Add value and curb appeal to your home by choosing the best driveway material that complements your home and lifestyle. 

There is much to discuss when choosing the material type of your driveway. What is the cheapest way to build a driveway? What is the best low maintenance driveway? What is the most durable driveway material? And of course we also can’t forget about which driveway material looks the best.

Ultimately, what you choose will play an essential role in bringing your home’s front exterior all together. And it only makes sense, considering the driveway is the largest ‘entry’ point onto your property. It’s the X factor that guides wondering eyes towards your home’s beautiful front facade.

Naturally, you want the best looking and strongest driveway material that will last the test of time and matches your home’s existing architecture. And for the best price possible. 

To help you decide on the best material for your driveway, here are the pros and cons of the top materials.

Exposed Aggregate Driveway

To kick things off, we’re starting with one of Perth’s most sought-after driveway material, Exposed Aggregate. Known for its unique one-of-a-kind design, this type of concrete finish is like no other, providing a textured finish made from a mixture of pebbles, shells, stones and other materials. Exposed aggregate can be recognised for its exposed ‘bumpy’ surface, where a thin layer of concrete from the top has been removed. A smooth finish is known as honed aggregate.

PROS

• Extremely durable and can last a lifetime with proper care
• Exposed aggregate requires very little maintenance, however it typically requires resealing every 2 to 3 years to preserve it’s good looks
• Design-wise there are no limits to what you can create, making it as one of the most versatile driveway materials
• Consider varying colours, texture combinations (shells, pebbles, stones, etc) to find a look that suits your home and property

CONS

• One of the most expensive driveway materials
• Can be hard to repair, to recreate the right colour and texture
• Must be resealed
• Requires professional installation 

Limestone Driveway

Limestone has fast become a popular option for driveways in Perth over the years, but what makes it so special over other driveway materials? Apart from adding mediterranean vibes, limestone actually complements most homes from urban areas to rural settings. In addition, liquid limestone can be used in other areas of the home, such as swimming pool areas and alfrescos.  

Limestone has become a popular option for driveways in recent years, but what makes it more special than other materials? Limestone comes in a wide variety of sizes, and can be dyed colours to match your decorative needs. Very easy to install

PROS

• Beautifully versatile and can be used in other areas of your home for a complete look
• Does not absorb heat from the sun
• Highly durable
• Resistant to staining if properly sealed
• Eco-friendly
• Low maintenance

CONS

• Prone to stains
• Porous material
• Must be installed by a professional
• Difficult to repair, replace and remove

Concrete Driveway

Concrete driveways have come a long way since it’s grey former self. Yes, you probably only recognise a concrete driveway because of its dull, grey appearance, but a lot has changed. Concrete is as versatile as any other driveway material, and can be used to create pavers for a driveway or have a stamped, patterned finish. There are also a wide selection of colours, chemical stains and dyes available to find a colour that matches with your home’s exterior.

PROS

• One of the most durable and strongest driveway materials
• Can last a lifetime, low maintenance
• With so many colours available, concrete driveways are extremely versatile 
• Cost-effective

CONS

• Can crack over time
• Must be resealed every year
• Requires professional installation
• Stains can be difficult to remove
• Difficult to repair, replace and remove

Pavers

Pavers in general, allow homeowners to get creative with their driveways. From a wide selection of colours to endless combinations of patterns, pavers are an excellent choice for creating a classic, attractive appearance. We’ll talk about two types of pavers specifically: brick vs concrete.

PROS of Brick Pavers

• Highly durable material
• Very easy to repair, simply remove and replace damaged paver
• Eco-friendly, recyclable
• Can add to your home’s value
• Provide better drainage
• Can be done DIY

CONS of Brick Pavers

• Can be expensive (because of installation)
• May require periodic sealing
• Labourious and strenuous installation

PROS of Concrete Pavers

• Does not require curing time
• Easily repair and replace damaged pavers
• Wide selection of designs and shapes

CONS of Concrete Pavers

• Pavers can eventually separate from roots, ground shifting or compression over time
• Professional installation is recommended
• Need extra storage space for replacement pavers
• Weeds and ants can appear in cracks

Asphalt

Although not as popular in Australia, an asphalt driveway is an excellent alternative to concrete. Not only is it cheaper, it offers comparable strength and durability to the likes of concrete — it also cures in less time. Asphalt is a mixture of aggregate, bitumen and sand that is heated and dried into a composite.

PROS

• Can last 20 years +
• Highly durable and strong
• Dark, sleek and smooth fine finish
• Hides stains and discolorations

CONS

• Retain more heat than concrete
• Requires more maintenance
• Difficult to repair, replace and remove

Thinking of re-doing your driveway? 

Unfortunately, as you may have noticed there are no easy ways to remove your old driveway. In most cases, you’ll likely need to call in a professional who’s well equipped with all the right tools, equipment and team. At Diamond Cut Concrete, we operate the latest in diamond blade technology that allows us to remove concrete slab efficiently and effectively. For the best concrete cutting service in Perth, contact us today.