Choose Your Material
Block paving, resin, tarmac, natural stone and porcelain — every option explained with colours, pros & cons, and honest advice on what suits your home best.
We never quote prices here — contact us for a free no-obligation visit and we'll give you an honest recommendation and fixed quote.
Block Paving
Block paving is the go-to choice for homeowners who want a driveway that lasts decades and still looks sharp. Individual blocks are laid over a compacted sub-base in your chosen pattern, creating a surface that is strong, repairable, and available in an enormous range of colours and styles.
Available Types
Concrete Blocks
The most widely used — incredibly durable, consistent colour and available in the widest range of shades. These are what most driveways use.
Clay Blocks
Made from fired clay, these have a warm, natural character that looks stunning on period and traditional properties. Colours deepen with age.
Granite Setts
Small natural granite cubes — typically used as an edging or feature detail rather than a full driveway surface. Extremely long-lasting.
Colour Options
Laying Patterns
- ›Herringbone (strongest, recommended for driveways)
- ›Stretcher bond / Running bond
- ›Basket weave
- ›Circular or fan feature
Advantages
- Individual blocks can be lifted and replaced if damaged — no patches
- Extremely long-lasting — 30+ years when properly laid
- Wide range of colours, textures and patterns
- Permeable options available (SuDS compliant)
- Adds significant kerb appeal and property value
- Can be re-sanded and resealed to restore original look
Considerations
- Joints can allow weeds over time (resin jointing sand prevents this)
- Higher upfront installation effort than tarmac
- Requires occasional maintenance (re-sanding joints every few years)
Best For
Buff or brindle tones suit red brick and warm-toned homes beautifully. Charcoal and graphite blocks look stunning on modern grey or render properties. Clay blocks are the natural choice for period and cottage-style houses.
Tarmac & Asphalt
Tarmac has been the staple of British driveways for good reason — when professionally laid on a proper sub-base, it handles heavy daily use for 20 to 30 years with minimal upkeep. Hot-rolled asphalt gives a smooth, clean finish that looks far better than DIY alternatives.
Available Types
Standard Black Tarmac
The classic choice — smooth, durable, and very practical. Professional laying makes all the difference to the finish.
Decorative Coloured Tarmac
Available in red, green and other colours. Popular for adding a block paving border in a contrasting colour to lift the look.
Tar & Chip (Surface Dressing)
A natural aggregate is rolled into a bitumen binder — creates a textured, slip-resistant finish with a more rustic appearance.
Colour Options
Advantages
- Quick to install — often completed in a single day
- Very cost-effective compared to block paving or resin
- Extremely durable and handles heavy vehicles well
- Smooth, quiet surface underfoot and for vehicles
- Can be resurfaced and resealed when it ages
- Works on larger driveways where cost matters
Considerations
- Limited colour options compared to block paving or resin
- Can soften slightly in prolonged extreme heat
- Repairs can sometimes be visible if not colour-matched carefully
- Edges need a proper restraint to stay crisp
Best For
A plain tarmac driveway is transformed by adding a block paving or granite sett border — it frames the surface and gives it a premium look at relatively low extra cost. Decorative red tarmac suits traditional properties well.
Resin Bound
Resin bound surfacing is growing rapidly in popularity for good reason. A blend of natural stone aggregates is mixed with a UV-stable resin and trowelled to create a seamless, smooth surface. It is fully permeable — meaning rainwater drains straight through — and meets SuDS planning requirements. No weeds, no loose stones, no fading.
Available Types
UV-Stable Polyurethane Resin
The standard and recommended type for UK driveways — resists UV discolouration so colours stay vibrant for years.
Epoxy Resin
More rigid, sometimes used indoors. Not generally recommended for outdoor driveways due to UV sensitivity.
Colour Options
Advantages
- Fully permeable — no standing water, meets SuDS drainage requirements
- No loose stones — safe for children and pets
- Seamless finish with no joints for weeds to grow through
- Huge range of natural aggregate colours
- Low maintenance — occasional jet wash keeps it looking new
- Smooth, comfortable surface for walking and cycling
Considerations
- Higher upfront cost than tarmac
- Requires a solid, crack-free base — existing tarmac or concrete may need preparation
- Patch repairs can sometimes show — full overlay preferred for repairs
- Not suitable for surfaces with poor drainage or significant movement
Best For
Light colours like cream and golden gravel make smaller driveways feel larger and work brilliantly with white render or light-coloured homes. Silver grey and Purbeck tones suit contemporary and grey properties. Black basalt is a bold, dramatic choice that looks exceptional with modern architecture.
