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"Over the moon": Carl's driveway transformation with Lunar

“Over the moon”: Carl’s driveway transformation with Lunar

Project Type

Driveway
Products used

Lunar Textured - Ice
Budget Band

£15,000-£20,000
Material

Concrete
Completion timeframe

8-10 days

location

Staffordshire
Installed by a Marshalls Accredited Installer

GBMCO Ltd - Accredited member since 2022

When Carl set out to transform his driveway, he wasn’t looking for a quick fix. His home – an ex-showhouse in Dudley, nearing 30 years old – deserved something more considered. He wanted something that would elevate the look of the property, last for decades to come, and feel like a worthwhile investment.

The homeowner vision

The existing driveway had seen better days. Originally laid in standard black tarmac, it had begun to deteriorate over time, with edges breaking down, moss appearing, and discolouration setting in. It was starting to look tired and out of place, especially compared to neighbouring properties that had already been updated.

For Carl, improving the aesthetics was a key driver. While the house itself had strong kerb appeal, the driveway no longer matched the standard of the frontage. It was clear that refreshing the space would make a significant difference to the overall look and feel of the property.

Carl found himself balancing aesthetics, performance and budget. But perhaps more importantly, he wanted confidence that he was making the right decision. That search for reassurance ultimately led him to Marshalls products and a Marshalls Accredited Installer, giving him greater certainty that both the materials and workmanship would meet the standards he was looking for.

View the transformation video

Carl’s goal: a driveway worth investing in

Like many homeowners, Carl had cost in mind at the start – but he had also done his homework. After spending time looking on YouTube, he came across videos showcasing completed Marshalls projects, including one featuring Lunar Textured.

It immediately stood out to Carl.

"Once I'd seen it, my heart was just set on Lunar," he said.
Although alternative products were suggested by local landscapers, Carl felt the appearance and quality of Lunar justified the additional investment. For him, choosing the right product was only part of the equation though; finding an installer he could trust was just as important.

Having previously experienced issues with contractors, Carl wanted reassurance that the project would be completed properly and that he was working with a professional committed to recognised quality standards, customer service and best-practice installation. He took to the Marshalls Gardens and Driveways website and, using the Find an Accredited Installer tool, connected with a local accredited installer based in his local area.

See the final result

Andrew’s approach: high standards, high quality

"The first thing that stood out for us was that the drive was in need of some repair," he explained. "The frontage of the house is great with really nice kerb appeal, so we really needed to brighten the area up."

Working closely with Carl from the outset, Andrew focused not just on the finished appearance but on ensuring the project was delivered to a high standard at every stage.

That included:

Proper expertise: This was more than “just a wheelbarrow” job. Andrew brought the know-how, machinery and level of care and attention needed to get the finish right.
Clear communication: Carl was kept involved at every stage, so he knew exactly what was happening and could feel confident as the driveway took shape.
Done properly, from the ground up: From what sits beneath the surface to how water is managed, every detail was considered to make sure the driveway performs and lasts.
A finish Carl could trust: With Andrew working to Marshalls Accredited standards, the project delivered the excellent result Carl had hoped for – backed by a 10-year warranty for that extra peace of mind.

The details you might otherwise miss

While the finished driveway delivers instant visual impact, much of what makes it last happens beneath the surface.

For Andrew, getting these foundations right is critical. As he explains, “80% of a successful driveway comes down to the installation, and 20% is the product itself.” Without proper preparation, even the best materials can fail over time.

A key part of this is the sub-base. Rather than a basic layer, Andrew and his team built the driveway with the correct depth of properly compacted material, using professional equipment like rollers over wacker plates to ensure long-term stability. This helps prevent common issues like sinking, movement or cracking that can appear in poorly prepared drives.

Drainage was another essential consideration from the outset. Andrew explains:

“It’s one of the first things we look at because there are planning rules that we need to adhere to. Levels and falls are really important because obviously the water needs to fall away from the property, at a gradient where it falls slowly, but effectively into the system. With some of the paving being semi-permeable and using a semi-permeable or fully permeable grade poly compound, that really helps to manage surface water effectively.”

It’s these often-unseen details – from groundworks to drainage design – that underpin the finished result, ensuring the driveway not only looks great on day one, but continues to perform for years to come.

The Lunar effect: a driveway that gets noticed

The driveway project was one of the first to use the new Lunar Textured block by Marshalls, creating a driveway with real presence.

An innovative addition to the established Lunar range, Lunar Textured offers a cost-effective way to achieve a premium, granite-inspired look with its textured surface and subtle chamfered edges adding depth and character.

Carl opted for Lunar Textured Ice from its palette of four colours for its crisp, contemporary finish and it delivered exactly what he was looking for – a driveway that elevates the property, stands out for the right reasons, and feels like an investment that will last.

But it’s not just about looks. With SurfaceLock™ technology enhancing resistance to UV fading, weathering and everyday wear, Lunar Textured will maintain its appearance over time. And what’s more, it is manufactured in the UK using CarbonStep™ technology, which also reduces embodied carbon without compromising on strength or durability.

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Carl’s advice for other homeowners

After seeing the difference for himself, Carl’s advice to anyone planning a driveway project is simple: Choose someone you can trust.

"Choosing a Marshalls Accredited Installer gave me confidence from the very beginning," he said. "I knew I was working with somebody who cared about quality and would do the job properly."

He also recommends homeowners:

Choose an accredited installer with recognised standards and experience.
Ask questions about preparation, drainage and the details that affect long-term performance.
Work with someone who communicates clearly and keeps you involved throughout the project.

By the time the work was complete, Carl was “over the moon” with the result. With Andrew’s expertise and the new Lunar textured block, the driveway became far more than a practical upgrade – it changed how the whole home looked and felt, with the transformation a strong example of what can be achieved when quality products are paired with expert installation.

Carl concludes: “When it comes to getting your garden or driveway done, I’d 100% recommend going with a Marshalls Accredited Installer. I was kept involved at every stage, always being asked if I was happy – and the finish speaks for itself.”

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Installed by one of our own Accredited Members

As part of the UK's only independently Accredited Installer network, members are assessed against recognised standards, giving homeowners confidence that their project will be delivered with trusted expertise, professionalism and care from first enquiry through to completion.

GBM CO offers a full-service approach, working with customers to design and implement comprehensive projects of all sizes to the highest standard.