You want to be sure that the driveway pavers you choose not only look good but are functional too. Driveways are exposed to harsher conditions than perhaps some other paved areas around the home, and there are a few important factors to consider before picking a paver type. Let’s take a look at those and some of the best pavers for your driveway.
Paved driveway considerations
Paver thickness
To be able to withstand the weight of vehicles without chipping, cracking, or shifting out of place, your driveway pavers should be a minimum of 50mm thick. This will ensure they last the test of time and are intact for years to come.
Traction
Driveway suitable pavers need to have non-slip properties to provide traction for vehicles to drive on and for people to walk on. Without this key element, your driveway can become a hazard, especially in the wet. If your driveway is on a slope, look for a paver that offers a high non-slip rating for safety.
Colour palette
Pavers are a universal material and are an effective way to make an impact at your place but to get the ultimate wow factor, you should choose a colour palette that compliments the rest of your exterior. Pavers come in almost endless textures, colours, materials, and pattern layouts, there is something for everyone. Just keep in mind that a driveway will inevitably get dirty, so whites and creams may require a bit more upkeep than darker hues.
Paver patterns available to you
If you have a flat and straight area for your driveway, you can have practically any paver pattern you like but, if your driveway is curved or sloped, you may need to choose a pattern that is strong. Interlocking patterns such as Herringbone are a good option in this case. Rather than the pattern moving or being compromised over time, it gets stronger the more it compacted. It also looks great too.
Exposure to water
If your driveway tends to pool with water after a heavy downpour, it might be worth considering permeable pavers. Instead of the water sitting on top of the surface, it seeps through the paver and into the ground below it. If you choose to go with a traditional paver, ensure that you factor in drainage.
Your budget
Like any home improvement project, it’s a good idea to work out your budget prior to making any commitments. Some materials and complex designs cost more than others.
Ideal driveway paver choices
Natural stone pavers
Natural stone is a popular material for all hardscaping projects, and driveways are no exception. With beautiful textures and unique formations that suit an array of aesthetics, this material choice is a front runner. Some dense stones that fair well as driveways include bluestone, granite, and quartz. To protect your natural stone pavers from premature wear and to maintain their original appearance, we recommend sealing them as soon as you can.
Porcelain pavers
Porcelain pavers are strong and equally as stunning. The best part? They can give you a natural stone look for a fraction of the price. This paver type comes in many colours and prints making it easy to find the perfect one for your driveway. Offering superior durability, moisture and stain resistance, choosing porcelain for your driveway is a smart choice.
Concrete pavers
Concrete pavers are a long-standing product that homeowners choose primarily for their extended lifespan. They come in a wide variety of textures, sizes, and styles. Using concrete pavers in an interlocking pattern can provide you with premium grip, strength and a driveway that’ll last for a very long time. If you do ever need to make repairs down the track, concrete pavers are economical to purchase, and minor repairs are straightforward to fix.
Clay brick pavers
Clay brick pavers have been around since forever and, they are still commonly used today in an array of outdoor applications. While they aren’t the strongest material of all, they are still a suitable driveway material choice. Clay brick pavers will weather over the years but, this tends to enhance their character. Unlike some of the other options, this paver type usually has limited shapes on offer, but you can still create a stunning effect with the pattern, colours, and layout you choose.
Why choose pavers over other driveway materials?
- You can customise the design to create something traditional or one-of-a-kind.
- Versatile and economical, there’s something for every budget.
- Durable and long-lasting. With proper care, you can expect your paved driveway to last for more than 25 years.
- Simple to install.
- Very little ongoing maintenance is required.
- Safe and comfortable to walk on.
- Endless colours, patterns, textures, and styles to choose from.
Pavers are a superior choice
Whichever paver you choose to install for your driveway, one thing is for sure that when it is done properly, it can add appeal and value to your home. Having a sturdy driveway to drive and walk on, makes your home more functional and comfortable. Here at Bonita Stone, we specialise in engineering pavers that are designed to withstand the harsh Aussie climate and tough conditions such as a driveway. Check out our collection online or get in touch with our friendly team. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about your driveway paving project. Contact us today!
