What is a block paved driveway?

Block paving is made from small concrete or clay blocks laid tightly together in a pattern, sitting on a bed of sand above a compacted stone base. Kiln-dried sand is brushed into the joints so the blocks lock against each other. Because each block is separate, a damaged patch can be lifted and relaid without breaking up the whole surface.

It suits most house types, from a narrow terrace frontage to a wide drive with room for several cars, and it can follow curves, steps and changes in level.

Which kinds of block can I choose from?

Concrete blocks, the most common choice, made in many colours, sizes and finishes.
Clay pavers, which keep their colour well and often sit comfortably beside older brick houses.
Tumbled or aged blocks, with softened edges for a less uniform look.
Permeable blocks, shaped with wider joints filled with fine grit so rainwater passes down into the base.

Patterns such as herringbone, basketweave and stretcher bond change both the look and how well the surface copes with turning wheels. Herringbone is widely used on drives because it spreads the load in several directions.

Does a block paved drive need planning permission?

For a house, paving the front garden is usually permitted development if the surface lets water through or if the water is directed onto a permeable area inside your boundary, such as a lawn, a planted border or a soakaway. Ordinary block paving laid on a sealed base, with rain running straight onto the pavement, needs planning permission once it covers more than 5 square metres. The government's guidance on permeable surfacing of front gardens explains how the rule works, and the Planning Portal has a short summary on paving your front garden.

Different rules apply to flats and maisonettes, to listed buildings, and where the council has removed permitted development rights. If any of those apply to you, speak to your district council before work starts.

What goes underneath the blocks?

Most of the work is out of sight. The old surface and soil are dug out to a suitable depth, then a layer of crushed stone is spread and compacted in stages to make the sub-base. A permeable drive uses an open-graded stone that holds water and lets it soak away slowly. Edge restraints, usually kerbs or concreted edging blocks, stop the paving from spreading outwards over time.

A thin or poorly compacted base is the usual reason for ruts and dips appearing under car wheels, so it is worth asking how deep the base will be and what it is made of.

What about pipes, cables and drain covers?

Water pipes, gas pipes, electricity cables and telecoms lines often run beneath front gardens. Before any digging, the installer should find out where they are, and many use utility plans and a cable locator. Drain inspection covers and stopcocks should stay accessible, so expect them to be fitted with recessed covers that take blocks in the top or set neatly at the new surface level.

The finished surface should also sit well below the damp-proof course of the house, so that rain does not splash or pool against the walls.

Can block paving be repaired?

Often, yes. Sunken areas, blocks lifted by tree roots and stains from oil can usually be dealt with by lifting the affected blocks, correcting the base and relaying them. Matching colours on an older drive can be harder, because blocks fade with sunlight and weather.

How do I look after it?

Brush the surface regularly and pull out weeds before they root deeply.
Top up joint sand if it washes or sweeps out.
Clean off oil spills soon, before they soak in.
Take care with pressure washers, which can blast sand out of the joints.

What helps in a block paving enquiry?

your postcode and the type of property
a rough idea of the area, or the number of cars you want to park
what the ground is covered with now
whether you also need a dropped kerb
any trees, slopes or drain covers in the space

What happens after I send it?

The enquiry costs nothing and does not commit you. The design and the price are settled between you and the installer.

Who you will hear from

We pass your enquiry to one local driveway installer, if one covers your postcode. It is never sent to a list of companies. If nobody covers your postcode, we will tell you and will not pass your details on.