Tarmac, Gravel Or Paving: Which Driveway Is Right For You?

The three most common driveway finishes in South Dublin are tarmac, gravel and block paving. Each has its place. Here is how they compare, so you can pick the one that suits your home, your budget and how you use the driveway. Our driveways page shows all three finishes as we lay them.

At a glance

• Tarmac for value and durability, gravel for drainage and cost, paving for design and kerb appeal
• All three live or die on the base underneath
• The free site visit is where the straight recommendation comes from

Tarmac: the hard-wearing all-rounder

Machine-laid tarmacadam gives you a dense, even surface for a very reasonable price, which is why it is the most popular driveway finish we lay. On a properly dug-out and compacted base, a tarmac driveway will last 20 years or more.

It suits larger driveways and anyone who wants durability and value. Edged in granite or cobble, it looks far smarter than most people expect. The one thing that makes or breaks it is the base, so never let anyone lay tarmac over soft ground.

Gravel: the cost-effective classic

Gravel is usually the most affordable way to finish a driveway, and it drains beautifully because water soaks straight through. Laid over a compacted base with a weed membrane and a solid edge to hold it in, good gravel stays put rather than scattering.

It suits period homes and anyone working to a tighter budget. It does need the odd rake and top-up over the years, but the look is hard to beat for the money.

Paving and cobblelock: the premium finish

Block paving and cobblelock give you the most choice in colour, pattern and design, and the strongest kerb appeal. The blocks lock together over a compacted base to form one solid, level surface, with every edge set on concrete so nothing creeps.

It costs more than tarmac or gravel, but for the front of a home where the look matters most, it is money well spent.

Ballinteer

Tarmac driveway & granite edging

So which should you choose?

It comes down to budget, the look you are after and how the driveway is used. Tarmac for value and durability, gravel for drainage and cost, paving for design and kerb appeal.

The honest answer for your house depends on the ground, the access and the size. That is exactly what the free site visit is for, and we will give you a straight recommendation, not a sales pitch.