Interlocking concrete pavers
Concrete pavers are the most common and most affordable choice for driveways and patios. Interlocking shapes spread the load from vehicles across neighbouring pavers, and individual pavers can be lifted and relaid if the ground settles or a pipe needs work.
The colour in concrete pavers can fade over the years in strong sun. Choosing a paver rated for driveways matters where cars will park or turn.
Clay brick pavers
Clay pavers are fired, so their colour goes right through and does not fade. They are hard, hard-wearing and give the classic face-brick look, at a higher cost than concrete pavers.
Natural stone
Natural stone — such as slate, sandstone or granite — gives the most premium look and every piece is different. It costs the most, pieces can vary in thickness so they take more care to bed level, and some smooth stones become slippery when wet, which matters around pools and on slopes.
Permeable paving
Permeable paving lets rainwater drain through the joints or the pavers into the ground instead of running off. It helps where heavy downpours cause run-off and ponding, but it needs the right open-graded base underneath to work.
Why the base matters more on clay soil
Clay soils swell when wet and shrink when dry, so paving on clay needs a well-compacted sub-base of the right depth, a fall that sends water away from the house, and firm edge restraints. These steps, not the paver, decide whether a driveway stays flat.