Natural Stone
Natural stone brings a warmth and character to patios and driveways that no manufactured product can fully replicate. Each piece is unique. We work with Indian sandstone, limestone, slate and granite — all sourced from reputable suppliers and laid properly on a full mortar bed to ensure longevity.
Available Types
Indian Sandstone
The most popular natural stone in the UK — warm, characterful tones with excellent slip resistance. Riven surface texture is natural and practical.
Limestone
Refined and elegant. Cooler grey and cream tones suit contemporary and coastal homes. Honed finish available for a smoother look.
Slate
Dark, dramatic and distinctive. Works beautifully in modern gardens as a contrast against planting.
Granite
Exceptionally hard and long-lasting. Used for setts and edging as well as full patio surfaces. Very low maintenance.
Colour Options
Advantages
- Unique, natural appearance — each slab is different
- Excellent long-term durability — natural stone lasts centuries
- Stays cool underfoot in warm weather
- Adds significant value to outdoor living spaces
- Becomes more characterful with age
- Wide variety of finishes — riven, honed, flamed, brushed
Considerations
- Some stones (particularly limestone) require sealing to resist staining
- Natural variation means colours can vary between slabs — this is part of the charm
- Heavier and more complex to lay than manufactured products
- Some finishes can be slippery when wet — textured riven surfaces recommended for driveways
Best For
Buff and autumn sandstone tones are enduringly popular with warm brick homes and traditional gardens. Kandla grey suits cooler, contemporary spaces. Limestone pairs beautifully with white or light render, coastal-influenced gardens and modern outdoor dining areas.
Porcelain Paving
Outdoor porcelain has become one of the most requested patio surfaces in recent years. It is engineered to be far stronger than standard ceramic, resistant to frost, staining and fading, and available in a huge range of styles — including convincing stone and wood-effect finishes. The result is a pristine, uniform look that stays looking new with minimal effort.
Available Types
Stone-Effect Porcelain
Replicates the look of sandstone, limestone or slate with the practical benefits of porcelain — no sealing required.
Concrete-Effect Porcelain
The modern choice for contemporary gardens — clean, uniform colour with a subtle texture.
Wood-Effect Porcelain
The look of decking without the maintenance. Ideal for areas that get wet or where timber isn't practical.
Colour Options
Advantages
- Virtually no maintenance — does not require sealing
- Frost-proof and UV stable — colours will not fade
- Highly stain resistant — food, oil and leaves clean off easily
- Very hard-wearing — does not chip or scratch easily
- Consistent, uniform appearance across all slabs
- Available in very large slab sizes for a contemporary look
Considerations
- Can feel less natural than genuine stone
- Polished finishes can be slippery when wet — textured finish recommended outdoors
- Requires careful cutting around curves and edges (diamond blade only)
- Heavy slabs require professional handling and laying
Best For
Light grey and warm white porcelain gives gardens a spacious, clean feel and works with almost any house style. Large-format slabs (e.g. 900×600mm) make compact spaces feel larger. Pair with dark metal edging, sleek planters and structured planting for a polished result.
What Goes Well Together
Choosing materials that complement your home and each other makes a huge difference. Here are our tried-and-tested combinations for different property styles.
Traditional Red Brick Home
Warm tones work best. Buff, brindle or old English clay block paving on the drive, with Indian sandstone (fossil buff or autumn brown) on the patio. Granite sett edging ties it together.
Modern Grey or Render Property
Contrast is key. Charcoal or graphite block paving or dark resin bound on the drive, with large-format light grey porcelain on the patio. Aluminium edging keeps the look sharp.
Period or Cottage Property
Natural materials suit older homes. Clay blocks (old English or rustic red) on the drive, with riven sandstone or reclaimed cobbles on paths and patio areas.
Contemporary White or Light Render
Light resin bound (cream or ivory aggregate) makes the drive look premium and spacious. White or cream porcelain on the patio with silver-grey limestone accents.
Tarmac with a Finish
Standard black tarmac is transformed by a block paving or granite sett border — even a single row of edging creates a completely different look. Charcoal or buff block edging are both excellent.
Low Maintenance Everything
Resin bound driveway (grey or cream) with large-format porcelain patio. No sealing, no weeding, minimal cleaning. Perfect for busy households.
Not Sure Which to Choose?
That's exactly what our free site visits are for. We'll come to you, look at your property, talk through your options, and give you an honest recommendation — completely free, with no obligation whatsoever.
We'll bring sample materials so you can see exactly how they look against your home before committing to anything.
Book a Free Site Visit & Material Consultation