Cost-Effective Driveway Options to Consider
If you have decided to do something about your driveway, you will no doubt be looking at different materials, with a view to choosing the best for your environment. In this article, we will take a close look at the range of driveway materials, with the aim of helping you to select something suitable.
- Concrete – Always a firm favourite with Australian homeowners, concrete offers a whole host of benefits, and with just about any colour you can think of, you are not limited in finish options. Just take a look at some of the stunning concrete driveways in East Melbourne and you soon realise the variety on offer, and with an online search, you can be talking to a concrete driveway specialist. The finishes are indeed varied and it is only by talking to a supplier that you can see the many different finishes available.
- Resin-Bound Driveways – By mixing aggregate with a special resin, you can have a stunning looking drive that is very durable and long-lasting, and as the resin and aggregate is pre-mixed, there are no loose stones. Again, a wide choice of colours, plus there are several aggregate options, which include crushed shells that make for an attractive finish.
- Asphalt – It is also known as tarmac, and is another popular choice for driveways, which gives you an elegant finish. Tarmac doesn’t hold up too well in very hot conditions however, and if it is laid too thin, it will soon break up and require repairs.
- Block Paving – Relatively new on the scene, block paving does offer a very durable and stylish finish, and with two colours, you can really create something unique. Block pavers need to be installed on a solid base, and you might require some additional drainage to be laid, depending on the type of soil.
- Natural Stone – An expensive choice, granite or marble pavers make for a stunning driveway, and if you have the budget, stone pavers can really add a touch of elegance to any property. There might be some issues with natural stone being slippery when wet, so check with a supplier about this, as it could be dangerous if you have young children.
- Regular Pavers – These come in a range of colours and sizes, but the pavers do need to be installed onto a solid concrete base, otherwise they will move, especially if you have heavy vehicles on the driveway. If you talk to a local supplier, they can show you a long list of variations, and with a professional installation, there’s very little that can go wrong.
Regardless of the material you choose, it is vital that you have an experienced team to install the driveway, and like most things, the key to a successful project lies in the preparation. Removing the old surface is the first thing to do, and the supplier might recommend going a little deeper to ensure a solid platform that will stand the test of time.
You can always do some online research into all of the above materials, which will help you to make an informed decision on which is best for your property.
