Concrete is a strong and versatile driveway material with plenty of traditional charm.
But since its peak of popularity in the construction of early driveways, it now has to compete with other driveway materials such as asphalt, block paving and resin surfaces.
So, are concrete driveways a good idea? Or should you choose a more modern material?
Join us as we take a look at the pros and cons of installing a concrete driveway to help you make your decision.
The pros of concrete driveways
- Cost: Concrete driveways are much more affordable to install than driveways of certain other materials, such as interlocking pavers. Installation could cost £600-£8,000 depending on the size, with an average cost of around £3,500.
- Quick to lay: A typical concrete driveway takes just 3-5 days to lay. After that, you can walk on it within 24-48 hours and drive on it one week later. This short installation period ensures minimal disruption to your regular schedule.
- Long lifespan: When properly laid by an accredited driveway surfacing contractor and given adequate time to cure, your concrete driveway could last well over 20 years. Follow this up by getting your driveway sealed , and it’ll easily outlast almost any other driveway material.
- Low maintenance: Concrete surfaces require almost no maintenance. And since there are no gaps, weeds can’t grow on the paved area. Just pressure wash and sweep debris now and then, and your concrete driveway should stay in excellent condition for a long time to come.
- Durability: Concrete is one of the strongest surfacing materials, with a high tolerance for wear and tear. Even in heavily used areas like driveways, concrete can handle a great deal of weight and impact without showing any signs of damage.
- Curb appeal: A smoothly laid and professionally finished concrete driveway adds the finishing touches to a beautiful home. It’s an easy way to impress your visitors, and you could increase the value of your property by 5-10%.
- Customisable: Most concrete driveways are light grey in colour, making them a great choice for those who want a neutral surface. But there are plenty of options for other colours, as well as patterns, shapes and textures. No matter the style of your property or your decorative tastes, it’s easy to get a concrete driveway that suits you.
- Seasonal resistance: If you choose a light colour for your concrete driveway, it’ll stay cool even under the summer sun. And in winter, it’s very easy to clear away the snow. That makes concrete a great driveway material for year-round use.
- Flexible: Concrete is less prone to shrinking and expanding in extreme temperatures. This greatly reduces the appearance of cracks and deformations, letting your driveway last much longer.
The cons of concrete driveways
- Upfront cost: While concrete is a reasonably affordable driveway surface material, the upfront costs are still higher compared to options like gravel, asphalt and resin. And if you’re paving a large area, these costs can mount up. However, concrete is incredibly low maintenance and extremely durable with a long lifespan. So over time, it’s likely you’ll save money in repairs and maintenance costs.
- Harder to repair: Although concrete is highly resistant to wear, it can be tough to repair if it gets damaged. In other paved surfaces, you can remove a small block or section and replace it seamlessly. But any repairs made to concrete tend to look out of place. So a complete resurfacing treatment is often needed following repair.
- Stains easily: Light-coloured concrete driveways are susceptible to staining from oil leaks and tyre marks. If these appear, you’ll need to invest in special cleaning solutions to properly remove the stains.
- Can be damaged by anti-ice measures: While it’s easy to remove snow from concrete, the material can be damaged by salt, grit and de-icing chemicals. This could be a problem if you live in a particularly cold area or one prone to frost.
- Requires expert installation: If you have experience in construction or DIY, it’s fairly easy to install certain types of driveway yourself, such as gravel or shingle. But if something goes wrong while you’re installing a concrete driveway, you’ll need to remove and relay the entire surface. To save time and money, and enjoy a superior-quality concrete driveway, contact an experienced and fully accredited provider like Hazell & Jefferies Ltd.
Should you install a concrete driveway?
Whether or not you should install a concrete driveway depends on your needs and personal circumstances.
Concrete driveways are well suited to those who are happy to pay a higher upfront cost for the benefit of low maintenance and a long surface lifespan. And since there are plenty of customisation options, you can create a unique and attractive surface that enhances your entire property.
But if your budget is limited or you don’t plan to stay in your property long enough to enjoy the full benefits of a concrete driveway, other materials might suit you better. In this case, consider installing a resin driveway or asphalt driveway instead.
If you’re not sure what kind of driveway surface material would be the best fit for you, reach out to the expert team at Hazell & Jefferies Ltd for more information and advice.
Keep reading: What to consider when planning a driveway
Premium concrete driveways in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Reading
As fully accredited contractors with over 50 years’ experience, Hazell & Jefferies Ltd has installed hundreds of concrete driveways across Oxfordshire and the wider UK. We work with homeowners and commercial clients on all kinds of property, and deliver friendly support and premium-quality work every time.Contact us today to discuss whether installing a concrete driveway is the right decision for your property.
