Imprinted Concrete Vs Block Paving: Trade Comparison Guide

10th July 2026 | 3 mins read | Travis Perkins

Selecting the correct material for a driveway will not just be a practical decision for property owners. The choice can also alter the kerb appeal of a building, as well as potentially add value to the entire property.

What is block paving?

Block paving is where moulded blocks made from cement, sand, and gravel mixture are laid in a repeating pattern to create a pathway.

Sometimes referred to as brick paving, this material is available in many different colours and patterns.

Why do property owners choose block paving?

There are many appealing aspects for a property owner to choose a block paving driveway, including:

• The material comes in several visually appealing options to suit many types of driveways.

• Block paving is designed to achieve a neat finish.

• It’s a very durable material which can see a driveway lasting for many years, even with regular heavy traffic or harsh weather conditions, with the correct maintenance.

• Block paving can be easily removed and reinstated when a driveway needs adjusting to access underground services such as a utility pipe.

What is imprinted concrete?

Imprinted concrete is a material created by forming a mould and then pressing it on the wet concrete so that different patterns can be created.

Otherwise known as stamped concrete, this material is designed to create a continuous surface across an entire driveway.

Why do property owners choose imprinted concrete?

Property owners may consider using imprinted concrete when improving the look of their property’s outdoor space for the following reasons:

• There are many patterns and colours available.

• It is an efficient way to update a large area of a driveway quickly.

• As imprinted concrete involves a solid fibre-mesh reinforced concrete base lying on top of a sub-base, this material is unlikely to experience sinking or movement.

• Its rough surface helps with slip resistance.

• The material’s design means there will be few opportunities for weeds and moss to appear on a driveway.

An important point about drainage when comparing block paving to imprinted concrete

The amount of work needed on drainage aspects of a driveway will differ depending on whether you are working with block paving or imprinted concrete.

As block paving is designed with gaps between each block, any water present should permeate through the gaps so that the surface always quickly becomes clean and dry.

Imprinted concrete is not a permeable material, however, due to it being a layer of concrete without any gaps or pores. As a result, you should design this type of driveway with a proper drainage channel or gully, and plan out slopes effectively so that water can never accumulate.

How to decide between block paving and imprinted concrete?

As block paving and imprinted concrete both have appealing visual and practical aspects when used on a driveway, the preference will come down to the tastes of the property owner.

This guide should at least now give you the knowledge to help inform a customer about which material to select should they be weighing up their options.

Don’t forget to also read through our advice on gravel driveways if a property owner would rather improve their property’s outdoor space with this type of material.

We have an in-depth guide on how to update a driveway too, filled with helpful tips so that you can achieve a fantastic job time after time.