Driveway Types: Which layout is best for you?

The trick to creating a perfect driveway is balancing functionally with amazing design.

Driveways come in many shapes in sizes. You could have a small straight drive, a long drive with sweeping curves or a circular drive; to enable more than one car to get in and out with ease.

3 things to think about when planning a new driveway

Whichever type of driveway you are looking for there are 3 things you should always consider:

1. How you do want to use your driveway?

Do you need plenty of room for two cars to pass? Do you need a lot of parking space and is there room to turn your vehicle around?

2. What is the land like outside your home?

Will your driveway be on steep slope? Are there any obstacles currently in the way such as trees or planted areas?

3. How do you want it to look?

Do you want something that matches the natural tones of your home? Or do you want it to stand out and give your house impact?

3 types of driveway designs

Every driveway is unique however we can split them in to these 3 main categories. Which one works for you?

Circular Driveways

If you have the space and need access for many cars then you should look at a circular drive. These are sometimes called a horseshoe driveway and are very popular for homes with a good amount of space.

Why it is popular is plain to see. The layout allows one entrance from the road, sweeps around in front of the house and then has a separate exit back to the road.

So if you are fed up of having to back out as your drive is blocked or you have a busy road where it is tricky to see oncoming traffic; circular drives are for you!

Curved Driveways

Curved driveways are the Bear Grylls of driveways in that they always give you a solution to a tricky problem.

Access from your street does not line up with your garage? A curved driveway is the solution!

Trees or other features you want to keep but just seem to be in the way of straight drive? Go around them!

Want something that is a little more interesting than a long, flat surface? Curved driveways add interest and impact to your home.

You also need to think about what vehicles will be using the driveway. For example, if you have large vehicles or vans that use the driveway, a long curve is great to allow smooth access and exit.

Straight Driveways

Last but not least is the straight driveway. This is perfect if you have a small space in front of your house and have no room for curved features.

But small can also be beautiful! You can add interest to a small driveway with a wide choice of coloured and textured resins, decorative clay paving materials, or with your own block paving patterns.

Straight driveways are also great if you have a very large distance between your home and the road. It’s a very practical solution but one that creates a fantastic eye line to your home.

Your driveway. Your decision.

We hope this little guide has given you some driveway types. If you need any help for driveways in London, Essex and the south-east and more ideas, then pick up the phone and call Diamond Services on 0800 234 3830 or click here to email us.