Types of Driveway Paving

There are lots of different options available for driveway paving. The most commonly used types of driveway paving in the UK are:

• Block paving
• Slab paving
• Tarmacadam (tarmac)
• Gravel

There are a lot of other types of driveway paving available which are not as widely used in the UK. These include concrete, resin and various types of matting which can be used to reinforce grass areas. The type of driveway paving that is best for your home will depend on your budget and the type of look you want to achieve.

Block Paving

Small block paving produces a cobble like effect on a driveway. Properly laid block paving driveways are extremely long lasting and hard wearing. Paving blocks are available in a very wide range of colours and finishes and can be laid in lots of different patters so it is easy to match them to the colour and style of your home. Laying a block paving driveway properly takes quite a bit of preparation and time. This makes it relatively expensive but given as the driveway should last for many years it is often a one off investment.

Slab Paving

Using larger paving slabs on driveways is not as fashionable as smaller block paving but it is still a good option for UK driveways. Slab paving is commonly combined with gravel or grass with two tracks of paving laid for car wheels to sit on and gravel or grass in between. Like a block paving driveway careful preparation is needed for a slab paved driveway but they are much quicker to lay which helps to keep costs down.

Tarmacadam Driveways

Tarmacadam (otherwise known as tarmac) driveways have a bit of a bad reputation. If they are laid badly they can crack or sink and have to be torn up after a few years. Done properly though they will last for a long time. Tarmacadam can be laid in different colours and finishes and can be combined with block paving to create a decorative finish. Tarmacadam can be laid much more quickly than block paving making this a good budget option.

Gravel Driveways

Known for their use on mansions and country houses a gravel driveway is still seen by some as something of a status symbol. Gravel driveways tend to work best on properties that are relatively flat and well drained. Most gravel driveways will be laid with some kind of membrane underneath to stop weeds from coming through. If gravel driveways are heavily used they will need topping up with fresh gravel from time to time.

Southway Construction specialise in block paving and tarmacadam driveways but also lay slab paving, gravel and other types of driveways in Portsmouth, Hampshire and the surrounding areas. To find out more give us a call on 02392 793477 or 07557 440129