Driveways vs. Patios – Which Upgrade Adds More Value to Your Home?

logansamuels54
Jul 31
2 min read

Thinking about upgrading your outdoor space? Whether you’re improving kerb appeal or creating somewhere to relax, a new driveway or patio is one of the best ways to add value and style to your property.

At ShellCo Ltd, we’ve built hundreds of custom patios and driveways across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. Here’s what you need to know before choosing between the two — and what each one offers.

🚗 Driveways – More Than Just Parking Space

A driveway isn’t just functional — it’s the first impression of your home. Done right, it boosts kerb appeal and resale value.

Benefits of a new driveway:

Increases property value by up to 10%
Reduces maintenance with better drainage and surface quality
Custom designs – from block paving to resinbound or gravel
Improves security and access for vehicles

Most driveways we install use high-quality blocks or resinbound surfaces laid over proper sub-base for long-term performance.

🪴 Patios – Your Outdoor Living Room

A patio transforms your back garden into a liveable, usable space — perfect for summer evenings or family gatherings.

Benefits of a patio:

Extends your home into the garden
Great ROI for lifestyle upgrades
Wide range of materials: sandstone, porcelain, block, or concrete
Easy maintenance and no mowing

We work with you to choose the right finish, shape, and edging — including steps, garden walls, or built-in planters if needed.

🧱 What We Offer at ShellCo:

Whether it’s a driveway or patio, our team builds everything from the ground up:

Excavation and sub-base prep
Drainage and weed membrane installation
Edge restraints and step detailing
Pattern layout and compacting
Sand jointing, sealing, and cleanup

We don’t just lay slabs or blocks — we build long-lasting surfaces with proper groundwork underneath.

💡 Which Should You Choose?

If you’ve got a front garden and no off-road parking, a driveway might be a better investment.If your back garden is underused or hard to maintain, a patio can massively improve your lifestyle.

Want both? We often design matching driveway and patio packages for clients — for a clean, consistent look front and back.