Veronica Hart

You want a driveway. But not just any driveway. You want a luxury driveway, to go with your stylish and graceful home.

So which are the best options, when it comes to going upmarket?

You might be reluctant to take the opinion of an everyday asphalt paving contractor, because, well, they are just a bit workaday and are, let’s face it, going to try and sell you asphalt.

This is where some impartial advice comes in handy.

Premium asphalt paving companies like RDC Paving, of course, supply and lay asphalt driveways – this is not all we can do for you.

We also install many other types of paving solutions, for the premium customer.

So, here’s a run down of what we see the most in the top end properties.

GRAVEL PAVING

The humble gravel driveway is actually one of the least expensive options for your driveways.

But this should not stop you considering it as a luxury paving solution.

There is nothing like the extravagant crunch of gravel, to lend a luxurious feel to any property’s front walk.

Simple, effective, easy to maintain and inexpensive to lay. There is a lot to commend a gravel driveway, for any driveway.

RESIN BOUND PAVING

So perhaps gravel isn’t quite what you are looking for. Or perhaps, it is, but the gradient on your driveway – or possibly the weather conditions – render it impractical.

Either way, if you liked the look of gravel, then you are bound to love resin bound paving.

Resin bound paving won’t slip and slide, like gravel can and crucially, won’t blow about in the next storm. The surface is nice and smooth underfoot.

If your driveway is on a steep gradient, then gravel might not be suitable, but resin bound paving could be just the thing you need.

Definitely in the higher echelons of driveway solutions, resin bound paving is something a little out of the ordinary and unlikely to be found everywhere.

So, what is it?

Essentially, this is a permeable surface, which combines aggregate on top of a resin. It can come in a variety of colors and styles.

The beauty of this – apart from its obvious stunning look – is it can go on top of your existing concrete or asphalt driveway.

This is a slip resistant, hard wearing and very attractive surfacing for any driveway and often to be found in the more prestigious homes.

A resin bound driveway can tolerate a reasonable volume of traffic and if installed correctly, can last a surprisingly long time – just as long as an asphalt driveway will do.

BLOCK PAVING

Block paving’s appeal is that it delivers so much choice to the homeowner.

The exact color and material used is entirely up to you.

Intricate designs and patterning can be applied to a driveway, with block paving.

Usually, however, they come as either stone, brick or concrete pavers.

Brick pavers can be easily hoisted out and repaired when needed.

Concrete pavers have the advantage that they come in all the shades of the rainbow and can be poured into any shape your heart desires!

ASPHALT PAVING

Last, but by no means least, is the traditional asphalt driveway.

Still just as popular with the high end client as it is with everyone else – the vast majority of our premium customers will still request an asphalt driveway.

This is because it is hardwearing, long lasting, great in a variety of weather conditions and ultimately, still looks fantastic.

And here’s a hint – don’t just leave it at that.

We always recommend that any asphalt driveway gets a sealcoat after it has been down for a while.

This brings the finishing final touches of sparkle to your blacktop!