Choosing a new driveway is a significant decision. It affects how the front of your property looks, how easily vehicles can access it and how much ongoing maintenance may be required.
For most homeowners, the main options include tarmac, block paving, resin bound surfacing and gravel.
There is no single driveway material that is automatically best for every property. The right choice depends on your budget, the appearance you prefer, the amount of traffic the driveway will receive, drainage and the character of your home.
R. Exall & Sons provides driveway and surfacing solutions across Surrey, Sussex and Kent, with services covering asphalt, resin bound surfacing, Breedon gravel, tar and shingle and hard-landscaped driveway construction.
Why Choose a Tarmac Driveway?
Tarmac, or asphalt surfacing, remains popular because it produces a strong, smooth and practical surface.
It works particularly well where homeowners want:
- a clean, straightforward finish;
- a surface suitable for regular vehicle use;
- larger areas covered efficiently;
- relatively simple maintenance; and
- a driveway that can be combined with decorative edging.
A tarmac driveway does not have to look purely functional.
Block paving, brick or stone edging can help frame the surface and create a more individual appearance.
R. Exall & Sons provides professional asphalt and tarmac surfacing for driveways as well as roads, footpaths, car parks and commercial developments.
What Are the Advantages of Block Paving?
Block paving offers considerably more choice in terms of patterns, colours and decorative detail.
Different blocks can be combined to:
- create borders;
- define parking spaces;
- highlight entrances;
- complement brickwork; and
- create curved or detailed driveway layouts.
Individual blocks can also be lifted when localised access or repair is required.
The trade-off is that the joints between blocks can require some maintenance over time.
For a homeowner who wants the driveway itself to become a strong design feature, however, block paving remains an attractive option.
Why Consider Resin Bound Surfacing?
Resin bound surfacing provides a smooth appearance created from decorative aggregate mixed with resin.
The result can feel softer and more natural than conventional tarmac while remaining much more stable than loose gravel.
R. Exall & Sons describes its resin bound surfacing as permeable, with a range of colours and textures available for driveways, pathways and other areas.
That can make resin particularly appealing to homeowners looking for:
- a contemporary appearance;
- natural aggregate colouring;
- relatively low maintenance;
- a seamless-looking finish; and
- drainage through a correctly constructed permeable system.
What About Gravel?
Gravel can complement rural, traditional and character properties especially well.
It creates an informal, natural appearance and is available in many colours and stone types.
R. Exall & Sons also installs Breedon Golden Amber Gravel, a self-binding limestone material that compacts into a firmer surface than conventional loose gravel while retaining a natural appearance.
Traditional loose gravel may require occasional raking or replenishment, whereas a self-binding surface behaves differently once correctly laid and compacted.
Which Driveway Is Best for a Large Area?
Tarmac is particularly worth considering when a driveway, forecourt or access area is substantial.
Its relatively uniform finish can suit wide expanses without the surface becoming visually overcomplicated.
It can also be laid using specialist paving equipment on appropriate projects.
For a larger country property, Breedon gravel or tar and shingle may provide an attractive alternative where a softer, more traditional appearance is preferred.
Which Driveway Is Lowest Maintenance?
No driveway is completely maintenance free.
However, the nature of that maintenance varies.
Tarmac: occasional cleaning and attention to developing damage.
Resin bound: routine cleaning and keeping the surface clear.
Block paving: cleaning and occasional attention to joints.
Gravel: raking and replenishment depending on the material.
Installation quality also has a major influence on how a driveway performs.
What Lies Underneath the Driveway Matters
A driveway should never be judged entirely by its visible surface.
The preparation underneath can include:
- excavation;
- removal of unsuitable material;
- installation of a suitable sub-base;
- compaction;
- drainage;
- correct levels; and
- strong edge restraints.
R. Exall & Sons combines surfacing with its own groundworks capability, covering projects from preparation through to the finished surface.
This is particularly important because a premium driveway material cannot compensate for an inadequate foundation.
Which Driveway Will Suit Your Property?
A useful way to narrow the choice is to ask what matters most.
If practicality and a smooth finish are priorities, tarmac may be an excellent choice.
If design flexibility matters most, consider block paving.
If you want a contemporary aggregate finish, resin bound surfacing deserves consideration.
If you prefer a softer traditional appearance, gravel, Breedon gravel or tar and shingle may work particularly well.
Professional Driveway Construction from R. Exall & Sons
R. Exall & Sons is a family-run business based in South Godstone, providing hard landscaping, groundworks and surfacing across Surrey, Sussex and Kent. Its current driveway portfolio includes tarmac, resin, gravel and other bespoke driveway solutions.
For advice about a new driveway, call 01342 842208.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tarmac suitable for a domestic driveway?
Yes. Professionally installed tarmac is widely used for residential driveways as well as larger commercial surfaces.
Is resin better than tarmac?
Neither is automatically better. Resin provides a decorative aggregate finish, while tarmac offers a smooth and highly practical surface.
Can block paving be combined with tarmac?
Yes. Decorative block edging can work very effectively alongside a tarmac driveway.
Is gravel suitable for vehicle traffic?
Yes, provided the surface and underlying construction are appropriate for the intended use.
What is the most important part of a new driveway?
The visible material matters, but correct preparation, drainage, sub-base installation and compaction are equally important.
