Tarmac, block paving or gravel for your driveway?
Each surface has a job it does well and a weakness to plan around. Here is how to choose.
Tarmac
Tarmac gives a smooth, continuous surface with no joints, so there is nothing for weeds to grow in. It goes down quickly and is simple to sweep and keep clean. The weak point is the edge. Tarmac that is not supported by a kerb or edging can crumble at the sides, so we always plan the edging first. Standard tarmac does not let water through, so it needs a slope to a drain, lawn or border.
Block paving
Block paving gives you patterns, such as herringbone, and a wide choice of colours. If a block gets stained or damaged, you can lift it and relay it without redoing the whole drive. Permeable block paving lets rainwater drain through the joints. The weak points are weeds in the joints, which good jointing sand and sealing help to control, and a higher price than tarmac.
Gravel
Gravel drains well and looks natural, and it is often the cheapest option for a long drive. Loose stone moves, so it needs a grid underneath and firm edging to hold the shape. It can be awkward for bins, pushchairs and wheelchairs, and it can spread onto the road if the edge is not contained.
Which suits which house?
- A long drive on a budget often suits gravel with a grid.
- A short, formal frontage often suits block paving in a pattern that matches the house.
- A plain, practical drive that you want finished quickly often suits tarmac with good edging.
Whatever you choose, the base underneath matters more than the surface. See how we build a driveway.