The main types of concrete driveways
If you’ve settled on a concrete driveway, great!
Next, you’ll have to decide what kind of finish you’re looking for. When it comes to concrete, it’s not as simple as a yes or no answer: each has its own look, price point and maintenance requirements.
The main options you’ll see are concrete block paving (our favourite option here at Ovation Landscaping), textured broom or brushed finishes, stamped/imprinted surfaces that mimic stone or brick, and exposed aggregate designs.
But which should you choose? As your supplier of top-quality paving slabs, we’ll be telling you all about the pros and cons of the top five types of concrete driveways, plus answering some frequently asked questions.
1. Concrete block paving (CBP)
Concrete block paving (CBP) is, undoubtedly, one (if not the) most popular type of concrete driveways.
Plain poured slabs, brushed finishes, pattern-imprinted surfaces and exposed aggregate (many of which we’ll come to later) are laid as one continuous sheet of concrete, then textured or coloured at the surface.
Concrete block paving slabs work differently. Instead of a single large slab, the driveway is constructed from high-strength concrete blocks laid on a compacted aggregate and a screeded sand bed, then secured together with jointing sand.
You’ll find CBP in a huge range of finishes – tricolour blends of warm brown and grey, small granite blocks, and beautiful country cobble. That’s without mentioning all the different block shapes and thicknesses available for driveways, patios and paths.
As our concrete blocks are manufactured under controlled conditions using quality aggregates, they’re extremely strong and well-suited to regular traffic (foot and vehicles!)
Pros & cons (at a glance)
Pros
- Wide choice of colours and laying patterns
- Very hard-wearing for regular vehicle use
- Individual blocks can be replaced if damaged
Cons
- Needs occasional re-sanding and sealing
- Poor sub-base preparation can lead to sinking
- Weeds and algae can appear if not properly maintained
2. Plain concrete
Plain concrete is the simplest type of concrete driveways: it’s a single, continuous slab, poured over a compacted sub-base. It’s the go-to for those who want something that's truly fuss-free, and speed is one of its biggest selling points.
Plain concrete is usually cheaper than pattern-imprinted concrete, exposed aggregate or natural stone sets, because there’s less labour and no decorative treatments involved.
Provided the sub-base is well-compacted (and joints are correctly positioned), a plain concrete driveway can last around 20–30 years with basic maintenance! The only trade-off is aesthetic flexibility.
While practically it’s strong, it may not be the best choice for those who want more design options. Plain slabs are limited to:
- Natural grey (or a single through-mix tone if a different cement/aggregate is used)
- Simple joint layouts
- Very subtle texturing via the brushing pattern
Pros & cons (at a glance)
Pros
- Usually, the cheapest hard-standing option for a driveway
- Quick to install over a prepared sub-base
- Strong, long-lasting surface (typically 20–30 years if properly laid)
Cons
- Very limited in terms of colour and pattern compared with other options
- Prone to hairline cracking and visible patch repairs over time
- Stains from oil, tyres and leaves can be hard to disguise
3. Pattern-imprinted concrete (PIC)
Often called stamped or pressed concrete, pattern-imprinted concrete (PIC) is exactly what it sounds like – a reinforced concrete slab that’s coloured and textured to look like another material.
The concrete is poured in the usual way, then a colour hardener and release agents are worked into the surface. While the slab is still green, large rubber mats are pressed into it to imprint a pattern (individual cobbles, bricks or flagstones).
PIC is a continuous surface that looks like many separate units, so you can create quite intricate patterns while side-stepping the time (and cost) of laying hundreds of individual blocks.
The final look is heavily dependent on the sealer (which is designed to protect the coloured surface from staining/wear). Sealing your PIC can also deepen the natural colour and add a slight sheen (which will look great all year round).
Over time, factors such as UV light, traffic, and weather will gradually break this down, so we recommend resealing every few years.
Pros & cons (at a glance)
Pros
- Decorative finish that can closely imitate brick, cobbles or natural stone in different colours and textures
- Poured as a single slab, so there are no (or very few) joints for weeds to grow
- Once the base is prepared, installation is relatively quick
Cons
- Usually non-permeable: you may need extra drainage
- If the slab cracks or sinks, repairs may be difficult
- Colour and sealer can fade over time (anti-slip treatments may be required)
4. Exposed aggregate concrete
Unlike decorative aggregates (which can be spread around and replaced as and when), exposed aggregate concrete is locked into the slab itself.
This decorative finish reveals the stones within the slab, instead of hiding them under a smooth grey surface. The concrete is poured and levelled as normal, then a surface retarder is sprayed on, so the very top layer of paste can be washed off.
Some installers try to achieve a similar effect by pressing decorative stone into the top of freshly poured concrete. But that tends to loosen over time, with stones popping out and the finish deteriorating at a much faster rate.
It’s one of the types of concrete driveways that are particularly eye-catching. You’re essentially using the aggregate as the ‘face’ of the slab, so you can play around with different stone sizes (fine gravels or chunky pebbles?) and colour blends.
Plus, because you’re not dealing with constant weed growth between pieces, exposed aggregates can be a slightly lower-maintenance option. Homeowners will still need to brush their exposed aggregated concrete with some effort to remove dirt from the surface.
Pros & cons (at a glance)
Pros
- Great for decorative finishes, with natural stone textures and colour blends
- Naturally slip-resistant (ideal for sloping or wet driveways)
- Tough surface that stands up well to weather and traffic
Cons
- More expensive than a plain brushed or trowelled concrete slab
- Needs sealing to protect the surface and keep colours looking fresh
- Harder to repair invisibly than modular options like concrete block paving
5. Brushed concrete
Last, but not least, is another stylised variation of standard concrete.
The process begins the same way: the slab is placed, levelled, and finished in the usual way. Then, just before it fully sets, the installer drags a stiff-bristled broom across the surface to leave fine, even ridges.
It’s those broom marks that give the brushed concrete its signature look. They add some much-needed grip for tyres and shoes, and create the familiar matt, striated look you often see on commercial paths and driveways.
Structurally, a brushed concrete drive is just a reinforced concrete slab. You retain all the same benefits of concrete (e.g. very strong, capable of handling foot/vehicle traffic, long lifespan when laid on a proper sub-base).
Where things differ slightly is in day-to-day usability. The ridged texture gives noticeably better grip when the surface is wet or icy (great for UK driveways!) It can also hide minor scuffs, which can lead to a ‘tidier’ appearance.
Pros & cons (at a glance)
Pros
- Very cost-effective (same poured slab, simple finishing, cheaper than decorative stamped or exposed options)
- Built-in slip resistance from the broomed texture
- Low day-to-day maintenance
Cons
- Less decorative than pattern-imprinted
- Solid, non-permeable slab, so you may need to make drainage considerations
- Grooves can trap dirt and algae
FAQs
What is the number one concrete driveway finish?
For most UK driveways, a concrete-block-paved driveway is the best all-rounder.
That’s why we’re offering homeowners excellent prices on all the products in our concrete block paving ranges. You’ll find Ovation Landscaping’s paving boasts the unbeatable performance of single-poured slabs, with far greater design flexibility.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
For a typical domestic driveway carrying family cars, UK guidance usually recommends 100mm (10cm or 4 inches) of concrete over a suitable compacted sub-base.
What is the most maintenance-free driveway?
Among our main types of concrete driveways, pattern-imprinted (stamped) concrete is one of the most low-maintenance. It’s a single slab with no joints for weeds, and generally just needs regular surface brushing.