A new driveway can transform the entrance to a property, create more practical parking and improve the way the surrounding garden and exterior features work together.
However, there is no single surface that will be right for every home. A large country property in rural Sussex may have very different requirements from a compact residential driveway in Surrey or a busy family home in Kent.
The best choice will depend on the appearance of the property, the amount of vehicle traffic, drainage, maintenance preferences and the condition of the ground. Understanding the main options can help you choose a surface that balances practical performance with the right visual finish.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Driveway Surface?
Before comparing materials, it is useful to consider how the driveway will be used.
Important questions include:
- How many vehicles will regularly use the driveway?
- Will vans or heavier vehicles need access?
- Is the driveway flat or sloping?
- Does rainwater currently collect in any areas?
- Is the property traditional, contemporary or rural?
- How much routine maintenance are you willing to undertake?
- Will the driveway connect with paths, walls or garden landscaping?
- Is a smooth and accessible surface important?
- Are you replacing an existing driveway or creating a completely new one?
Professional groundworks and site preparation are essential whichever finish is selected. Excavation, levelling, drainage and sub-base construction all affect how well the completed driveway performs. R. Exall & Sons manages projects from the initial preparation through to the final surface.
Tarmac and Asphalt Driveways
Tarmac remains one of the most practical choices for homes across Surrey, Sussex and Kent.
A professionally installed asphalt driveway creates a smooth, dark and consistent surface. It can be used for compact residential entrances, substantial forecourts, long access routes and private roads.
Its understated appearance can complement many different property styles. Decorative paving blocks, stone kerbs or planted borders can be added to soften the dark surface and introduce more detail.
Tarmac is particularly worth considering when:
- The driveway covers a large area
- Regular vehicle access is required
- A simple and uncluttered finish is preferred
- The surface needs to accommodate heavier traffic
- Efficient installation is important
R. Exall & Sons uses asphalt paving equipment for larger open areas alongside experienced hand-laying teams for detailed sections around kerbs, edges and inspection covers.
Resin-Bound Driveways
A resin-bound driveway combines natural aggregate with clear resin to create a smooth and seamless surface.
The availability of different aggregate colours makes resin bound a versatile option. Warm natural tones can complement brick, stone and traditional homes, while greys and cooler shades can work well with contemporary properties.
A correctly constructed resin-bound system can also be permeable, allowing rainwater to pass through the surface rather than remaining in puddles.
Resin bound may be suitable when:
- A decorative natural-stone appearance is preferred
- Colour choice is important
- A smooth surface is needed for pushchairs, wheelchairs or mobility aids
- Lower routine maintenance is a priority
- A permeable driveway system is appropriate for the site
The supporting groundwork must still be properly designed and installed. A decorative surface cannot compensate for movement, poor levels or an unsuitable base beneath it.
Block-Paved Driveways
Block paving offers considerable design flexibility and can be adapted to suit properties of many different ages and architectural styles.
Individual blocks are available in various colours, sizes and finishes. They can be laid in different patterns, while contrasting borders may be used to define entrances, paths or parking spaces.
Traditional red, brown and brindle blocks may complement established brick homes, while charcoal and grey shades can create a more contemporary appearance.
Block paving may be the right choice when:
- A patterned or decorative driveway is wanted
- Defined borders and parking areas are important
- The surface needs to complement existing brickwork
- Individual damaged blocks may need to be replaceable
- The driveway forms part of a detailed landscaping scheme
Professional paving installation includes groundworks, excavation, laying and finishing. The stability of the supporting layers is particularly important because poor preparation can allow individual sections to sink or move.
Breedon Golden Amber Gravel
Breedon Golden Amber Gravel is a self-binding limestone surface with a warm, natural appearance.
Unlike ordinary loose decorative gravel, the carefully graded material contains particles ranging from larger stones down to fine dust. When correctly installed and compacted, these particles knit together to form a firmer and more stable surface.
Its golden colouring can work especially well with:
- Country homes
- Period properties
- Large rural driveways
- Courtyards and entrances
- Natural stone walls
- Traditional landscaping
- Properties in conservation-led settings
Breedon gravel retains the character of a natural aggregate surface without behaving in exactly the same way as loose shingle. R. Exall & Sons has used it for residential driveways and extensive landscaping projects where a softer, more traditional finish was required.
