While a long sweeping, tree-lined driveway may not be within the reach of most of us. Those lucky enough to have room for a driveway want to make sure that it both looks great. It adds value to your property, and provides optimum parking for the vehicles in your household.
But what are the best options for building a new driveway? When seeking out options, you need to assess the aesthetics of the material you choose. The cost implications and overall durability. We’ve highlighted here some of the best options currently available on the market.
Gravel
The sound of cars arriving on a gravel driveway can be quite evocative for a lot of people. There are many benefits to a gravel driveway. And it is comparatively low cost and easy to install. Compacts well, and can be replenished if it starts to get patchy.
The disadvantage, though, is that a gravel driveway does require a fair amount of maintenance. It can thin out as the stones get dispersed, and, if not laid properly. can be overwhelmed with weed growth. If your driveway butts against a lawn, then you will be constantly picking out stones that have been thrown up as cars are arriving, turning around and leaving. If you don’t pick them up, they might get caught up in lawn mowers and ruin the blades.
A gravel driveway is probably best for country properties which have more space. If you are living in a more built up, urban area, then you may want to consider a much cleaner resin bound driveway.
What is Resin bound?
Resin bound paving is created using a two part resin mix combined with a natural aggregate mix. These elements are combined together to form a paving solution of about 18-20mm thickness. As a surface. resin bound is still a relative newcomer and was originally used more in a commercial context. However, over the last 20 years, knowledge. expertise and technology in this area has evolved, and is now used extensively in properties across the country.
There are many advantages to using resin bound. Of particular note is that it Is as maintenance free as it can possibly be. Its unique structure ensures that it remains weed free. It is fully permeable to avoid pooling, and is slip resistant. which makes it ideal particularly for the older generation who might be unsteady or lacking confidence on their feet.
It also has a high aesthetic appeal, with different aggregates available in different colours and textures, allowing those with a more creative mindset to develop a range of patterns and designs.
When properly installed and maintained, a resin bound driveway should last at least 25 years. So although it can initially be deemed expensive, it can work out to offer great value over a longer period of time.
Block paving
Block paving for driveways has always been popular because it is attractive. It offers good colour and texture, and is individually adaptable to each property.
However, it is time consuming and often expensive to lay – and if not laid by a true professional will throw up no end of problems.
Tarmac or concrete driveways
Tarmac or concrete are probably the more low cost alternatives to surfacing a driveway. Both are durable, offering a hard wearing surface for regular daily vehicle use over many years, though if it is not laid correctly or maintained properly, they will start to crack and split, allowing for the growth of weeds and pooling of water.
Whatever material you decide to choose for your driveway, the number one rule is to ensure that it is laid properly by a professional. Cutting corners with any of these materials will guarantee you will endure a number of problems in the future.
