Concrete is a common choice for decorative driveways. This is because it is strong, durable and low maintenance. Its lifespan is, by and large, what makes it such a good choice of surfacing. That being said, there are some drawbacks to using concrete in the construction of decorative driveways. In this article, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of concrete driveways. We’ll also explore a number of viable alternative surfacing options which can be used to make attractive, long-lasting decorative driveways for homeowners and residential developers alike.
The Pros of Concrete Driveways
The biggest benefit of choosing concrete for a driveway is its longevity. When properly installed, concrete surfaces can last up to 50 years with very little maintenance, which makes it an attractive investment for homeowners and property developers.
Concrete is also very good at withstanding the worst of the weather. It is less susceptible to shrinkage and expansion in extreme temperatures. There are also a number of decorative options available for concrete surfaces. For example, staining can be used to introduce colour to concrete for a unique eye-catching finish. Stamping can also be used to create a decorative finish for concrete driveways which is appealing in residential areas.
The Cons Of Concrete Driveways
While cost-effective in the long term, concrete is usually a lot more expensive than other options such as block or brick paving. This can be quite expensive if you are covering a large surface area.
As well as this, if the concrete does become damaged it can be quite expensive to repair. It can also be stained by oil and petrol spillages, leaving an unsightly blemish which is almost impossible to get rid of.
While quite resistant to temperature, in cold climates concrete can be prone to frost heave or be damaged by salt, grit and de-icing chemicals. This can lead to cracks that are costly to repair and patching, hitting your bank account hard in the long run.
Alternatives To Concrete Driveways
There are a number of viable alternatives to concrete driveways which offer multiple benefits. These include:
- Brick
- Gravel
- Resin bound paving
- Paving stones
- Asphalt
Each of the above come with their own pros and cons. Some lend themselves heavily to decorative driveways, while others are cost-effective and low maintenance.
Another viable alternative to concrete driveways is NatraTex. A cost-effective, durable hard landscaping material, it boasts a wide range of benefits including an attractive, sympathetic finish, durability, slip-resistance, and low maintenance.
Decorative Driveways With NatraTex
A decorative driveway has the power to make a good lasting first impression on visitors to a property, be it residential or commercial. Therefore, architects, designers and landscapers understand just how important it is to choose the most suitable decorative paving material for the job.
Both NatraTex Cotswold and NatraTex Colour are high-quality hard landscaping materials that can be used in the creation of decorative driveways. To learn more about our hardwearing, low maintenance and attractive surface course, please contact us. Our team will advise on the best solution for your landscaping requirements.
