Ground first, then looks
Around Northallerton the ground changes quickly. Some villages, such as Morton-on-Swale and Scruton, sit on sand and gravel left by the Swale, which drains freely. Others, such as East Cowton and much of the land towards the Wiske, are on stiff boulder clay that holds water. The town itself has both. Because a front drive over five square metres that's impermeable and drains onto the road needs planning permission, the ground decides a lot: on sand, almost any permeable surface is easy; on clay, the base and drainage need more work whatever the finish.
We dig a test hole before recommending anything.
Block paving
Concrete or clay blocks on a compacted base. Block paving is the most popular choice on the new estates around Northallerton because it's tough, can be patterned and is easy to repair.
- Strengths: long life, lots of colours, individual blocks can be lifted and relaid.
- Weaknesses: weeds in the joints if they aren't kept topped up; sinking if the base is too thin.
- Drainage: standard paving sheds water to a drain; permeable paving lets it soak through.
Read more on our block paving page.
Tarmac
Hot asphalt in two layers. Tarmac is practical and quick, and it suits long farm and village drives where a large area needs covering.
- Strengths: hard-wearing, handles vans and trailers, simple to keep clean.
- Weaknesses: plain look, can soften in heat when new.
- Drainage: impermeable, so it needs falls to a channel drain, soakaway or border.
Read more on our tarmac page.
Resin-bound
A smooth, porous mix of stone and resin over a porous base.
- Strengths: neat, modern finish; water drains straight through.
- Weaknesses: needs a sound porous base and dry weather to lay; can mark under heavy turning.
- Drainage: permeable, but on clay the base needs to be deeper or have an overflow.
Read more on our resin page.
Printed concrete
A single concrete slab, coloured and stamped with a pattern, then sealed.
- Strengths: patterned look with no joints; strong.
- Weaknesses: cracks can be hard to repair invisibly; sealer needs renewing every few years.
- Drainage: impermeable, so it needs a drainage design.
Read more on our printed concrete page.
Gravel
Compacted stone, often a stabilising grid, and a decorative layer on top.
- Strengths: suits stone cottages and conservation villages; fully permeable; good value.
- Weaknesses: stones spread; harder for wheelchairs and buggies; needs raking.
- Drainage: permeable through the surface.
Read more on our gravel page.
A quick guide by setting
| Setting | Surfaces that often work |
|---|---|
| New-build estate in Northallerton or Romanby | Block paving, resin |
| Village cottage in a conservation area | Gravel, setts, clay pavers |
| Long farm or lane drive | Tarmac, with a paved entrance |
| Large detached house | Block paving, tarmac with a border |
| National park village such as Osmotherley | Gravel, stone setts |
Our view
Every surface here can give years of good use. What makes the difference is the work you can't see: the depth and type of sub-base, the edges and where the water goes. We'll explain those choices in your quote.