A new driveway changes the whole look of a house, and it is one of the few home improvements that pays for itself in kerb appeal. Choosing the surface is the big decision, so here is how the three we install most often compare.
Block paving
The classic choice, and for good reason. Block paving comes in dozens of colours and patterns, lets you add contrasting borders, and individual blocks can be lifted and replaced if a service pipe ever needs attention. Laid on a properly compacted sub-base it will last decades. It is the most labour-intensive to install, so it usually costs the most.
Resin-bound
A smooth, seamless finish made from natural aggregate bound in clear resin. It is permeable, so it drains naturally and usually avoids the need for planning permission, and it needs very little maintenance. The finish is contemporary and works particularly well on modern homes. It must be laid on a solid, stable base to avoid cracking.
Gravel
The most affordable option and very forgiving on uneven or rural plots. Modern gravel drives are laid on a stabilising grid so the stone stays put and does not rut. Golden gravel edged with stone walls, as on our Corsham bungalow project, looks far smarter than people expect. It does need the occasional top-up and rake.
Our advice
- Traditional or period home: block paving in a sympathetic colour
- Contemporary home or sloping drive: resin-bound
- Tight budget or country setting: gravel on a grid
Whichever you choose, the sub-base and drainage underneath matter more than the surface on top. That is where most cheap driveways fail, and it is where we spend the time to get it right.