Tar-and-Shingle Driveways
Tar-and-shingle surfacing combines hot-applied bitumen with stone chippings.
The result is a textured surface that can provide a more traditional and natural appearance than conventional black tarmac. It can be particularly effective for long driveways, private roads and rural access routes.
Tar and shingle may be suitable when:
- A textured finish is preferred
- The driveway serves a rural or traditional property
- A private road or long entrance needs resurfacing
- Additional visual grip is desirable
- The property owner wants an alternative to smooth asphalt
The colour and size of the chosen stone chippings can influence the finished appearance. Secure edging and thorough site preparation are required to retain the material and create a consistent surface.
Which Surface Is Best for a Rural Property?
Homes in the rural areas of Surrey, Sussex and Kent often have longer driveways, larger entrances and landscaping that blends into fields, woodland or established gardens.
Breedon gravel and tar and shingle can be particularly effective in these settings because of their natural colouring and textured appearance.
Tarmac may still be the most practical option where the driveway experiences frequent traffic or needs to be kept especially smooth. Natural stone edging, planting and timber entrance gates can help connect it with the rural surroundings.
The right choice will depend on whether the priority is a natural appearance, heavy-duty performance, lower maintenance or a balance of all three.
Which Surface Is Best for a Modern Home?
Contemporary properties often suit clean lines, clearly defined borders and simple material combinations.
Resin bound can provide a seamless finish with a choice of modern aggregate colours. It can also continue into pathways and entrance areas to create a coordinated design.
Tarmac offers a strong contrast against light render, modern brickwork and porcelain paving. A charcoal block border or paved entrance apron can add definition without making the overall design too busy.
The driveway should be planned alongside any new hard-landscaping features, including walls, steps, paths and planting areas.
Which Driveway Requires the Least Maintenance?
Every external surface needs some level of care.
Tarmac generally requires sweeping, prompt treatment of spills and attention to any developing cracks or damaged edges.
Resin bound can be relatively low maintenance, although leaves, soil and organic matter should be removed to keep the surface clear.
Block paving may need occasional joint maintenance and weed control. Breedon gravel can require periodic attention to heavily used areas, while tar and shingle should be monitored for loose or worn sections.
Maintenance should not be considered in isolation. A well-prepared driveway in the right material may require less remedial work than a supposedly low-maintenance surface installed over an inadequate base.
Don’t Overlook Driveway Drainage
The best surface for a property must also work with its rainwater drainage requirements.
Conventional tarmac and many standard paved surfaces do not allow water to pass directly through them. Suitable falls, drainage channels or permeable areas may therefore be required.
A fully permeable resin-bound construction can allow water to drain through the surface, but the supporting layers must also be designed appropriately.
Professional driveway drainage should be planned before installation begins. This helps prevent standing water, protects the driveway edges and reduces the risk of water travelling towards the property.
Can Different Driveway Materials Be Combined?
Using more than one material can create a practical and distinctive driveway.
Popular combinations include:
- Tarmac with block-paved borders
- Resin bound with contrasting aggregate edging
- Breedon gravel with granite setts
- Tarmac vehicle areas with paved pathways
- Tar and shingle with stone entrance details
The transitions between surfaces need to be carefully constructed. Each material may have different depths, supporting requirements and drainage characteristics.
Reviewing completed driveway case studies can provide useful inspiration. R. Exall & Sons’ portfolio includes classic tarmac, resin-bound, Breedon gravel and tar-and-shingle driveway projects.
Professional Driveways Across Surrey, Sussex and Kent
Established in 1951, R. Exall & Sons is a fourth-generation family-run company based in South Godstone. It provides residential and commercial surfacing, groundwork and hard-landscaping services throughout Surrey, Sussex and Kent.
Its team can manage the full driveway project, including excavation, drainage, sub-base preparation, edging and final surfacing.
To discuss the most suitable surface for your property, contact R. Exall & Sons or call 01342 842208 to request advice and a quotation.
