Choosing between brick paving and concrete for your Melbourne driveway is one of the biggest decisions you'll make for your home's exterior. Both options have their advantages, but for most Melbourne homeowners, brick paving offers the best combination of durability, appearance and long-term value.
Your driveway is the first thing visitors see when they arrive at your home. In Melbourne's competitive property market, an upgraded driveway adds genuine kerb appeal and real value. Here are the most popular driveway paving options for 2026.
1. Herringbone Brick Paving
The herringbone pattern remains Melbourne's most popular driveway choice. The interlocking diagonal pattern distributes load effectively, making it ideal for driveways. Clay brick in a warm red or buff tone suits almost any home style, from Federation homes in Camberwell to brick veneer homes in Glen Waverley.
2. Bluestone Driveways
For a contemporary, upmarket look, bluestone is hard to beat. Sawn bluestone in large format tiles (600x400mm or 600x600mm) creates a clean, architectural driveway that suits modern and renovated homes. Popular in Wheelers Hill, Malvern East and Doncaster.
3. Recycled Brick Driveways
Recycled brick carries character and charm that new brick simply can't replicate. The colour variations and weathered texture add warmth and authenticity — perfect for period homes in Balwyn, Blackburn and Camberwell.
4. Exposed Aggregate Concrete
A practical and cost-effective option that offers good slip resistance and a neat, decorative finish. Available in a range of aggregate colours to complement your home. A solid choice for larger driveways where budget is a consideration.
5. Double Driveways
As households own more vehicles, double driveway upgrades are increasingly popular across Melbourne's eastern suburbs. A well-designed double driveway in brick or bluestone makes an impressive statement.
How to Choose the Right Driveway for Your Home
The best driveway choice depends on your home's architectural style, your budget, and your personal taste. Antonio offers obligation-free consultations and can bring material samples to your property so you can see how different options look in situ.
Cost Comparison
Concrete: A plain concrete driveway in Melbourne costs approximately $60–$100 per square metre. Decorative concrete (stamped or coloured) costs $100–$150 per square metre.
Brick Paving: Brick paver driveways cost approximately $80–$150 per square metre installed, depending on the paver type and pattern.
While concrete may appear cheaper upfront, brick paving often provides better value over time due to lower repair costs and longer lifespan.
Durability
Concrete: A well-installed concrete driveway lasts 20–30 years. However, concrete is prone to cracking, especially in Melbourne's changeable climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Brick Paving: Properly installed brick paving lasts 25–50+ years. Individual pavers that become damaged can be easily replaced without affecting the rest of the driveway. The flexible nature of a paved surface means it handles ground movement better than rigid concrete.
Maintenance
Concrete: Cracks must be repaired promptly to prevent further damage. Stains can be difficult to remove. Resurfacing may be needed after 10–15 years.
Brick Paving: Regular sweeping and occasional high-pressure cleaning keeps brick paving looking great. Individual pavers can be lifted, cleaned or replaced as needed. No resurfacing required.
Appearance
Brick paving offers far more design flexibility with various colours, patterns and textures. Popular patterns include herringbone, basketweave and stretcher bond. Recycled bricks add unique character. Concrete, while available in decorative finishes, tends to look more uniform and can fade or discolour over time.
Our Recommendation
For most Melbourne homes, we recommend brick paving for driveways. The combination of durability, repairability, design flexibility and long-term value makes it the superior choice. Contact Antonio PrimeScape Construction for a free driveway paving quote.