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Driveway Designs

by | Jan 12, 2025 | Home design, Style of home

Building a new home is an exciting journey, and every detail counts in creating a space that reflects your style. Your driveway, for instance, does more than just provide you with a place to park! It’s an extension of your home’s personality and can add both aesthetic and financial value to your property. But, with so many styles and materials available, choosing the right driveway that balances beauty with functionality can feel pretty overwhelming.

That’s where we step in to help. Below, we’ll walk you through the various driveway designs and materials that are popular for Australian homes. We’ll also look at the benefits and drawbacks of each, helping to make the decision-making process much easier.

Popular Driveway Design Ideas

The right mix of materials and a few well-placed landscaping ideas can totally transform your current driveway into something both stylish and practical. No matter if you’re after a modern look or something a little more traditional, here are some popular design ideas to spark your imagination and help you get inspired to create a driveway that fits your home perfectly.

Concrete Driveways

Concrete Driveways

Concrete driveways are a great option for Australian homes, as they are both versatile and durable. They come in a variety of finishes, such as plain concrete and coloured concrete, for example and each offers a different look and level of maintenance.

Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular concrete driveway options:

Plain Concrete

This is the most basic type of concrete driveway, and it provides a smooth, grey finish that is functional but can look a little plain without any decorative touches. However, its appearance can be improved by adding saw cuts or decorative finishes that add more character to the surface.

Coloured Concrete

This type of concrete incorporates pigments to give the driveway a unique look. It’s available in many different colours, which makes it possible to match or contrast your home’s exterior colours, but it is important to note that it is prone to fading over time (especially in areas that are exposed to prolonged sunshine), so resealing every so often is necessary to maintain the look.

Exposed Aggregate

An exposed aggregate driveway is made by removing the top layer of cement paste to reveal the underlying stones and gravel within the concrete mix. The result is a textured, slip-resistant surface that is highly functional and also creates visual interest.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete mimics the look of other materials, such as brick, cobblestone, slate, or even wood. Essentially, patterns are pressed into the surface of freshly laid concrete, creating a modern aesthetic and high-end appearance without the costs associated with natural stone or brick. However, stamped concrete can be prone to cracking over time, particularly if the ground underneath shifts or if very heavy vehicles are parked on top.

Why Concrete Could Be the Perfect Fit

  • Concrete is very well known for its durability, and it can handle everything from heavy vehicles to high traffic, making it a great choice if you want something that will stand the test of time.
  • Compared to other driveway materials, concrete requires minimal upkeep. All it needs is a quick clean every now and then and a bit of sealing every few years to keep it looking good and performing well.
  • It’s also super versatile, and you can go for plain, add a splash of colour, get creative with stamped patterns, or choose exposed aggregate for some texture. Basically, there’s something for almost any style.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Even though concrete is durable, it can still crack from ground movement, temperature changes, and heavy use. The good news is that small cracks can be easily repaired, but larger issues may require more extensive resurfacing.
  • While basic concrete is budget-friendly, adding decorative touches like stamping, colouring, or polishing can raise the price.
  • If you choose coloured concrete, be aware that it can fade when exposed to prolonged sunlight. As such, you’ll need to reseal it every so often to keep the colour looking fresh.

Pavers

Pavers Driveways

Concrete may come in many different looks, but pavers are available in a variety of materials, including brick, natural stone, and concrete, which often makes them a better choice if you’re looking for more design possibilities. Their versatility is also enhanced by the fact you can lay pavers in different patterns and create a layout more suited to your personal taste. 

These are some of the most popular paver choices for Australian driveways:

Concrete Pavers

These are one of the most cost-effective options, and they are widely used across Australia as they are durable and available in a variety of shapes, textures and colours. Concrete pavers can also replicate the look of natural stone or brick at a lower price point, but it is important to note that they may break a little easier. However, there is still a benefit to be taken from this, as if one paver is broken it can be easily replaced without having to redo the entire driveway.

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers should be your go-to choice if you decide you’re looking for that classic, timeless look that complements traditional and heritage-style homes. They can be laid in many different patterns, too, like herringbone, basketweave, or running bonds, making it possible to add more character and visual interest to the drive. However, while they are strong and durable, brick pavers can require a little more maintenance to prevent moss and algae growth.

Natural Stone Pavers

High-end options like granite, travertine, limestone, and bluestone add a touch of elegance to any driveway, and because each stone has unique markings, you’ll be getting a one-of-a-kind look. Another great thing about natural stone pavers is that they can blend beautifully with the surrounding landscape, and while they can be more expensive than other options, they offer unmatched natural style.

