Driveways

JW Landscaping Services provide a complete range of driveway services that we believe are second to none. Whatever the size or nature of your project, from complete design and installation to revamping your old tired driveway, you can be sure of a professional and reliable service from start to finish.

We have worked in a wide variety of homes and businesses over the years so you can be confident that whatever driveway service you require we will deliver a professional service to the highest standards.

We provide a complete driveway service from design to installation. We are fully insured and have been serving customers in Hertfordshire for a number of years.

What driveway surface should you choose?

So, you’ve decided your driveway needs updating.  A new driveway will transform the look of your property and will add a significant amount to its value. But what surface should you choose? Choosing the best type of driveway surfacing for your home isn’t as easy as you might think.

What factors should you consider?

You might know what would look best to give your property real curb appeal but what you think would look best isn’t the only consideration. There are several factors you need to think about. Things such as your budget for the project, the type of drainage which will be needed and the overall practicality of the surface all need to the considered before you decide.

So let’s consider the different options you have for your new driveway and the advantages and disadvantages of each. The aim is to make sure that you’re making an informed decision so that you can be sure you’re getting the driveway you want and need.

The different surface options

Essentially there are 6 main types of driveway surfacing that are currently the most popular.

• Concrete
• Tarmac/Asphalt
• Loose Gravel/Crushed Stone
• Block Paving
• Paving Slabs
• Resin Bound /Bonded.

Each type of driveway surfacing looks different and differs substantially in cost.

Tarmac Driveways

Tarmac or Asphalt is usually the cheapest option. It’s an ideal solution for a large driveway and is quick and easy to install. But as far as aesthetics go, it’s not really the most attractive of surfaces and may not create the impression you want. Also, it has a tendency to dip in places with time and you may find that this results in standing water on your driveway.

Concrete Driveways

A similar cheap option for your driveway is Concrete. Again, it’s quick and easy to install and can be very long lasting and so a costs effective choice. There is also the option of printed concrete. Adding coloured dyes and used a stamp to imprint patterns on the concrete can create a stunning effect.

There are a few downsides to concrete – it can stain quite easily. An oil stain on a concrete driveway doesn’t look good and is very difficult to remove. Another problem is that concrete can crack. Installation is key here and if it’s not been laid properly it doesn’t have a tendency to crack. These cracks will also deteriorate with time. It’s laid in one piece and so it’s not possible to remove a section or replace it.

Loose gravel/Crushed Stone Driveways

Loose gravel is another popular method these days. Again it’s a surface which is quick and easy to install. In our opinion gravel driveways are best suited to more traditional style homes in a countryside setting. However, there are styles which can suit any property whether modern or traditional. This surface is free draining provided it is laid on a permeable sub-base and so it requires no special draining to be installed which is a cost saving in comparison to other types of surface.

Block Paving Driveways

As most people are aware, block paving has been the most popular type of driveway surfacing for some time now. That’s because it has so many advantages over the other types of surfacing available.

• Huge range of styles and patterns to suit all types of properties and styles
• Very cost effective depending on your choice
• Individual blocks are small areas can be replaced easily
• Weeds can be avoided with specialist jointing or a top seal can be added
• Long lifespan

One of the only downsides with block paving if that in most cases you will need to install drains and a soakaway which adds to the overall cost of the project.

Paving Slab Driveways

Although there are a high number of different types of slabs available, not all will be suitable for a driveway which is used for vehicles. So you need to ensure that you choose the right type. Although paving slabs can be removed and replaced if necessary, it’s not so easy as with block paving because each slab has to be laid on a concrete base rather than sand for block paving. The cost of paving slabs tends to be higher too. As with block paving, you will also need to install suitable drainage.

Resin Bound Driveways

Resin bound driveways have become very popular in recent years. There are a huge number of decorative aggregates to choose from and so it can be suitable for all types and styles of property.

The main advantage of resin bond driveways is that they are completely permeable. This means that you don’t need additional drainage and so cost wise it is comparable with block paving. It won’t fade either as it’s UV stabilised and so it is long lasting too.

New Driveway in Hemel Hempstead?

If you’re based in or around Hemel Hempstead, why not give us a call? We can visit you, talk through your project and discuss which of the surfacing options would be right for you and would transform your property and add value to your home. We have years of experience in laying driveways in all types of properties and we can guarantee that your new driveway will be delivered on time and on budget. So, get in touch to day on 07508 039549