Choosing the right materials to create a driveway or pathway is important as once you have laid it down, it is a big job and unnecessarily expensive to change it. So it is a good idea to read up on the different materials and make sure you know which one will best suit your purposes.
To help you decide, here is a quick guide to the best materials for creating pathways and driveways.
Best Materials for Driveways
Materials for driveways need to be firm to withstand the weight of vehicles while also allowing rain water to run off when necessary. Some consideration should also be given to the aesthetic appearance of the materials, especially as driveways are usually so much larger than pathways and thus have a bigger impact on a property's kerb appeal.
With these factors in mind, here are some of the bets materials for creating driveways.
Shingle
Shingle is one of the most popular driveway materials for good reason. The stones of the driveway shingle available through Springbridge are screened to 20mm so they are large enough to avoid getting stuck in tire treads, and the varied colours and shapes produce an attractive aesthetic. It also makes that satisfying crunch sound when vehicles drive on it.
Cotswold Buff
The consistently light colours of Cotswold Buff make it a great alternative to shingle. Similar in size thanks to the special screening process, Cotswold Buff will turn an otherwise bland driveway into a beautiful expanse of light, warm tones.
Tarmac Road Planings
The Tarmac Road Planings or scalpings are not as pretty as shingle or Cotswold Buff, but they are a worth a quick mention here as they are a very good temporary driveway material. You can spread them out to create a hard standing area where vehicles can alight, and also use them to fill in potholes.
Best Materials for Pathways
Garden pathways and walkways have different demands to driveways as they only have to bear the burden of footfall. Here are some volume aggregates that can make beautiful and natural looking garden pathways.
Woodland Mulch
This blend of soft and hardwood chips creates a beautiful woodland path effect for your garden. The pathway Woodland Mulch available through Springbridge is an all-British product with no chemical contaminants that has been composted for eight weeks to remove any traces of green.
Pine Play Grade Bark
This FSC-certified pine bark is most often used for a decorative effect and for children's play areas, but can also be an excellent cost-effective solution for smaller pathways and areas that experience regular footfall.
Shingle and Cotswold Buff
Both shingle and Cotswold Buff also make great materials for pathways. They are most commonly used for driveways, but their aesthetic appeal make them a great choice for garden walkways and other areas with frequent footfall. The light-coloured Cotswold Buff is a pathway aggregate that can be especially pleasing to the eye in a well-designed garden.
If you need any shingle or Cotswold Buff for a driveway or woodland mulch for a pathway, then contact Springbridge via our website or call today on 0845 370 1921 for more information.