Why Plastic Grids are better than Block Paving, Concrete, or Tarmac for Sloping Driveways

Why Plastic Grids are better than Block Paving, Concrete, or Tarmac for Sloping Driveways.

Building a driveway on a slope comes with its own set of challenges. Water runoff, erosion, and surface stability are all things you have to think about. While traditional driveway materials like block paving, concrete, and tarmac have been popular for years, they are not always the best option for slopes. More and more people are turning to plastic grids, which offer a simple and effective solution for sloping driveways. When combined with gabion baskets as side retainers, this setup can solve many of the problems that come with sloping driveways.

In this blog, we’ll explain why plastic grids can be a better choice than block paving, concrete, or tarmac for sloping driveways, and how using gabion baskets as side retainers can help keep everything in place.

The Challenges of a Sloping Driveway

If you have a sloping driveway, you already know that water runoff can be a major issue. When it rains, water runs downhill and can cause pooling, erosion, and even damage to the driveway itself. The steep surface can also be tricky for parking, as cars may slip, and materials like gravel might shift over time. 

Traditional materials like concrete, block paving, and tarmac have been used to build driveways for decades, but on a slope, they often don’t perform as well. These materials can crack, shift, or wear down faster on uneven ground, and they don’t deal with water runoff as effectively as some of the more modern options available. The surface can also become quite icy during winter months making it difficult for pedestrian access.

Why Plastic Grids Work Better on Slopes

Plastic grids are a relatively new alternative that solves many of the problems associated with sloping driveways. Here’s why they’re a great option:

1. Better Drainage

One of the biggest advantages of plastic grids is that they allow water to drain through the surface. Instead of water running off and pooling at the bottom of your driveway, it seeps into the ground naturally. This is especially helpful on a slope, as it reduces the risk of water washing away the surface material or causing erosion. In contrast, materials like concrete or tarmac are solid, so water just runs over them, which can lead to flooding or damage.

2. More Affordable

Plastic grids are not only cheaper to buy than traditional materials, but they are also easier to install. You don’t need heavy machinery or specialized skills to lay plastic grids, and many homeowners can install them on their own, saving on labour costs. Block paving, concrete, and tarmac, on the other hand, require more time, effort, and professional help to get right.

3. Stays in Place

On a slope, materials can shift over time due to the angle and the weight of vehicles. Traditional materials like block paving can move or sink, especially under the pressure of a car. Plastic grids, however, hold gravel securely in place, preventing it from sliding downhill or forming uneven ruts. The interlocking design of the grids ensures that everything stays exactly where it should, even on steep slopes.

4. Eco-Friendly

Many plastic grids are made from recycled materials, which makes them a more environmentally friendly choice compared to concrete or tarmac. Plus, the fact that they allow water to drain into the ground means they are helping to reduce runoff and erosion, both of which are good for the environment.

5. Natural Appearance

While concrete and tarmac give a more industrial look, plastic grids filled with gravel have a natural appearance that can blend well with your garden or landscape. This makes them a good option for those who want a driveway that fits in with the natural look of their home.

The Benefits of Gabion Baskets as Side Retainers

If your sloping driveway needs extra support along the sides, gabion baskets can be a great addition. Gabion baskets are essentially wire cages filled with rocks or stones that help hold the edges of your driveway in place.

1. Prevents Erosion

Gabion baskets are excellent for keeping soil and gravel from sliding down a slope. Since they allow water to flow through them, they don’t trap moisture, which means the earth and gravel around them won’t get washed away easily. This is especially important on sloping driveways where erosion is a common problem.

2. Tough and Long-Lasting

Gabion baskets are built to last. Made from strong wire, they can withstand heavy weather, pressure from the slope, and even vehicle traffic. Unlike wooden retaining walls, which can rot, or brick walls, which can crack, gabion baskets are highly resistant to wear and tear. The rocks inside them don’t break down, and the wire is typically coated to prevent rust.

3. Inexpensive to Build

Compared to traditional retaining walls, gabion baskets are relatively affordable. You can often fill them with stones or materials that are readily available, reducing the overall cost. Plus, they’re quick and easy to install, especially if you’re trying to shore up the sides of a sloping driveway.

4. Adds a Natural Look

Gabion baskets can add a rugged, natural feel to the landscape around your driveway. Since you can fill them with a variety of stones, you can choose a look that suits your home’s style. Whether you want a clean, modern look or something that blends into a natural setting, gabion baskets offer flexibility in design.

5. Environmentally Friendly

Since you can fill gabion baskets with locally sourced materials or even recycled stones, they’re an eco-friendly choice. Additionally, their design allows water to drain through them, helping to prevent issues like flooding or excess runoff, which can be damaging to the environment.

Conclusion

While traditional materials like block paving, concrete, and tarmac have their place, they're not always the best choice for a sloping driveway. Plastic grids provide a more affordable, eco-friendly, and stable solution that is perfect for sloping surfaces. Their ability to drain water, stay in place, and blend into the landscape make them a smart option for homeowners dealing with a slope.

If your driveway needs extra support along the sides, gabion baskets are a great way to prevent erosion and add durability. Together, plastic grids and gabion baskets create a long-lasting, natural-looking driveway that is functional and cost-effective. Whether you’re building a new driveway or upgrading an existing one, these modern materials offer practical benefits that outshine traditional methods on a sloping surface.

Many thanks to Matthew for sending through the images of his installation.