Is block paving or imprinted concrete best?
You're almost ready to get a quote for your new driveway. But there's one key element left…
Is block paving or imprinted concrete best?
Looks
This is going to be a matter of personal taste and the look you are trying to achieve. If you are looking for something quite simple in a single colour than imprinted concrete might be an option but for something with more design options block paving is going to be the clear winner.
Lifespan
If you want your driveway to last, it needs a tough skin. It should withstand frequent heavy-duty use without showing signs of damage - and you will want it to stay this way for long time.
The durability of block paving is far more than that of imprinted concrete. With individual blocks being laid side by sides and locked together, it can spread vehicle weight evenly to reduce risk of damage and even if issues do occur years down the line such as loose or damaged blocks, they can just be removed and replaced quickly and easily with minimum fuss.
In comparison, imprinted concrete is a single layer of concrete that has a much shorter estimated life-span. If this should be damaged an invisible repair is pretty much impossible meaning the entire install will need to be excavated and started again.
Coloured concrete is also prone to losing its colour meaning you may have to have it re-coated every few years to keep it looking nice.
Drainage
This is where block paving trumps imprinted concrete yet again. Block paving comes with a permeable option which allows the water to soak straight through the blocks leaving your driveway surface flood-free. There is also an extra benefit of this type: no planning permission.
Imprinted concrete is non-permeable, this means water will sit on the surface unless a fall has been created going to a drainage area. This also means that in the winter should the temperature drop below 0 the water will freeze and become extremely slippery.
On top of this, if the area is more than 5 square metres you will need to apply for planning permission.
Cost
Block paving materials are more expensive but will last longer than imprinted concrete. The price range for block paving starts at £20-40 per m² depending on the blocks chosen (this excludes installation) where imprinted concrete will usually be a few pounds cheaper per square metre unless a top finishing coat is being used in which case the cost will rise substantially.
Have you made your decision? If you have chosen block paving for your new driveway, Peterborough block paving company can help you with free design and quotation options as well as alternative material choices such as Resin Bound and Asphalt.
Is block paving or imprinted concrete best?
Looks
This is going to be a matter of personal taste and the look you are trying to achieve. If you are looking for something quite simple in a single colour than imprinted concrete might be an option but for something with more design options block paving is going to be the clear winner.
Lifespan
If you want your driveway to last, it needs a tough skin. It should withstand frequent heavy-duty use without showing signs of damage - and you will want it to stay this way for long time.
The durability of block paving is far more than that of imprinted concrete. With individual blocks being laid side by sides and locked together, it can spread vehicle weight evenly to reduce risk of damage and even if issues do occur years down the line such as loose or damaged blocks, they can just be removed and replaced quickly and easily with minimum fuss.
In comparison, imprinted concrete is a single layer of concrete that has a much shorter estimated life-span. If this should be damaged an invisible repair is pretty much impossible meaning the entire install will need to be excavated and started again.
Coloured concrete is also prone to losing its colour meaning you may have to have it re-coated every few years to keep it looking nice.
Drainage
This is where block paving trumps imprinted concrete yet again. Block paving comes with a permeable option which allows the water to soak straight through the blocks leaving your driveway surface flood-free. There is also an extra benefit of this type: no planning permission.
Imprinted concrete is non-permeable, this means water will sit on the surface unless a fall has been created going to a drainage area. This also means that in the winter should the temperature drop below 0 the water will freeze and become extremely slippery.
On top of this, if the area is more than 5 square metres you will need to apply for planning permission.
Cost
Block paving materials are more expensive but will last longer than imprinted concrete. The price range for block paving starts at £20-40 per m² depending on the blocks chosen (this excludes installation) where imprinted concrete will usually be a few pounds cheaper per square metre unless a top finishing coat is being used in which case the cost will rise substantially.
Have you made your decision? If you have chosen block paving for your new driveway, Peterborough block paving company can help you with free design and quotation options as well as alternative material choices such as Resin Bound and Asphalt.
