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There are many different materials that you can use for the surface of a driveway.

It’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of these different materials so that you can choose the best suited option for you. Of course, if you are unsure even after reading this article, it is always best to consult an experienced company who can advise, like the paving contractors over at valleyviewexcavatingllc.com. Below are a few different driveway surface materials and their pros and cons.

Tarmac

Tarmac is well suited for driveways given that it’s the material that roads are made out of. It’s not the most visually exciting material. It is however cheap – but if you’re wondering what the driveway tarmac cost will be, be sure to get a quote in advance. Tarmac is also very easy to maintain. Installation and repairs are also straightforward.

Concrete

Concrete is an incredibly durable surface option. Compared to some other surface options, it’s also very cost-effective. It’s not the easiest material to install, although options like self leveling concrete for outdoor use can make installation easier. Like tarmac it’s also not very visually exciting, although solutions like colour etching and stamping are possible to spice it up.

Block paving

Block paving is more decorative than tarmac and concrete. You can explore all kinds of patterns and colours, which makes it a very attractive option. It can be time-consuming to cut the stones to shape and install, and generally requires hiring a professional. As a result, it’s not a cheap driveway surface option. That said, some types of stone paving may be cheaper than others.

Gravel

Gravel requires basically no maintenance. It offers great drainage and you can easily replace the stones whenever you fancy a change of look. Gravel stones come in various shapes and colours – from large slate chips to small multicoloured pebbles, there are all kinds of options. While different types of gravel are priced differently, it’s generally a very cheap driveway surface to install. However, be sure to invest wisely to secure the gravel and prevent it from moving away easily over time. Using Gravel Grids by Core Landscape Products is one easy way to do that.

Resin

Like a gravel driveway, a resin driveway is made up of lots of different stones and fragments. However, unlike a gravel driveway, these are not loose – instead they are bound together by a resin. Resin driveways have pretty good all-round properties: they’re relatively cheap to install, durable and provide good drainage. Maintenance is something that is often overlooked and is important to keep these driveways free of moss and dirt.

Natural stone

If you’re looking for a sophisticated and luxurious driveway material, choose natural stone. Natural stone can take the form of paving stones or gravel. It’s often a durable option, although it requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking good. Natural stone is also very expensive compared to other driveway surface options – artificial stone pavers and concrete are favoured because of this.

Reinforced grass

Reinforced grass (also known as grass block paving) is the most eco-friendly driveway option. It consists of a grass lawn with a rubber or concrete mesh over the top. The mesh provides a solid surface for parking on, while the grass beneath supports wildlife and encourages drainage. These driveways can be bumpy and so may not be ideal for people with disabilities to walk on. They’re also pretty high-maintenance – just like a lawn, the grass needs to be watered and trimmed to keep it neat and tidy.

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