One of the most important parts of any home is the driveway. It serves both form and function, providing a place for traffic while enhancing the overall appearance of your property. A well-chosen paver driveway can also increase the value of your home.
Primarily, there are two ways you can build a driveway. The first one is by pouring concrete.
Concrete driveways are designed to be resilient and long-lasting, and they can also be applied with a decorative finish to improve the way they look. For poured concrete driveways, these 50x50x900mm hardwood pegs provide the ideal formwork support to ensure straight, professional edges during the curing process.
The other method for making a driveway more appealing is by using driveway pavers. From clay pavers to large format pavers and natural stone, there is a wide range of choices.
So, which paver is right for you? This article will go through the most commonly used driveway pavers, so you can determine which type will suit your property best.
If you're looking for the quintessential driveway solution, it's difficult to look past concrete pavers. These versatile units have been the go-to choice for Australian driveways for decades, and with good reason.
Concrete pavers are strong, durable and come in a wide range of different colours, so there's a driveway solution for everyone. Alongside their relative ease of maintenance and removal, these provide a quick and easy solution for anyone who needs a driveway for their home or business.
To prevent weed growth between paver joints, this 80gsm woven poly mat can be laid beneath the paver base for long-term weed suppression without chemicals. This saves you hours of maintenance time pulling weeds from between your pavers.
Similar to concrete pavers, large format pavers are often bigger than concrete and clay pavers. They are designed to be placed tightly together against one another.
This results in a driveway that can resist more water damage and invasive root damage than most other types. The larger surface area means fewer joints, which translates to less opportunity for weeds and less chance of pavers shifting over time.
Looking to build a long, flat driveway? Using large format pavers is the perfect choice for you.
Being a type of paver that's closely similar to concrete ones, clay pavers also come in a range of colours. Aside from that, they have different properties such as being slip-proof and having a resistance to salt.
This makes them ideal for young families and homes and businesses in coastal areas. The natural clay composition means they won't fade as quickly as some concrete pavers, maintaining their appearance for years. Clay pavers are fired at extremely high temperatures, giving them a lifespan of 50 years or more.
If you're looking for a durable driveway solution that works for all age groups, consider comparing porous, brick and concrete driveway pavers to find the right fit for your property. Their warm, earthy tones complement traditional Australian architecture beautifully.
Natural stone pavers bring a premium look to any driveway. The most common natural stone options for driveways in Australia include granite, bluestone (basalt) and sandstone.
Granite pavers are extremely hard and scratch-resistant, making them well suited to high-traffic driveways. Bluestone is another popular choice, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney, thanks to its dense structure and slip-resistant surface when wet.
Sandstone offers a softer, warmer appearance and blends naturally with Australian landscapes. However, it is more porous than granite or bluestone, so it benefits from sealing to prevent staining from oil or leaf tannins.
Commercial pavers are a driveway solution that is designed to withstand the high traffic flow that's associated with businesses. These are set tightly into the ground to the point that they don't move, which reduces maintenance costs.
The engineering behind commercial pavers focuses on load-bearing capacity and longevity. They're typically thicker than residential pavers and installed with a more robust base preparation.
Need a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing driveway for your business? Think commercial pavers!
These pavers are also suitable for residential properties with heavy vehicles like boats, caravans or multiple cars. The investment pays off through reduced repair and replacement costs over the years.
If you're looking for an effective driveway solution without actually committing to a concrete or paved driveway, then permeable pavers are your perfect solution. These systems are increasingly popular as Sydney councils tighten stormwater runoff requirements under Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) guidelines.
Permeable pavers, also known as porous pavers, are designed to be set into the ground and have loose material placed atop them, such as grass or gravel. This makes them easy to set up and maintain while meeting environmental requirements.
For gravel-filled driveways, the EconoGrid40 system locks stones in place while allowing excellent drainage, preventing the ruts and displacement common with loose gravel surfaces. It's particularly effective for driveways on slopes or areas with sandy soil.
If you want a sturdy and long-lasting driveway without having to set concrete, place large pavers or dig up your lawn, permeable pavers are for you. For grass driveways that need to support regular vehicle traffic, this heavy-duty reinforcement mesh protects grass roots from compaction damage while maintaining a natural lawn appearance. You can learn more about why grass pavers are a practical alternative for driveways.
The right paver for your driveway depends on several factors including budget, aesthetic preferences, local climate and the amount of traffic your driveway will handle. Consider how the paver choice will complement your home's architecture and existing landscaping.
Your soil type and drainage conditions also play a major role in paver selection. Properties with poor drainage may benefit from permeable options, while stable clay soils can support heavier traditional pavers. Thinking about the role of your driveway crossover is also important, as this is where most vehicle loads are concentrated.
For driveways, pavers should be a minimum of 50mm thick, with 60mm being the recommended standard for residential vehicle loads. Thicker pavers distribute weight more evenly across the base and resist cracking under repeated use.
The laying pattern also affects strength. A 90-degree herringbone pattern is the strongest interlocking option for driveways because the angled arrangement distributes load across multiple pavers at once. Basketweave and running bond patterns are also common but offer less interlock under heavy traffic.
For properties combining traditional pavers with grass areas, this standard grass mesh provides reliable protection for overflow parking areas or driveway edges without the more robust structure needed for constant traffic.
These are just some of the options that you have if you're looking to build your driveway with pavers. The best choice often combines practical considerations with aesthetic goals to create a driveway that serves you well for decades.
There is no single best paver for every driveway. Concrete pavers suit most residential applications because they balance durability, colour choice and cost. Clay pavers are better for coastal properties due to their salt resistance and longer lifespan. Natural stone like granite or bluestone is the strongest option for heavy vehicles but comes at a higher cost.
Driveway pavers should be a minimum of 50mm thick, with 60mm being the recommended standard. Garden or footpath pavers at 30 to 40mm thick are not rated for vehicle loads and can crack under repeated driving.
The 90-degree herringbone pattern is the strongest interlocking layout for driveways. The angled arrangement spreads vehicle weight across multiple pavers simultaneously, reducing the chance of individual units shifting or sinking.
Both work, but each has trade-offs. Large format pavers create a clean, modern look with fewer joints and faster installation. Smaller pavers offer better interlock, are easier to replace individually and conform better to curved driveways.
Lifespan depends on the material. Concrete pavers typically last 25 to 30 years. Clay pavers can last 50 years or more. Natural stone pavers like granite and bluestone can last well beyond 50 years with proper installation and maintenance.
Yes. Permeable pavers allow rainwater to pass through and soak into the ground rather than running off into the street. Products like the EconoGrid40 porous paving system are designed specifically for vehicle traffic on gravel or grass driveways.
If you're looking for excellent permeable pavers to easily develop and maintain a high-quality driveway, then talk to All Stake Supply, one of Sydney's leading landscaping material suppliers. We have an extensive range of permeable pavers that are made for many different situations and we'll work with you to find the pavers that best suit you.
If you'd like to learn more, give us a call on 1300 130 123 today.