Why Pavers Are Worth Considering

  • Pavers are tough and can handle all sorts of wear and tear. So, whether you’re dealing with frequent foot traffic, heavy vehicles, or harsh weather, pavers are up to the task.
  • If a paver gets cracked or damaged, you can just replace that one piece instead of having to redo the entire driveway, which is a lot less hassle than repairing huge concrete slabs.
  • With so many materials, colours, shapes, and patterns to choose from, you’ve got almost unlimited design options with pavers. 

What to Watch Out For

  • While concrete pavers are generally affordable, natural stone and high-end brick options can get expensive, especially if you have a large area to cover.
  • The spaces between pavers can allow weeds to pop up, so you’ll need to watch for them and perform regular maintenance to keep the driveway looking clean.
  • Paver driveways need to be installed with great care to make sure they’re level and properly set, so they’re not the best option if you’re hoping to redo your driveway as a DIY project.

Gravel Driveways

Gravel Driveways

Gravel driveways are made up of loose stones or crushed rock, which come in a variety of colours and sizes, making it possible to customise your driveway to match your home’s style or surrounding landscaping. This is a particularly popular choice for properties with a rustic, country feel, and because you can easily cover a larger area, you may find that it’s more of an economical option that doesn’t compromise on appearance. 

Why Go for Gravel?

  • Gravel is one of the most affordable options, so it’s usually the best choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly material or have a long driveway to cover.
  • Since gravel allows water to flow right through, you won’t be dealing with puddles or pooling every time it rains. This makes it a particularly good option if you live in an area that sees regular heavy rainfall. 
  • You can expand or reshape a gravel driveway simply by adding more stones, which is ideal if you need to add some more parking to your property.

Things to Watch Out For

  • Gravel tends to move around, especially after heavy use, so you’ll need to rake it back into place every so often. It may also need topping up every couple of years as the stones become displaced through use and weather.
  • If your driveway has a steep slope, gravel might not stay put and could end up scattered, making it tough to keep the surface even.
  • Without a proper weed barrier underneath, you might end up seeing some greenery popping up through the stones. So, you’ll need to factor in laying down a weed mat and using edging into your costs to help keep that under control.

Asphalt

Asphalt Driveways

Asphalt is a very good choice for anyone who needs a driveway that can withstand heavy use. It’s made from a mix of bitumen and aggregate, which gives it that familiar smooth, black surface you often see in parking lots. Asphalt is especially good for long driveways or bigger spaces because it is both cost-effective and easy to lay.

Why Asphalt Could Be a Great Fit

  • Compared to some other materials like concrete or stone, asphalt is easier on your budget, so you can get a durable driveway without a huge price tag.
  • If you’re hoping to get a new driveway done quickly, asphalt is often the best option, as it can usually be installed within a couple of days. This is great if you’re in a hurry. 
  • Asphalt does very well in various climates, as it soaks up heat, which helps melt ice and first faster in the winter. And, since it’s slightly flexible, it can deal with temperature changes and minor ground movements without cracking easily.

What to Look Out For

  • Even though asphalt gives you a nice, smooth finish, it doesn’t offer many choices in terms of colours or patterns. So, if you want something with a bit more character, it might not be the best fit.
  • Oil spills and other car fluids can leave noticeable stains on asphalt, which can spoil the overall look.
  • Asphalt requires a bit of upkeep, and you’ll need to reseal it every few years to keep it looking fresh and to prevent cracks.

Crushed Stone and Pebble

Crushed Stone and Pebble

Crushed stone and pebble driveways are made from smaller stones that can be arranged to give your driveway a refined appearance. This means they could be the best choice for complementing your landscaping and home style in a more stylish way than gravel.

Why Go with Crushed Stones or Pebbles?

  • The different sizes, colours and shapes of the stones create a look that adds character to your driveway and is ideal for creating rustic or coastal vibes.
  • Like gravel, crushed stones and pebbles are naturally permeable, so you won’t need to worry about water pooling after heavy rain. Instead, it’ll soak right in.
  • You can blend different types of stones or pebbles to create different designs and add a touch of personality to your driveway that you simply won’t get with more uniform materials. 

Things to Think About

  • After a big downpour or lots of foot traffic, you could end up with stones out of place, and you’ll need to rake them back into shape to keep them looking neat.
  • As with gravel, you’ll need to lay down a good weed barrier to stop plants from sneaking up between the stones and ruining the look.

Choosing the Perfect Driveway

If you’ve been thinking about giving your home’s entrance a makeover, choosing the right driveway design is the place to start. From durable concrete options to natural-looking paving stones and budget-friendly gravel, there’s a material to suit every style and need. 

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Building a Home

Knockdown Rebuild

Home designs

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Building a Home

Knockdown Rebuild

Home designs

Advice & inspiration