25 Jun What type of driveway is best for your home?

Driveways are the focal point of your home. Not only are they a functional area where you often start and end your day, but they can also increase your property’s value and kerb appeal. 

There are many ways to improve your driveway and increase its aesthetic; from installing a driveway gate, to landscaping and gardening to simply just keeping your driveway clean and tidy. However, this guide discusses another way to improve your driveway – by resurfacing it. 

Whether you’re looking for something natural and rustic, or a hard-bearing and resistant surface, keep reading as we explore the things to consider when choosing a driveway material and the 10 types of driveways you can choose from. 

5 factors to consider when choosing a driveway

When choosing your driveway material, there are different factors to consider which will ultimately help determine the right one for your home. These factors include:

1. Climate

What is the climate like in your area? Some driveway materials hold up better than others in certain weather conditions. 

2. Budget

How much is your budget for redesigning your driveway? There are many different things that can impact the cost of your driveway, including the length of your driveway, the material you choose to use, and the costs of digging and installing the driveway, and the maintenance needed to keep it looking its best.

3. Aesthetics

How do you want your driveway to look? Driveways can increase a property’s kerb appeal and value, so does your chosen material align with those goals? With a wide variety of materials, colours, patterns and finishes, the aesthetic result of your driveway has many options.

4. Durability 

How durable do you need your driveway to be? You always want to aim for a driveway material that will last – even just as long as you plan to stay on the property. For homes with high vehicle traffic, you may also need a hardier material to keep up. 

5. Maintenance

How much maintenance can you commit to? Some driveway materials may require regular, and potentially costly, maintenance, whereas others are relatively maintenance-free. Can you commit both your time and money to keeping up with maintenance needs?

10 types of driveways

1. Concrete driveways

Now that you’re aware of the factors you need to consider when choosing a driveway material, which one will you pick? Find out what each driveway is, along with their pros and cons, below:

A concrete driveway is made from a mixture of cement, water, sand, and gravel. It is poured and shaped on-site before it cures to create a hard, durable surface. Concrete driveways can be customised with various finishes, colours, and patterns to enhance their aesthetic appeal.

Advantages of concrete driveways

Disadvantages of concrete driveways 

2. Tarmac driveways

Tarmac is a type of driveway surface made from crushed stone or aggregate mixed with tar, before being laid and compacted to create a smooth, durable surface. It is commonly used for driveways due to its resilience and ease of installation.

Advantages of tarmac driveways

Disadvantages of tarmac driveways 

3. Gravel driveways

Gravel driveways are constructed using loose, small stones or pebbles that are spread over a prepared surface. These stones can come in various sizes and colours, providing a range of aesthetic options. Gravel driveways are popular due to their rustic appearance and cost-effectiveness.

Advantages of gravel driveways

Disadvantages of gravel driveways 

4. Paver driveways

Paver driveways are constructed using individual paving stones made from materials such as concrete, brick, porcelain, or natural stone. These pavers are laid out in various patterns over a prepared base, and joined with sand or a similar material to create a stable and visually appealing surface. Paver driveways offer a high degree of customisation due to the variety of shapes, sizes, colours, and patterns available.

Advantages of paver driveways 

Disadvantages of paver driveways 

5. Brick driveways

Brick driveways are constructed using clay bricks laid over a prepared base, often in various patterns such as herringbone, basket weave, or running bond. These bricks are typically set in sand or mortar, and can be edged with other materials to enhance stability and aesthetics. Brick driveways are known for their classic and timeless appearance, adding a touch of elegance to properties.

Advantages of brick driveways

Disadvantages of brick driveways 

  1. Initial cost: The initial cost of installing a brick driveway can be high, due to the cost of materials and the labour-intensive installation process.
  2. Maintenance: Brick driveways require regular maintenance, including cleaning, weed control, and possibly re-sanding the joints to prevent weed growth and shifting.
  3. Colour fading: Over time, exposure to sunlight and weather can cause the colour of the bricks to fade, which may require periodic sealing to preserve their appearance.
  4. Uneven surface: If the base is not properly prepared or if there is significant ground movement, bricks can shift or settle unevenly – leading to an uneven surface.
  5. Limited load capacity: While durable, brick driveways may not support extremely heavy loads as well as some other materials – potentially leading to cracks or shifts.
  6. Labor-intensive installation: Installing a brick driveway is labour-intensive, requiring careful placement of each brick and attention to detail to ensure a level and stable surface.

