Advantages

Disadvantages

Gravel or other loose materials

An affordable option that is cheap to lay in the first instance. It also requires less hard material in the preparation stage. Many driveways have benefitted from the aesthetically pleasing look of a gravel drive.

• Needs regularly topping up
• Does need some care and attention e.g. weeding

Paving, slabs and flags

This is a popular material for driveways and when laid correctly, last for a long time and look fabulous! Paving stones are no longer just the grey we associate with pavements – customers can choose from a range of colours and sizes. Mixing both colour and size means that the stones can be laid in pleasing patterns. Paved driveways complete the appeal of any property.

• Need to be laid correctly, with appropriate ‘foundations’ created so that the flags etc. do not crack or lift
• Little maintenance may be required

Bricks

These are the smaller paving stones, that resemble brick and many older style properties benefit from the aesthetic appeal of this material. They tend to be laid in a herringbone pattern.

• Can take a very long time to lay – the larger the area, the longer it will take...
• They can be fiddly to lay accurately
• They also need to be laid completely level

Cobbles

This material gives a decadent feel to many driveways and fit particularly well in landscaped garden and with older, period properties.

• Can be slippy and treacherous underfoot in wet conditions

Solid surfaces - concrete, tarmac and aggregates

Solid materials are popular as they are affordable and durable. When used and poured correctly, these materials can create a good looking driveway

• Can look ‘basic’
• Although ‘easy’ to work with, getting it wrong will not leave you with a decent, useable driveway