What Paving Is Suitable For a Driveway?

With so many paving choices on offer, it’s incredibly easy to find a style that’s ideal for your home, to achieve the exact look you were hoping for. From Granite to Limestone, Sandstone to Porcelain, there’s a vast variety of beautiful paving stones to achieve the ultimate outdoor style.

We often have homeowners asking us about whether paving slabs can be used to create an attractive driveway. With it being such a common question put to us, we thought it best to create a post offering our advice for using paving on your driveway.

When it comes to designing your driveway, using paving stones or slabs is a viable option. However, caution must be exercised, as not all types of paving are suitable for the demands of a driveway. It’s essential to understand that thinner paving may falter under the weight and constant pressure of vehicles, making them an unsuitable choice for this application. For a driveway that is both durable and visually appealing, we recommend opting for paving flags that are at least 50mm thick.

These thicker driveway slabs ensure a stronger and longer-lasting surface that can withstand the rigours of daily use. Equally important to the thickness of the paving slabs is the quality of the sub base. A well-laid sub base is crucial for a durable driveway, as it provides the necessary support for the paving on top. Regardless of whether you choose paving slabs, concrete paving slabs, or any other material, ensuring that your sub base is correctly prepared will pave the way for a strong and attractive driveway. A combination of a solid sub base and thick, durable paving flags is the secret to achieving a driveway that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

What makes a good sub base?

The sub base layer is unquestionably the cornerstone of a sturdy and long-lasting driveway. For residential driveways, a sub base layer with a minimum depth of 100mm is mandatory, although increasing this to 150mm is recommended for improved durability. The ideal composition for a sub base is MOT Type 1, consisting of carefully crushed rocks of various sizes, designed to interlock under pressure for optimal solidity. Compacting the sub base with a roller and laying it in thin layers is essential. This technique ensures that each layer is uniformly compacted, providing a solid foundation that significantly reduces the risk of sinking or shifting over time. While the appeal of using paving slabs, such as the popular 600x600 paving slabs or elegant patio slabs for your driveway, is strong, understanding the importance of a well-constructed sub base cannot be overstated. Indeed, driveway slabs can be a suitable option for driveways, but thorough research and consideration into the type of sub base and the quality of materials are crucial.

At Beesley & Fildes, we take pride in offering a wide range of Driveway Cobble Setts that guarantee durability and longevity for your driveway. Begin your journey to find the perfect materials for your driveway today and ensure it withstands the test of time.