The Pros & Cons to a Gravel vs Block Paving Driveway
Make first impressions count with your driveway. By choosing the right driveway surface best suited to your home or business, you are securing an aesthetically pleasing entrance that will last for years to come. Not sure about the different types of driveway surfaces? We’ve put together this handy ‘Pros & Cons’ guide below discussing the differences between Gravel driveways and block paving driveways.
The Pros & Cons of a Gravel Driveway
Providing your ground is prepared and maintained correctly, a gravel driveway has the potential to last a lifetime. This economical, environmentally friendly surface is perfect for rural areas or a long driveway.
Pros
Budget-friendly: Gravel is kind on your wallet, perfect for situations where you need coverage over a large surface area, such as entrances of stately rural homes or long winding driveways. Maintenance remains cost-effective after the initial investment, with only occasional ‘top ups’ of material required to combat natural dips and substrate migration if an effective base has been installed, such as gravel pavers.
Low effort maintenance: The only constant maintenance necessary with a gravel driveway is weed removal – this does not require specialist tools and can be done either physically with a rake or chemically with a low level environmentally kind pesticide. Excess weed growth is uncommon, but it can be dealt with via a weed prevention membrane if this is anticipated to become an issue in your area.
In-built drainage: When correctly installed, gravel driveways can help maintain, and improve area drainage, often feeding into existing drainage routes, replenishing groundwater and reducing flood risk. This also means it is environmentally conscious as it will not severely impact wildlife or surrounding ecological systems by changing water drainage paths.
Unique appearance: Being a natural material, gravel comes in a wide variety of colours, sizes and styles perfect for any aesthetic. From glittering quartz to fine tonal shingle, you will be sure to find the perfect look for your home or business. This style of driveway lends itself in particular to period or traditional buildings due to its classic feel.
Cons
Adverse weather: British weather is unpredictable and sometimes harsh. When considering snow, gravel driveways are borderline impossible to clear due to their textured surface. Although only a temporary aesthetic issue, it can prove frustrating for some home or business owners. It is important to note that gravel driveways in icy or snowy conditions are less likely to become a slip hazard than others due to this same textured surface.
Movement: Ground movement and substrate migration are natural, but they can leave holes or thin patches on your drive. This can be easily remedied with a ‘top up’, or simply running a rake over the surface.
The Pros & Cons of a Block Paving Driveway
Block paving is a unique and striking look when installed correctly and can be achieved with various materials such as bricks or cut stones. This is a hardwearing option and can prove helpful in heavy foot or vehicle traffic applications.
Pros
Unique Look: Block paving is perfect for the more design-minded among us. With an endless range of possibilities for colour, pattern, edging, and stone/ block size available, you will be able to design a striking entrance piece to suit your home or business.
No curing necessary: There is no curing period for block paving. This is something other driveway options such as tarmac cannot offer, allowing you to use the surface immediately after completion (as long as the perimeter concrete edging strips have hardened sufficiently).
Increased traction: Providing better grip when compared to concrete or other surfaces, this drive is a fantastic option for those in hilly or icy areas which would otherwise become a hazard.
Hardwearing: Due to their configuration, cracks that may occur within individual blocks are less likely to spread and become a severe issue> They are instead isolated by the space surrounding each block and spread the surface area of a vehicle evenly.
Cons
Time-consuming installation: Block paving takes longer to lay than other drives. This is due to the hours involved in individually laying each of the blocks. This can also make block paving a more expensive option, better suited to smaller surface areas.
Adverse Weather: If you live in an area that regularly experiences severe freeze-thaw weather events (uncommon within UK Mainland), it could prematurely age your block paving. This is because the block is permeable to water, which expands when frozen, causing micro-fissures and damage. Luckily block paving can be ‘spot repaired’ if this does pose an issue.
Draining: Living in an area with poor natural drainage? You will likely need to install additional drainage as the blocks are only permeable to a limit, and without correct drainage, could demonstrate flood risk. This is easily mitigated during installation.
Comparison Chart of Gravel & Block Paving Driveways
| Aspect of Ownership | Gravel Driveway | Block Paving Driveway |
| Versatility | Coming in a range of colours, textures and sizes available this drive can be entirely personalised to suit your design needs. It is also a successful contender for most use types, lending itself in particular to rural settings.
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As unique as you are block paving is perfect for a wide range of applications, both commercial and domestic. Providing a stylish and practical drive for your home or business.
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| Look & Finish | The look of this driveway can be adapted to your needs, with more classic fine shingle available for stately or period properties and colourful quartz available for a modern twist to name just two.
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Block paving is perfect for the more design-minded among us. With an endless range of possibilities for colour, pattern, edging, and stone/ block size available, you will be able to design a striking entrance piece to suit your home or business.
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| Maintenance | One of the lowest maintenance driveways available, with the only regular maintenance being raking of leaves and readjusting gravel coverage.
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As with gravel, the only regular maintenance needed is fairly low effort, usually sweeping with a stiff brush and pulling occasional weeds can help your driveway to look its best.
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| Durability | A durable option for general usage, but does not lend itself to heavy use by large machinery, fast accelerating or harsh braking.
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A highly durable option, block paving isolates any potential cracks preventing them from worsening, ideal for high traffic areas that require a stylish look.
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| Longevity | When properly maintained and topped up this drive can last a lifetime, although this is largely dependent on area.
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These driveways often last 20+ years with proper upkeep, acting as an investment for the future.
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Considerations Before Making Your Final Decision
When making your final decision regarding driveway installation, it is crucial to make an informed decision on area, budget, aesthetic and use of the surface. If you wish to discuss your options further, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
Get a Quote Today for Your Driveway from Axtell Surfacing
Axtell Surfacing have over 20 years of experience in laying and repairing driveways across Surrey and West Sussex. Contact our professional team today to request a quote or learn more about our gravel or block paving driveways in Surrey here.
