Spencer and Associates have been building driveways and carparks across Sydney, particularly on the North Shore, for over 40 years. Choosing the right driveway material is important for durability, aesthetics, and maintenance. This guide breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of popular driveway options, including Hot Mix Asphalt (Bitumen), Concrete, Coloured & Patterned Concrete, Decomposed Granite, Pavers, and Two-Coat Gravel driveways. How to Choose the Best Driveway for Your Home

Hot Mix Asphalt (Bitumen Driveways)

Hot Mix Asphalt, also known as Asphaltic Concrete or Bitumen, is a mixture of petroleum-based bitumen, sand, and gravel. It’s mixed at high temperatures (around 170°C) and laid hot on a solid, compacted base. It hardens quickly, making it ready for immediate use.

Advantages

• Fast installation; can be walked and driven on the same day.

• Flexible and resistant to cracks caused by tree roots.

• Affordable compared to concrete.

• Neutral grey color blends seamlessly with home and garden.

• Low maintenance: recoating after 20 years is simple and cost-effective.

• Easy to patch if repairs or trenching is required.

Disadvantages

• Susceptible to petrol spills (from lawnmowers, etc.).

• Soft during the first few months; sharp turns can cause scuffing.

Two-Coat Gravel Driveways

Two-coat gravel driveways have a compacted road base, then layers of sprayed bitumen and coloured stones applied in succession. The surface has a textured, “sandpaper” finish, providing both stability and a natural aesthetic.

Advantages

• Highly attractive, especially when gravel color complements the home.

• Works well with stone or brick edging.

• Rustic and natural look for photos and curb appeal.

Disadvantages

• Loose surface stones may wash away on steep inclines.

• Requires occasional raking to maintain evenness and remove debris.

Decomposed Granite Driveways

Decomposed granite driveways use a compacted road base topped with decomposed granite mixed with cement for stability.

Advantages

• Affordable and quick to install.

• Natural appearance that enhances outdoor aesthetics.

• Low maintenance.

Disadvantages

• Sticks to shoes when wet.

• Dusty in dry weather.

Concrete Driveways

Concrete driveways are generally 100mm thick, built on compacted road base with F72 mesh reinforcement and 25mpa strength concrete.

Advantages

• Durable, solid surface that is easy to clean.

• Lifespan of around 20 years with proper maintenance.

Disadvantages

• Standard white concrete can dominate the home’s exterior visually.

• Coloured concrete fades over time and requires yearly sealing.

• Patterned or stamped concrete (popular in the 1980s–90s) can date a home.

• Tree root damage can quickly create trip hazards.

• After ~20 years, full replacement is usually needed (unlike asphalt, which can be resurfaced).

• Very long installation: preparation and pouring can take up to 2 weeks, and depending on the concrete type, it may take 1 to 5 weeks to fully cure before driving is allowed.

Paver Driveways

Paver driveways consist of a solid base and bedding sand, with individual pavers set in patterns and borders.

Advantages

• Stylish with many design options (patterns, colors, borders).

• Adds significant curb appeal when installed correctly.

Disadvantages

• Pavers may shift in high-traffic areas or sharp turns.

• More expensive than asphalt or gravel.

• Difficult to match replacements if pavers get damaged.

• Oil stains and grass growth between pavers can be problematic.

Choosing the Right Driveway

The ideal driveway depends on your budget, desired look, and how much maintenance you’re willing to perform:

• Low-maintenance & cost-effective → Asphalt (Bitumen)

• Rustic & natural appearance → Gravel or Decomposed Granite

• Premium & stylish → Concrete or Pavers

Consider installation time as well: Asphalt and gravel can be used almost immediately, while concrete may take several weeks to cure fully.

Expert Driveway Advice in Sydney

With over 40 years of experience building driveways and carparks across Sydney and the North Shore, Spencer and Associates can help you select the right material for your home. Whether it’s asphalt, concrete, or decorative paving, our team ensures professional installation, high-quality materials, and long-lasting results.

Contact us today to book a consultation and get a free quote for your driveway.