Creating the perfect driveway

Today’s driveways go through a lot. Cars, people and weather all take their toll and can result in a less than desirable space. Your driveway experience should create a warm and inviting welcome to your property for yourself after a hard day’s work or when you have friends and family to visit.

If your driveway is looking a little worse for wear, why not give it a makeover with a refurbishment or renewal? Driveway design is often complex and there are so many different materials and styles that you can choose from. This is why it is important to consult a professional company to help guide you through the decision making process so you can decide which option is a good fit for you.

A property with a striking driveway will always add appeal to your home and as it’s the first thing that people see when they arrive at your property, it really can go a long way to creating a first impression. Driveways should be functional and attractive, reflecting the style and character of your property.

For those of us who are lucky enough to have a driveway it takes your car off the street and it’s a space that you can customize to suit your specific requirements. A driveway can be a really attractive feature of your home that if done right, can really add the wow factor to your property. There are lots of things that you can do to refurbish or renew your driveway, and, in this guide, we will introduce you to some of the different ideas that you might be able to consider. Drainage is also an important aspect of any driveway installation project and it’s important to think about how well your driveway will cope with rainwater, particularly during the winter months.

Materials

There are many different types of material that you can use for your driveway from resin to block paving and slate to gravel. It all depends on the style of your home and your requirements.

Resin Bound Driveways

Resin driveways are growing in popularity and they offer incredible flexibility and choice in terms of colour and style. They are also water permeable, so you won’t need planning permission. However, if they are not properly fitted, they can crack, or the surface of the driveway can start to lift or move. Once these problems do arise, they can be very difficult to address.

Gravel Driveways

Gravel driveways are one of the simplest and most effective styles for your driveway; easy to install and available in a selection of colours too. Often used in rural settings, gravel is a practical and appealing material to use for your driveway refurbishment project. Before the gravel arrives, suppliers will usually remove all of the dust so that you receive pebbles or chips that are completely clean. You can also purchase self binding gravel which is permeable and compliant with SuDs. Gravel driveways are quite labour intensive because they involve the application of three to four layers of stone which are rolled and left to settle for a day or two. Edgings also need to be installed and a good quality hardcore should be used to maximise the success of the end result.

Block Paving Driveways

Blocks, roughly the size of a house brick are used to create a uniform surface. The joints of the block paving are then filled with a fine aggregate. Block paving is usually installed onto a free draining base which allows water to run away. There are many different paving patterns that you can choose from too and certain types of block paving will work better on certain surfaces such as clay or sandy soil, or land that is flat or sloping. A good driveway installer will be able to advise you on which is the best option for your property. Block paved driveways do require regular maintenance and if they are incorrectly installed it can lead to the growth of moss, algae and weeds between the bricks as well as pooling of water or sinking in certain areas.

A properly installed driveway will be one that is virtually maintenance free and one that you don’t have to keep repairing.

When choosing the material for your driveway an important consideration is what the driveway will be used for. Some materials are able to withstand heavier traffic than others. Even concrete and tarmac options are great because they are such flexible and cost effective options, being available in a range of colours. Using the right materials for your drive can make the space much more inviting and give the front of your home a unique and interesting appeal.

Don’t forget, your driveway doesn’t have to include all paved areas, you can mix it up a little, particularly if it’s a larger space. You can create a small, low maintenance garden too featuring some greenery, bright flowers and a well planned design can be a great addition and can complement the space really well.

When looking to refurbish your driveway one of the most important things to consider is how long the new material will last. Most driveways will have a lot of use with vehicles coming and going every day so it’s important that you choose the right surface for its use. Block paving and concrete are hard wearing and have been used for many years because of their durability.

Whatever ideas that you have in mind for your driveway, choose a material that’s a good fit for your home, one that provides you with an aesthetically pleasing space and a material that is hard wearing and low maintenance. Contact us for further information.