Choosing the Right Driveway Material

Comparing concrete, asphalt, permeable pavers and resin-bound gravel

Choosing the Right Driveway Material

Comparing concrete, asphalt, permeable pavers and resin-bound gravel

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Whether you’re resurfacing a cracked path or giving a new build its finishing touch, the driveway is the first surface that greets visitors and the one that takes the most abuse. New Zealand’s high UV, heavy rains and, in many regions, salty air mean the material you choose has to work harder than it might overseas.

Concrete is the default choice for many homeowners because it can be poured as a single slab. Colour oxides, exposed aggregate finishes and decorative saw‑cuts break up the expanse and add grip. A 100 mm slab over a well‑compacted base will last 30 years or more if it’s sealed every five.

Asphalt sits at a similar price point and goes down quickly, making it handy for long or shared driveways. Its flexibility tolerates minor ground movement, but the surface can rut in hot weather and needs a fresh wearing course after about 12 years. Good edging boards stop the bitumen creeping.

Permeable options such as open‑joint pavers and resin‑bound gravel help councils meet storm‑water targets by letting rain soak through to the sub‑grade. They cost more up‑front and demand careful sub‑base preparation but reduce puddling and runoff on tight urban sites.

Whichever finish you favour, budget for 150 mm of compacted GAP40 beneath, slope the surface away from the garage and arrange a professional clean and reseal before moss or lichen take hold. A few maintenance hours every couple of years protect an asset you drive on every day.

Whether you’re resurfacing a cracked path or giving a new build its finishing touch, the driveway is the first surface that greets visitors and the one that takes the most abuse. New Zealand’s high UV, heavy rains and, in many regions, salty air mean the material you choose has to work harder than it might overseas.

Concrete is the default choice for many homeowners because it can be poured as a single slab. Colour oxides, exposed aggregate finishes and decorative saw‑cuts break up the expanse and add grip. A 100 mm slab over a well‑compacted base will last 30 years or more if it’s sealed every five.

Asphalt sits at a similar price point and goes down quickly, making it handy for long or shared driveways. Its flexibility tolerates minor ground movement, but the surface can rut in hot weather and needs a fresh wearing course after about 12 years. Good edging boards stop the bitumen creeping.

Permeable options such as open‑joint pavers and resin‑bound gravel help councils meet storm‑water targets by letting rain soak through to the sub‑grade. They cost more up‑front and demand careful sub‑base preparation but reduce puddling and runoff on tight urban sites.

Whichever finish you favour, budget for 150 mm of compacted GAP40 beneath, slope the surface away from the garage and arrange a professional clean and reseal before moss or lichen take hold. A few maintenance hours every couple of years protect an asset you drive on every day.

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