A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO UK DRIVEWAY STYLES

A well-designed driveway not only enhances the curb appeal of your home but also adds functionality and value. In the UK, there are various driveway styles to choose from, each with its unique characteristics. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore different driveway types, how they are constructed, their environmental impact, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

BLOCK PAVING DRIVEWAYS

Block paving driveways are created using interlocking bricks or blocks, typically laid on a compacted sub-base of sand and cement, ensuring stability and durability. The gaps between blocks are usually filled with paving sand and the whole driveway is sealed using a clear chemical to set the sand in place as a finishing touch. Blocks range from ones designed to tightly pack together to ones that are designed to have a slightly bigger gap between them for rainwater to pass.

Advantages:

• Large range of design options with various colours and patterns.
• Easy maintenance as individual blocks can be replaced if damaged.
• Permeable options are available for eco-conscious homeowners.
• They can be laid DIY style as blocks can be picked up and relaid until you’re happy with the end result.

Disadvantages:

• Material costs tend to be fairly high (blocks are expensive).
• Weeds may grow between the blocks over time, requiring occasional maintenance.
• Depending on your local council, in the UK, you may need planning consent to lay a block driveway if you’re not using permeable blocks.

Environmental Impact:

Block paving driveways can be environmentally friendly when permeable blocks are used and combined with permeable sub-bases. They allow rainwater to pass through, reducing surface runoff and contributing to better groundwater recharge. Additionally, recycled or locally sourced blocks can reduce their environmental footprint further. Man made blocks are less environmentally friendly due to the emissions released during their production.

COBBLE DRIVEWAYS

Cobble driveways are created using cobbles, which are chunky stones with a smooth surface, typically laid on a compacted sub-base by being cemented in. The key difference between cobbles and blocks is that blocks are simply laid into place by being packed together tightly where as cobbles have to be cemented in due to their natural uneven shape.

Advantages:

• Large range of colours and shapes available.
• Beautiful, traditional look.
• They can be laid DIY style as the more uneven they are, the more beautiful and rustic they look when complete.

Disadvantages:

• Material costs tend to be fairly high (cobbles are usually more expensive than blocks.
• Maintenance is hard when a cobble cracks as they are all cemented together.
• Depending on your local council, in the UK, you may need planning consent to lay a cobble driveway.
• The cement holding the cobbles together may crack over time requiring repairs.

Environmental Impact:

Cobbles don’t tend to be permeable thus drainage has to be provided during the laying of this type of drive. The concrete nature of the drive means that little critters can’t live in between the cobbles making them less friendly to the environment than a permeable block driveway from that perspective. However, cobbles tend to be made of natural stone where as block paving tends to be mad made. In this respect, cobbles are more environmentally friendly provided they are sourced fairly locally.

GRAVEL DRIVEWAYS

Gravel driveways are relatively simple to install. A base layer of compacted stone or hardcore is covered with gravel, which is then raked and compacted. The gravel comes in all sorts of colours and sizes and you can even get slate chippings for that high-end gravel look.

Advantages:

• Cost-effective choice for a driveway.
• Excellent drainage, reducing puddles and water runoff. Planning consent will most likely not be needed for a gravel drive, but check with your local council to be sure.
• Has a beautiful, natural appearance that complements rural settings.
• Really easy to lay and can be done by even beginner DIYers.

Disadvantages:

• Gravel can be displaced, requiring periodic re-raking. This can be massively reduced through use of ‘driveway grids’ (plastic tiles that you fill with gravel).
• Not the most suitable option for steep slopes due to erosion risk.
• If large gravel is used, it can be uncomfortable on bare feet (human and pet/ large animal).
• Gravel is notoriously hard to walk on in high heels and is likely to cause scratches to the heel (something to keep in mind if your job requires you to strut your stuff in stilettos every day).

Environmental Impact:

Gravel driveways offer excellent permeability, allowing rainwater to infiltrate the ground. However, the choice of gravel can influence the environmental impact. Locally sourced or recycled gravel is more sustainable, reducing transportation emissions and resource depletion.

TARMAC DRIVEWAYS

Tarmac driveways are created by laying a hot mix of asphalt onto a prepared base. It’s then levelled and compacted to form a smooth surface. Most roads are laid using tarmac.

Advantages:

• Quick installation, often completed in a day.
• Durable and resistant to cracks and potholes.
• Low maintenance, with occasional resealing recommended.
• Usually is cheaper than block or cobble driveways.

Disadvantages:

• Limited aesthetic options compared to other materials, however, does come in a small range of colours these days.
• Can become hot in direct sunlight.
• Depending on the size of your driveway, you will likely require a professional to help you lay it. Specialist equipment such as a ‘whacker plate’ is also required for a good quality finish.

Environmental Impact:

Tarmac driveways have a high carbon footprint due to the energy-intensive manufacturing process of asphalt. However, they can be made more sustainable by using recycled asphalt or opting for porous tarmac, which allows water to drain through and reduces runoff. A rarely mentioned aspect of tarmac is that it does not allow electricity to pass through. If you practice ‘grounding’ you will not be able to do so on a tarmac driveway. Tarmac driveways are the least environmentally friendly out of the options in this article.

CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS

Concrete driveways involve pouring a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates onto a prepared base. It’s then smoothed and allowed to set. Concrete driveways can be flat, smooth concrete or you can get concrete molds which let you stamp a specific design into the concrete (such as a faux block paver design).

Advantages:

• Long-lasting and sturdy.
• Versatile in terms of color and texture.
• Minimal maintenance required.

Disadvantages:

• Prone to cracking over time, especially in extreme weather conditions.
• Repairs can be noticeable if not done correctly.
• Can be slippery when wet.
• Can be tricky to level for beginner DIYers and depending on the driveway size, will likely need a large cement mixer to get large quantities of the mixture made up and spread quickly.
• You will likely need to get planning consent as a solid concrete driveway will not be permeable.

Environmental Impact:

Concrete driveways have a moderate environmental impact due to the cement production process, which releases significant carbon dioxide emissions. However, using recycled aggregates and incorporating permeable designs can mitigate their environmental footprint.

RESIN-BOUND DRIVEWAYS

Resin-bound driveways combine resin and natural stone aggregates that are mixed and applied to a prepared surface. Essentially, it is a gravel driveway that doesn’t move.

Advantages:

• Attractive and modern appearance.
• Highly porous, allowing for efficient water drainage.
• Low maintenance with no weeds or loose stones.

Disadvantages:

• Initial cost can be higher than some other options.
• Requires professional installation for the best results.
• Can be slippery when wet.

Environmental Impact:

Resin-bound driveways are fairly environmentally friendly, depending on the aggregate and resin used. They are highly permeable, reducing surface runoff and promoting groundwater recharge. Some resins are made from renewable resources so choose those if you are looking for an environmentally friendly option.

CONCLUSION

When choosing the right driveway style for your UK home, it’s crucial to consider aesthetics, cost, and environmental impact. Each driveway type has its unique characteristics and sustainability features. By opting for environmentally friendly materials and permeable designs, you can reduce the ecological footprint of your driveway while enhancing your property’s beauty and functionality.

Remember to consult with professionals who can help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs and environmental concerns. A sustainable driveway adds value to your home and contributes to a greener future.

I hope you find this comprehensive guide helpful in making an eco-conscious driveway design decision.