Are you considering getting a new driveway in 2024? With so many materials and designs to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which is the best option for you. From traditional block paving to stone to resin, the options are limitless. So, how do you go about deciding which choice is best for your new driveway?
To help you with your new driveway decisions, property and construction expert Gregory Smith at PriceYourJob.co.uk has created this guide, providing a range of new driveway ideas to help inspire you with your own renovations. Smith also goes over some of the signs that you can look out for, which may determine whether it’s time for you to start thinking about getting a new driveway installed. So, if you’re looking for new driveway ideas in 2024, read on to find out everything you need to know.
Traditional Block Paving Driveway
Traditional block paving is used in a lot of driveway designs, and there is a good reason for it. Block paving is very versatile. You can choose from a huge range of different colours to suit the aesthetics of your home. From natural-looking browns to deep greys, there’s something for everyone.
Block paving also comes in a huge range of styles and can be laid in many different ways to help truly complement your home. You can incorporate various patterns to provide a unique appearance and add some personality.
Stone Driveways
Tarmac and concrete tend to dominate the driveway industry. So, if you’re on the lookout for something which really stands out, stone is a brilliant way to go. Stone has been used for paths, walkways, and driveways for many centuries. As a material, it lasts for an incredibly long time and can also add a touch of sophistication and class to its surroundings.
Stone driveways can help to make any property look truly majestic as they provide an element of vintage charm. You can also give your driveway a premium, rich appearance by laying out the stones in smooth lines.
Granite Setts
Granite setts are beautiful and contemporary-looking. They work very well when it comes to complementing modern homes. The striking and elegant appearance of granite setts brings a touch of class to your home. Plus, you will also add a little sparkle to your surroundings.
If you want something that’s a bit more budget-friendly, you could choose Drivesett Argent. This material has a low carbon footprint and can really make your driveway the envy of all of your neighbours.
Cobbled Driveways
Cobbled stones are a fantastic option for older, period homes. If you want to achieve a traditional, antique charm, cobbled stones can’t be beaten. Consider laying the stones out in diagonal lines for a unique appearance. Alternatively, you could curve them around your home as a way of complementing the property. Cobbled stones can help to transform your old, tired driveway into a truly elegant display with a lot of charm and character.
Not only does a cobbled driveway look great, but it is also very tough and can even last for hundreds of years. One of the best ways that you can achieve an eye-catching driveway is to use several different coloured or shades of cobbled stones to get a more varied and aged effect.
Circular Paving
If you want to create something completely unique and eye-catching, consider adding some personality to your driveway with the use of shapes. There are so many possibilities out there, especially if you have a large driveway that can accommodate various block colours.
A brilliant way to add some unique charm and personality to your driveway is by laying Drivesett circles. These can help to create eye-catching focal points in various areas. This will also work well with other features on your driveway, such as flower beds or water features.
Resin Driveway
Resin driveways are very easy to maintain. As long as you keep the surface clean, you won’t find any weeds growing through it. A quick tidy-up of the driveway every now and again is enough to keep it well-maintained. Simply wash it every so often and keep on top of brushing away any debris to keep your driveway looking new and fresh for many years.
The cost of a resin driveway installation is quite reasonable and definitely a good investment. This is particularly true for new imprint driveways. These types of driveways are suitable for all property types. So, if you want a long-lasting driveway that comes at a great price, a resin driveway is the way to go.
Concrete Driveway
Concrete driveways are a great investment as they can last a very long time. When you compare the cost of a concrete driveway to its expected lifespan, you can see that it is a very affordable option. Concrete driveways are very durable and can withstand a lot of weight.
Mostly coming in a traditional grey colour, concrete driveways look great on both traditional and modern homes. Some companies may offer coloured concrete driveways, but this usually comes at a higher cost. The most common coloured concrete driveways are usually earthy tones such as sandy beige and various shades of brown.
How Can You Tell If You Need a New Driveway?
If there are several cracks that you can see on the surface of your driveway, this is usually a sign that you may need to consider installing a new drive. Over time, cracks on the driveway will keep getting bigger and bigger. During the winter months, driveway cracks will get worse as water can seep into them, which can then freeze in the cold weather, causing the cracks to expand. This will then increase the size of the cracks.
If your driveway is quite old or in poor condition, the drainage system may not be as effective as it was. If you start to notice pools of water on the surface of your drive or if you notice any water running down the centre of the driveway, this usually indicates a drainage issue. Water pools can damage the surface of the driveway as they can cause large cracks. It can be dangerous to use a driveway with drainage issues, particularly during the winter months, as water can easily freeze on the surface, creating a hazard. This can then become very slippery and cause injuries.
As time goes on, the colour of your driveway may begin to fade due to sun exposure and weathering. This can cause your driveway to appear patchy and unattractive. It can also make your driveway seem quite old and unsightly. If you chose your driveway surface colour to fit in with the aesthetic of your home, then it may begin to not look right anymore, and it could end up clashing with the rest of your home. This is especially true if it has become quite faded and unlike it was when it was new.
Final Thoughts
It’s quite obvious that you should choose your driveway design so that it complements the space needed for the size of your property. Think about how many cars will be sitting on the driveway and make sure there is enough room for all of the car doors to open easily.
Make sure the driveway design provides easy access from the road to your driveway with very minimal obstructions. Also, make sure there is plenty of room for you to reverse onto the drive from the road if necessary.
