Since the beginning of summer, you have remodeled your garden and turned it into a peaceful sanctuary. Then, you renovated your garage, where you now spend most of your free time playing with your tools, but there is still one thing that must be done, and that is your driveway. It is nice to have a beautiful driveway leading up to your house, with all kinds of greenery on the side that would make your neighbors filled with awe, but choosing the right surface for it can be very tricky. So, to avoid making the wrong choice that you would most likely regret in the years to come, we are giving you a list of the best surface finishes you can select from for your new driveway.

What to consider when choosing the best surface for a driveway?

When you choose the best surface for your driveway, you probably think about how it will complement your home. However, the main point about driveway surfaces is that they should continue to look good even long after they were laid. This means that you must take into consideration several things. Think about how weather conditions are going to affect your driveway surface and whether you are replacing an existing driveway. Most importantly, think about how much it will cost you, which all depends on the size of your driveway, the material used, and the hired professional tradesmen. Take a look at the detailed description of each surface finish below, which will answer some of these questions and many more regarding your choice of the best surface for your new driveway.

Tarmac

Tarmac surface is widely used in paving roads, running pathways, parking areas, and driveways. Tarmac driveway prices depend on the cost of removing your old driveway surface, all the preparation work that happens before laying the new one on your driveway, and the professional work you will hire to do the job. The average price for using tarmac for a 2-car driveway is around £2000, and it usually takes a few days to be laid. This surface is the easiest driveway material installed, and it provides a smooth, firm base. It is low maintenance, especially during the winter season, when you must plow snow. It is very durable, and it can withstand occasional overloading, which means that your 2-car driveway won’t be damaged. However, if severe damage is done to it, it can be quickly resurfaced and won’t cost as much.

Photo from NewDrivesLimited

Block paving

If you want your driveway to look more appealing, then block paving is the better option from the plain tarmac driveways. Similar to the tarmac, block paving is also used for patios and pathways. In addition to labor costs, the overall price of installing block paving depends on the size, style, types, and colors. The average cost for using block paving is about £3500, and it takes around four to seven days to be done. However, this surface can be relatively inexpensive if you choose the basic blocks design, unlike any other intricate patterns that may add to the overall cost. The biggest advantage of block paving is that if individual blocks are damaged, they can be lifted and easily replaced because it doesn’t require any special machinery like other surface finishes. Also, they are very durable and can last at least 25 years. Plus, they can withstand oils, frost, and chemicals that won’t stain your driveway.

Gravel

Gravel is another surface material you can use for your driveway, consisting of rocks, sand, and clay that come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Like any other material, the cost of the gravel depends on the size of your driveway, the design of the gravel and the labor. Still, it is considered the cheapest material you can use, which amounts to around £1200. Its biggest advantages are that it is quick and easy to install, and it doesn’t crack since the gravel stones are already in small rocks. It is very durable even though it requires a bit more maintenance than other surface materials, such as regular flattening of the stones and removing weeds. Still, nothing that would require any additional cost. It also acts as a security measure because when driving on gravel, the tiny rocks make a sound that alerts you when someone is approaching your property.

Pairing your gravel driveway with wooden driveway gates can further enhance its aesthetic appeal and security. Not only do these gates provide a barrier against unwanted visitors, but they also add a touch of elegance and privacy to your home’s entryway.

Resin 

The resin-based surface material has become very popular in recent years due to its aesthetic appeal and durability. The average cost of using this type of surface depends on the driveway’s size, the resin’s style, and the labor for laying it, which costs more than £1300. The time frame for applying the resin-bound material depends on the driveway’s size, which can last from one to two weeks. The durability of this material is its biggest advantage due to the fact that the resin is laid over an existing tarmac or a concrete surface, preventing it from being worn down. It also looks attractive since it comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors and provides a smooth surface without causing any significant cracking. Because of these two advantages, the maintenance of the resin-bound surface material is very straightforward.

Final thoughts

So, as a homeowner, focusing on a perfect appearance of the interior in our homes isn’t enough because our driveway is actually the one that provides the best first impressions to all our neighbors and guests. Even though choosing the best surface material for your new driveway may be time-consuming, you must remember that you will save a lot of time and money in the long run if you choose the best surface material now. Make sure you gather all necessary information about each surface material and select the one that is the best option for you and the one that will perfectly complement your house.