There are several factors to consider if you’re thinking about getting a new driveway installed, such as available budget, materials used, and the purpose/usage of your driveway. But that’s just the start of it. Once you’ve got all that sorted, you will also need to think about the design of your driveway, as a well designed (and properly installed, of course) driveway will greatly enhance your property’s kerb appeal.

The design of your driveway has practical implications as well, so whether you are considering the type of finished surface you would like to have – for example, exposed aggregate driveways, concrete driveways, or pavers – or the shape of the driveway – straight, circular or L-shaped, etc. – you will need to approach this from several angles. The following are some helpful guidelines:

1. Straight driveways

What are the benefits? This is the simplest form of driveway, and gives the most direct route up to the property. Technically and practically it is very simple to design, and also to lay and install. Aesthetically, it is a very geometric, clean and modern shape, so it works well with modern houses.

What type of property is it best suited to? Straight driveways are the best design for properties that don’t have much room to spare, and it is especially beneficial to smaller builds.

2. Circular driveways

What are the benefits? Circular driveways take up a larger area of space, so you will need to ensure that the calculations are exact and that the dimensions are right. Its shape means there can be a constant flow of vehicles, thus ensuring there will be no backing up or double parking near to the entrance of the home. The central area within a circular driveway can also be utilised in other ways or landscaped – the possibilities are endless!

What type of property is it best suited to? The circular driveway has to be the most elegant option for larger properties in terms of design.

3. Semi-circular driveways

What are the benefits? Semi-circular driveways use up less space than circular driveways, while still providing homeowners with a very elegant look and feel. Safety wise, there is also a big benefit to semi-circular driveways, as motorists won’t have to back out onto a busy road and they can keep a clear view of the road at all times.

What type of property is it best suited to? Semi-circular driveways are best suited to larger properties, as well as properties that sit on very busy roads.

4. L-shaped driveways

What are the benefits? The bottom part of an L-shaped driveway can be positioned to take the vehicle across the bottom of the land and then straight up to the parking or garage section. This means vehicles will not be parked directly within the view point of homeowners, and they also will not take up valuable space that can be used for soft landscaping or a recreation area.

What type of property is it best suited to? L-shaped driveways are especially useful if you have a long, thin entrance up to your property, with a garage area off to the left or right.

5. S-shaped driveways

What are the benefits? S-shaped driveways are a practical and safe option that allows you to build on a gentle incline or slope down. Doing this will slow up vehicle approach so it ensures the safety of any oncoming pedestrians, and design wise, it also makes for a stunning approach to the property.

Which types of properties is it best suited to? If you have a sloping entrance to your property, then you should definitely consider a “stepped” or winding approach for vehicles and pedestrian entry. S-shaped driveways are for properties with larger areas of land, and do take note that the dimensions will have to be spot on when installing them.