When it comes to choosing the right product for your driveway you want something that is stylish but will also stand the test of time.

Clay bricks ( and pavers ) have been around for centuries and are the perfect choice for driveways. Before we delve into each of the qualities that make clay bricks ideal, let’s compare them to one of the other popular driveway choices: concrete.

Although the price of clay can be slightly higher than concrete, depending on the colour choice, it is worth it. Clay is extremely hardwearing, and the natural colouring will not fade. With so many shades to choose from, with mixes and patterns available, there is the perfect colour for every project. Clay pavers are sure to stand the test of time; this is evident from simply looking around the country and seeing the beautiful historic brick features. However, in comparison to concrete, the size tolerance of clay is quite variable due to the firing process and there is a more limited choice of block depths.

Now let’s take a look at some of the qualities that make clay the ideal choice for a driveway.

Durability and frost

As clay pavers are made from a very dense fired material, it makes them naturally resistant to frost attack.

Colour fastness

The colour of clay paving is achieved using selected clays and other blended materials together with a carefully controlled firing regime in the kiln. As it’s an all natural product, this provides a full body colour that won’t fade throughout the life of the product, unlike the pigments in many man made concrete products which can start to fade after a few years.

High Slip Resistance and Low Maintenance

Clay pavers have a natural slip / skid resistance due to their finish from the manufacturing process.

One of the advantages of clay paving is its ability to resist discolouration from dirt/oil/diesel/fats etc. Clay’s relatively low water-absorption and high durability minimises stains penetrating and becoming ingrained into the surface of the paver. Oil and diesel spills, often experienced on driveways, tend to lie on the surface of clay pavers and are dispersed naturally. Any stubborn build-up can be removed by most ‘off the shelf’ de-greasers followed by rinsing down with clean water or a clean with a pressure washer. Something to consider when choosing a colour is most light-coloured pavers will tend to show general dirt/tyre marks etc more than darker colours do. However, these marks or stains can be easily removed by pressure washing and the application of commercially available cleaners, please ask staff for further details.

All paved surfaces require some preventative maintenance to help keep their pristine new appearance. Staining to the surface can be caused by a number of factors, each requiring specific but simple treatment. Generally though, clay pavers requires minimal maintenance. The most successful method of general cleaning of the surface is to use a pressure washer directed at a low angle.

Should you have any further questions regarding selection, cleaning and sealing of your clay pavers, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly staff today.