6. Cobblestone driveways

Cobblestone driveways are constructed using natural stone pieces, typically granite, basalt, or other durable rocks, which are set into a prepared base. These stones are often irregular in shape and size, giving the driveway a distinctive, old-world charm. Cobblestones are laid out in various patterns, such as fan, circular, or linear, and can be set in sand or mortar to create a stable, durable surface.

Advantages of cobblestone driveways 

Disadvantages of cobblestone driveways

7. Tar and chip driveways


A tar and chip driveway is one that combines hot liquid tar (like in tarmac) with a layer of crushed stone chips – hence the name ‘tar and chip’. The process involves spraying a hot layer of tar onto a prepared base, followed by spreading a layer of stone chips over whilst it is still hot and sticky. The surface is then rolled to embed the stones into the tar, creating a textured, durable driveway.

Advantages of tar and chip driveways 

Disadvantages of tar and chip driveways

8. Stamped concrete driveways

Stamped concrete driveways are created by pouring wet concrete into a prepared area and then imprinting it with patterns and textures – to mimic the appearance of materials such as stone, brick, slate, or tile. Colour can also be added to the concrete, either integrally or with surface applications, to enhance the realistic look of the stamped pattern. Once the stamping and colouring processes are complete, the concrete is then sealed to protect it and enhance its appearance.

Advantages of stamped concrete driveways 

Disadvantages of stamped concrete driveways

9. Turf driveways

Turf driveways, also known as green driveways, integrate living grass or artificial turf with a solid base structure – creating a functional and visually appealing surface. These driveways typically use a grid system made of plastic, concrete, or metal that supports the weight of vehicles, whilst allowing grass to grow through the openings. This design combines the aesthetic of a natural lawn with the utility of a driveway. You often find turf driveways on eco-homes, or those wanting to be more sustainable

Advantages of turf driveways 

Disadvantages of turf driveways 

10. Resin driveways

Resin driveways combine resin with aggregate (such as gravel, stone, or glass) to create a durable and attractive driveway surface. Resin driveways involve mixing resin with aggregate and then applying it to a prepared base – resulting in a smooth, permeable surface that is resistant to weeds and offers a decorative finish.

Advantages of resin driveways 

Disadvantages of resin driveways

Frequently asked questions about driveways

How long can I expect a new driveway to last?

Depending on which driveway material you choose to install and how well you maintain it, your new driveway could last you 30 years or more!

What is the best low-maintenance driveway?


Concrete is seen as one of the best low-maintenance materials for a driveway, however, there are many other low-maintenance options available. Read the pros and cons lists above, which explain the maintenance needed for each material. 

How can I save money on a new driveway?


Most of the costs associated with new driveways is the labour and installation – as materials can be very cheap to come by (depending on which you choose). To cut costs, why not try to install your driveway by yourself?

What’s the best type of driveway for the snow?

Tarmac driveways are affordable and able to withstand sub-zero temperatures. The tarmac surface makes it easy to plough snow, and it has excellent traction for slippery winter days. It also absorbs heat from the sun, which can help to melt snow and ice more quickly than other surfaces.

What’s the best material for sloping driveways? 

Paver, brick, tar and chip, or cobblestone are the best materials for sloping driveways, as they are fixed, yet provide traction for driving up and downhill. It’s best to avoid materials like gravel, which can easily roll down the slope and collect at the bottom, and smooth surfaces, like concrete.  

Ready to improve your driveway? Check out our blog for driveway inspiration and advice on how to choose the right driveway gate, or get in touch with The Expert Gate Company to see how our experts can help.