The best material for a new driveway depends on the taste and budget a person has, what one individual might love another might hate. 

An expensive driveway material does not necessarily represent quality or durability, so it's important to research and weigh up the pros and cons before making any rash decisions.

Decorative concrete

Decorative concrete, also known as imprinted concrete, gives the driveway more character and uniqueness; it comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns too.

 The process for decorative concrete is the exact same as normal concrete (but with different colours) up until its time for it to set.

Once the concrete is poured and begins to set, a decorative pattern is imprinted, giving the look of individual paving stones. 

Asphalt

Asphalt is commonly referred to as tarmac and is used on most UK roads, so it's easy to assume that the material has lots of benefits, but in actual fact, there are some important cons that need to be considered. 

For example, an asphalt driveway has a relatively basic look; also, because of the material's properties, it expands and becomes sticky during the summer months; this can eventually make the driveway very uneven. One of the only cons of tarmac is the cost. 

The cheapest driveway material of all the options mentioned in this is gravel; most individuals are shocked by this because of how visually pleasing it is. 

With these pros come some massive cons; gravel maintenance is a constant struggle, and it's very hard to keep presentable. It is surprising how quickly the stones can be moved by anything from foot traffic to cars. 

Therefore it requires constant upkeep and might even need topping up quite regularly; another huge problem is weeds.

Block paving

Block paving is the most popular type of driveway material, and for a good reason, the freedom of choice is unmatched, whether you want contemporary grey, classic red brick or many other colours this design provides. 

The stones can be placed to create any pattern desirable to the individual, and slopes can even be incorporated into the design. Some other positives are that you're less likely to get flooding with block paving as the gaps allow drainage. 

Grass paving is very eco-friendly in comparison to the other driveway materials, so if you want to do your bit for the environment, this is a good option for you. With this paving comes a large price tag and regular upkeep. 

The grass paving is more prone to weeds but will look fantastic if properly maintained, so if money isn't a problem and you want to stand out from the regular driveways, this paving might be the best option for you.

Asphalt ticks all the boxes for durability and safety; however, this is only if it is fitted correctly by a reputable and experienced installer. 

The reason for this being that they will normally provide the best materials and tools and recommend what drainage systems should be put in place to evacuate the water safely. 

Asphalt surfaces require some maintenance costs, such as seal coating every two to three years which must be done by a professional, but all in all, the surface has great traction during winter and is easy to plough snow from.

Another surface that is a strong contender for most durable is concrete; its heavy and hard-wearing characteristics make it difficult to completely damage. 

If, however, the concrete gained potholes or cracks over time, the repair will be very costly and time-consuming. This is why it's essential to hire professionals when installing these types of driveways. 

Gravel might win you over for its aesthetically pleasing look or low prices, but its lack of durability might change your mind. 

This surface will need constant upkeep and resurfacing, not to mention heavy maintenance during winter weather; heavy snowfall will be nearly impossible to plough without damaging the gravel. 

If, however, you are living in a hot region all year round, this might not be a problem for you.

Paved driveway stones do offer some durability, so long as there is good maintenance and professional installation, the surface is unlikely to break or crack, and if it does, the problem is easy to resolve. 

Due to its slippery surface, the paver stones are not ideal for places that will be exposed to oil or are prone to freezing conditions and snow. It is difficult to plough and will require proper drainage systems to prevent flooding.

First, you must choose the material; if your driveway is going to be used by children to play on, guests to use, as well as for parking your car, then the best options for you are concrete, or asphalt and they are easier to clean and are more durable. 

If, however, you are simply using the driveway for parking your car, then your options are varied.

One important thing to mention is the introduction of Suitable Drainage Systems by the government; it was put in place because houses were being developed over the mains sewer network.

Maintenance is key for any part of a home, but some driveways require a lot of it. If you have the time and money spare to do this, then a gravel driveway might be for you.

It comes in a wide range of colours and overall is pleasing to the eye; the spray of stones from vehicles and people can require neatening a cleaning, but there are nets on the market to reduce this.

To conclude, when picking your driveway surface and materials, it's best to consider what your driveway will be used for, how much your budget is and the weather conditions in your region. 

Then, do some research to acquire the material that best suits your taste and contact a professional to check current regulations.