives you something most Elwood homeowners wish they had: a surface that actually grips in wet weather. No more sliding around when it rains or worrying about black ice in winter.

The stone aggregate creates natural texture that your car tires can grab onto. Plus, the oil penetrates deep into the base, creating a flexible surface that moves with freeze-thaw cycles instead of cracking like concrete.

You’ll also notice better drainage. Water doesn’t pool on oil and stone like it does on smooth asphalt. It filters through the stone aggregate, preventing those puddles that turn into ice patches. And when small stones do come loose over time, you can simply spread new ones – no need to call a contractor for minor touch-ups.

Elwood Driveway Contractors

We Know Long Island Driveways

All Purpose Paving has been installing oil and stone driveways across Long Island for over two decades. We understand how our coastal climate affects different paving materials, and we’ve seen what works in Elwood’s soil conditions.

Most contractors around here stick to basic asphalt because it’s easier. We specialize in tar and chip because we know it’s often the better choice for Long Island homeowners who want durability without the premium price tag.

Our crew has handled everything from steep driveways that need extra drainage to properties with challenging access. We’re licensed, insured, and we’ve built our reputation one driveway at a time in communities just like yours.

Oil and Stone Installation Process

Here's How We Install Your Driveway

First, we prepare your base properly. This means excavating to the right depth and ensuring proper drainage – the foundation that determines whether your driveway lasts 5 years or 20 years. We compact the base material in lifts, not all at once like some contractors do.

Next comes the oil application. We heat the liquid asphalt to the right temperature and apply it evenly across your prepared base. Timing matters here – apply the stone aggregate too early and it sinks too deep, too late and it won’t bond properly.

Then we spread the stone aggregate while the oil is still tacky. We use a chip spreader for even coverage, then roll everything with a pneumatic roller. This embeds the stones at the right depth while leaving enough texture for traction. The whole process typically takes 1-2 days, and you can drive on it within 24 hours.

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Chip Seal Driveway Installation

What's Included in Your Installation

Your oil and stone driveway installation includes complete base preparation, proper drainage grading, and quality materials that work in Long Island’s climate. We don’t cut corners on the base work – that’s where most driveway problems start.

You get your choice of stone aggregate colors and sizes. Most Elwood homeowners choose neutral tones that complement their home’s exterior, but we can match specific color preferences. The stone comes from local quarries, so you’re getting material that’s proven to hold up in our weather.

We also handle all the details that matter: proper transitions where your driveway meets the street, appropriate crown for water runoff, and clean edges that look finished. Your installation includes a walkthrough so you understand how to maintain your new surface and what to expect as it settles in.

What's the difference between oil and stone and tar and chip driveways?

They’re the same thing – just different names for the same process. Oil and stone, tar and chip, and chip seal all describe a surface treatment where liquid asphalt is applied to a prepared base, then covered with stone aggregate. The “tar” term is actually a misnomer since we use asphalt, not tar. Some contractors prefer one term over another, but the installation process and end result are identical when done properly.

How long does an oil and stone driveway last in Long Island weather?

A properly installed oil and stone driveway typically lasts 10-15 years in our climate, sometimes longer with good maintenance. The key factors are proper base preparation and using the right oil-to-stone ratio for our freeze-thaw cycles. Long Island’s coastal humidity and temperature swings can be tough on any paving material, but oil and stone handles these conditions better than you might expect because it’s flexible rather than rigid like concrete.

Will I lose stones from my driveway over time?

Yes, some stone loss is normal and expected, especially in the first few months as the surface settles. This is why we apply slightly more aggregate initially than what will remain long-term. Heavy traffic areas like where you turn your steering wheel may lose more stones, but this doesn’t affect the driveway’s integrity. You can easily add loose stones to these areas yourself, or we can do periodic maintenance applications to refresh the surface.

How much does oil and stone cost compared to asphalt or concrete?

Oil and stone typically costs 30-50% less than new asphalt and significantly less than concrete. The exact price depends on your driveway size, base conditions, and stone choice, but most Elwood homeowners find it’s the most cost-effective option for a durable surface. The lower upfront cost, combined with minimal maintenance requirements, makes it an attractive choice for homeowners who want quality without the premium price tag of other materials.

Can oil and stone driveways be installed over existing asphalt?

Sometimes, but it depends on the condition of your existing asphalt. If the current surface is structurally sound with only minor cracking, oil and stone can be applied as an overlay. However, if there are significant cracks, potholes, or base failure, we’ll need to address those issues first. We always evaluate the existing surface during our estimate to determine whether overlay is appropriate or if full replacement is the better long-term solution.

What maintenance does an oil and stone driveway require?

Oil and stone driveways require minimal maintenance compared to other surfaces. You’ll want to sweep loose debris regularly and add stone aggregate to high-wear areas as needed. Avoid using snow plows with metal blades – use a rubber blade instead to prevent scraping up stones. Every 7-10 years, you might want a maintenance application of oil and stone to refresh the surface, but this is much less expensive than resurfacing asphalt or repairing concrete.

Local Resources

Elwood, NY is located in Suffolk County in New York State