For contractors, landscapers and tradespeople, the surface is only one part of the specification. The condition of the ground, sub-base, drainage, edging and expected vehicle use also need to be considered before installation begins.

What should you consider when choosing a driveway surface?

Before selecting a driveway material, consider how the area will be used and what the finished surface needs to provide.

A driveway with regular vehicle use may need a different specification from a smaller parking area or lightly used access route. Ground conditions, drainage and the surrounding property can also affect the most suitable option.

Key points to consider include:

The size and layout of the driveway
Expected vehicle use
Existing ground conditions
Drainage and surface water management
Access for materials and equipment
Maintenance requirements
Edging and boundary details
Whether future access beneath the surface may be needed

The sub-base is particularly important. A properly prepared and compacted base helps support the driveway and reduce the risk of movement, sinking and uneven areas.

Block paving driveways

A block paving driveway is built using individual concrete or clay paving blocks laid in a chosen pattern. Block paving is available in a wide range of colours, sizes and finishes, making it suitable for both traditional and modern properties.

One of the main benefits of block paving is design flexibility. Different colours and laying patterns can be used to create borders, parking areas and changes in direction. Individual blocks can also be lifted and reinstated if repairs or access beneath the driveway are needed.

Benefits of block paving

Block paving may be suitable where the project needs:

A wide choice of colours and finishes
Defined borders or contrasting details
Straight, curved or detailed layouts
A surface that can be lifted for local repairs
A consistent finish around paths and landscaped areas

Block paving can provide a long-lasting driveway surface when the groundwork, edge restraints and installation are completed correctly.

Things to consider with block paving

Block paving usually needs more individual setting out and installation work than tarmac or gravel. The paving pattern, cuts, edges and finished levels should be planned before laying begins.

A suitable sub-base, even laying course and secure edge restraints are important. Jointing material should also be installed and maintained correctly to help support the blocks.

The surface may need periodic cleaning and maintenance, particularly where debris or weed growth collects within the joints.

Tarmac driveways

A tarmac driveway can provide a smooth and practical finish for larger driveways, access routes and parking areas. The continuous surface can be useful where a simple appearance and efficient coverage are priorities.

Tarmac is commonly used across driveways, roads, paths and commercial access areas. The finished performance depends on the full construction, including the supporting base and surfacing layers.

Benefits of tarmac driveways

Tarmac may be suitable where the project requires:

A simple and consistent finish
Coverage across a larger driveway area
A surface suitable for regular vehicle use
Fewer joints than block paving
Defined edges using kerbs or other restraints

Tarmac can also be combined with block paving borders or kerbs to add definition around the edge of the driveway.

Things to consider with tarmac

The base and edges need to provide suitable support. Poor groundwork or unsupported edges can contribute to surface movement and damage over time.

Tarmac offers fewer design options than block paving, although kerb edging and other paving materials can be used to create contrast.

Any future repairs may also remain more visible than repairs to individual paving blocks. Block paving can often be lifted and reinstated in a local area, whereas repairs to a continuous surface may be easier to notice.

Gravel driveways

A gravel driveway can provide a traditional and practical finish for properties, access routes and larger parking areas. Gravel is available in different colours, sizes and aggregate types, allowing the surface to be matched with surrounding landscaping and building materials.

Most gravel driveways use a loose aggregate surface, although self-binding materials can compact more firmly and help reduce movement. A suitable sub-base is important, while kerbs, driveway edging and gravel grids can help contain the aggregate and reduce movement into surrounding areas.

Benefits of gravel driveways

Gravel may be suitable where the project requires:

A traditional or informal appearance
A choice of aggregate colours and finishes
Coverage across larger or irregular areas
A surface that works alongside landscaped surroundings
Straightforward local topping up when needed

Things to consider with gravel

Driveway edging is important because it helps contain the gravel and reduce movement into surrounding paths, planted areas or other surfaces.

The aggregate may need to be raked or topped up over time, particularly in areas where vehicles regularly turn or brake. Contractors should also consider how the gravel will perform around entrances, slopes and frequently used pedestrian routes.

The aggregate type and size should be suitable for driveway use rather than selected on appearance alone.

What driveway materials may be needed?

The materials required will depend on the chosen surface and site conditions, but a driveway project may include:

MOT Type 1 or suitable sub-base material
Block paving
Bedding material
Jointing sand
Tarmac or asphalt surfacing materials
Driveway gravel or decorative aggregate
Kerbs and driveway edging
Concrete for edge support or haunching
Drainage channels
Geotextile membrane and gravel grids, where suitable
Compaction and cutting equipment
Hand tools and power tools
PPE

Drainage should be planned alongside the driveway levels and surface choice. Surface falls, drainage channels and permeable systems may all help manage water depending on the project design. Permeable block paving and porous asphalt are examples of systems designed to allow water to drain through the surface construction.

Common driveway installation mistakes to avoid

A driveway needs suitable groundwork and careful setting out, whichever surface is chosen.

Common mistakes include:

Choosing a surface based on appearance alone
Not assessing the existing ground conditions
Installing an unsuitable or poorly compacted sub-base
Failing to plan drainage before work begins
Not providing suitable edge restraints
Allowing inconsistent levels across the driveway
Failing to consider access for delivery and equipment
Not allowing for transitions to paths, roads or surrounding surfaces

Taking time to plan the full construction can help reduce movement, standing water and unnecessary rework.

Driveway FAQs

Which is better: block paving or tarmac?

The better option depends on the project. Block paving provides more choice in colour, pattern and detailing, while tarmac creates a smooth and consistent surface that can suit larger driveway areas.

Is gravel suitable for a driveway?

Yes, gravel can be suitable for driveways when installed over a properly prepared base and contained by suitable edging. The aggregate should also be appropriate for regular vehicle use.

Does block paving need edging?

Block paving usually needs secure edge restraints to support the outer blocks and help reduce movement. The type of edging will depend on the driveway design.

What should go underneath a driveway?

The driveway construction will usually include a suitable sub-base, although the full build-up depends on the surface material, ground conditions and expected use.

Which driveway surface needs the least maintenance?

Maintenance depends on the installation, site conditions and use. Tarmac provides a continuous surface, while block paving allows individual areas to be lifted and repaired. Gravel may need occasional raking or topping up.

Find out more about driveway materials

If you want to explore driveway materials and maintenance in more detail, read our guides to looking after a gravel driveway advice, block paving vs imprinted concrete and updating a driveway. These articles provide more advice on drainage, surface maintenance, design options and choosing materials for different driveway projects.

Final thoughts

Block paving, tarmac and gravel can all provide suitable driveway surfaces, but each option has different benefits. Block paving offers design flexibility, tarmac creates a smooth and practical finish, and gravel can provide a traditional appearance.

For the best result, consider the surface alongside the groundwork, drainage, kerbs and driveway edging. As a builder’s merchant, Travis Perkins offers a range of paving, aggregates, drainage products and landscaping materials for driveway projects.

Driveways: Block Paving, Tarmac & Gravel Guide