Driveway Replacement Guide: Choosing Materials and Managing the Project

Materials Compared

• 1 Plain concrete: most common in Australia, 25-30 year lifespan, low maintenance, relatively affordable ($80-120/m²)
• 2 Exposed aggregate: decorative concrete with aggregate surface, slip-resistant, premium look ($120-180/m²)
• 3 Coloured/pattern stamped concrete: decorative, can mimic brick or stone ($150-250/m²)
• 4 Asphalt: cheaper upfront ($40-70/m²) but requires sealing every 3-5 years
• 5 Pavers (brick or concrete): premium look, individual pavers can be replaced, highest cost ($200-400/m²)
• 6 Gravel: cheapest option, requires top-up every 1-2 years, not suitable for steep driveways

Council Crossover Requirements

Where your driveway meets the footpath/kerb (the crossover), you typically need council approval and may need council to install the kerb cut at your expense. Many councils have specific requirements for crossover width (typically max 6m for residential) and surface material. Check with your council before demolishing the existing crossover.

Drainage Matters

Your driveway must drain away from your home and not discharge onto neighbouring properties. A concrete driveway that sheds water toward the house creates foundation issues. All driveways need a fall of at least 1:100 (1cm drop per metre) away from the building.

Subbase Preparation

The most common reason driveways crack is inadequate subbase preparation. The subbase (gravel compacted below the concrete or pavers) must be: a minimum 100mm deep, compacted to 95% standard compaction (measured with a nuclear density gauge by a geo-tech), and free of organic material. Cut corners here and the driveway will crack within years.