What Are The Best Driveway Materials?
Installing a new driveway requires a lot of consideration – not only is this project a large investment, but you have to make decisions regarding driveway materials that can have long-term effects on your home. The driveway materials you choose will determine whether your new surface looks good, lasts a long time, and is suitable for your lifestyle.
As a leading landscaping and driveway company, Ideal Building & Landscapes provides a range of driveway materials to our clients. We understand that no two homes are the same and therefore need to be able to work with all requirements. Offering a range of driveway materials allows us to deliver a bespoke installation to each client, ensuring their new driveway looks great and is made to last.
Using our experience as a driveway installer who has worked with many different clients over the years, we are going to share everything you need to know about the different types of driveway materials available. We are going to share how you can narrow down your options and ensure you are getting the best solution for your home.
Resin Bound Driveways
Resin is one of the most popular driveway materials due to its sleek appearance and simple installation.
Overview
Resin is a very popular option for modern homeowners and contemporary properties because it has a seamless appearance, which can enhance the simplistic design of these spaces.
Resin driveways are also versatile, as there are various design options. When working with a leading installer, there should be several options for resin in terms of colour and size of aggregates, allowing for a bespoke design of your home’s entrance.
Once your resin driveway is installed, it continues to look great as this is a robust, hard-wearing material. Resin driveway materials are designed to be low maintenance because they are weather resistant and permeable, this means repairs are infrequent and cleaning is easy. This makes resin drievways ideal for busy family homes and those who do not want to work to maintain the appearance of their home.
While there are many benefits to resin driveways, it is important to note that these driveways materials can cost more than other options. This means the initial cost of a resin driveway can be higher than other driveway materials, and therefore may not be the best option for you right now.
Pros
- Low maintenance driveway option, as there are no loose stones and resin is a robust material
- Weather-resistant service that is permeable, preventing flooding, freezing and cracking
- Smooth, stylish finish that can be uniquely tailored to your home through colour variations
Cons
- Resin driveways can cost more initially than other forms of driveway materials
Block Paving Driveways
Block paving driveways are made from interlocking bricks or pavers, and can be installed in various patterns.
Overview
This is one of the more traditional driveway materials that can complement a range of property types. The versatility in design, such as through the paving colour and shape, makes block paved driveways a popular option across the country.
These are very durable driveway materials that can withstand the test of time, even with repeated use in heavy traffic. However, if repairs are needed, this does not have to break the bank as each block can be removed and replaced as needed. This makes block paving an affordable long-term solution for many properties.
While repairs are easy, it is important to note that block paving is one of the driveway materials that requires ongoing maintenance. To uphold the neat appearance of the newly installed driveway, block paving needs to be regularly tended to such as weeding in between the cracks to prevent movement and uneven terrains.
Pros
- Highly durable material that can withstand repeated use and heavy traffic
- Versatile design options with paving colours and shapes
- Easy and affordable repairs are available
Cons
- Requires ongoing maintenance to keep it in prime condition
Tarmac Driveways
These driveway materials create a smooth, black surface that is extremely robust and durable.
Overview
Tarmac driveways are made using a traditional mixture of aggregates and asphalt. These driveway materials are commonly used on roads and public car parks because of how hard-wearing it is, making it an ideal solution for your home.
Like resin, it is easy to maintain your tarmac driveway because there are no loose stones. The sleek, simple appearance of tarmac driveway materials makes them a great fit for modern homes or those seeking a durable solution.
One of the biggest advantages of these driveway materials is how affordable it is. Tarmac is one of the most cost-effective driveway solutions and the installation process is simple, as it can be laid over any foundation.
If you are looking for a quick renovation of your outdoor space that will last, tarmac is the ideal solution.
Pros
- Most affordable driveway material due to easy installation and access
- Sleek, simple style that can complement a range of property types
- Incredibly durable material that can withstand the test of time
Cons
- Limited design options and variations available
Gravel Driveways
These surfaces are made from loose driveway materials which can offer a classic, traditional appearance ot the home.
Overview
Gravel driveways are the traditional choice, creating a quant and attractive appearance to the front of the property. An ideal solution for large spaces, these driveway materials are made using loose stones or crushed rock in a range of shades.
As these are loose driveway materials, gravel driveways offer excellent drainage. This means they prevent flooding and standing water, which not only ensures a safe environment throughout the year but also reduces the risk of mould and damage.
Gravel is also one of the most affordable driveway materials, allowing you to get this new installation and keep it topped up over time without breaking the bank.
While it is attractive and affordable, in many cases, the main disadvantage of gravel driveways is the loose material. The stones and crushed rocks will spread and can thin over time, making your driveway look unappealing. Stones can also move in weather conditions, while also be impacted by the movement of traffic.
Gravel is affordable to replace, but this does mean you have an ongoing commitment to uphold the appearance of your property.
Pros
- Beautiful, classic appearance to the driveway
- Affordable and simple installation, even for large-scale projects
- Excellent drainage to prevent flooding and water build-up
Cons
- Requires constant maintenance to get stones back in line and prevent thinning
What Are The Best Driveway Materials?
There are many driveway materials available when working with Ideal Building & Landscapes. This is how we can work with clients across the region and guarantee a bespoke installation every time.
Based on your budget, location, and style, the best driveway materials can vary greatly. Each material offers its own range of benefits and cons, which can sway your decision.
For example, if you are seeking a low-maintenance, modern driveway then the best driveway materials are resin and tarmac. However, if you have a traditional property and want to enhance the architecture, then gravel or block paving driveway materials will be the better option.
Working with our professional team can make the decision easier for you, as we will guide you through our driveway materials. We will work with you to determine the best solution for your home, location, and budget.
Conclusion
There are several main driveway materials available to those seeking to renovate their homes.
Driveways create the first impression of your home, so they need to look good as well as be functional. These driveway materials can create a safe location for your vehicle, and a reliable parking spot as well as enhance the design of your property.
Working with professionals such as Ideal Building & Landscapes gives you access to several of the best driveway materials, as well as expert installation. This ensures your investment is safe when working with us, as our installation is made to last.
Contact Us Today
To learn more about our driveway materials or to request a consultation, reach out to the team today.
