Block paving is a popular choice for both patios and driveways. Providing homeowners with the chance to showcase their creative flair, it’s an effective way to improve the exterior of your home. Suitable for period and modern properties, block paving is available in a whole host of colours and styles.
What’s involved in the installation of block paving?
Block paving requires a little more preparation than other patio and driveway materials. Before you begin to break ground, you’ll want to have a plan drawn up.
Draw a plan
A construction drawing is always beneficial, especially if you want your block paving driveway to have a pattern. A good site layout plan will not only show how the finished product will look, but it will also calculate how many bricks will be required for each section.
When planning your block paved driveway or patio, you should allow an additional 300mm along the free edge to make handling the materials and adding kerbs or edgings easier.
Excavation
Once you’ve drawn up your plans – and you’re happy with them, excavation is required. Typically, for a domestic driveway, the dig level is around 200-250mm below the finished paving level. It is at the excavating stage that drainage should be installed.
Sub-base and edging
Once the ground has been excavated a sub-base can be laid, followed by edge course bricks and kerbs. These should be laid onto a concrete bed and once satisfied with the lines and curves, they can then be haunched with concrete.
Compact layer
The next stage involves spreading and levelling a compact layer of course sand. This should be around 25 – 40mm deep.
Block laying
Next, block laying can begin. Followed by any alignment and cutting-in to get that flawless finish.
Jointing
The final task involved in block paving installation is jointing. Special jointing sand is spread over the block surface before being swept into the joints using a soft brush. Excess jointing is then swept off.
Adding a sealant is often suggested to reduce accidental staining, this helps to keep your investment looking newer for longer.
What are the benefits of block paving?
One of the reasons block paving is so popular across the UK is because of the myriad of benefits:
- Increases property value
- Improves the appearance of the exterior of properties
- A range of colours and shapes available
- Create bespoke patterns
- Interlocking designs help provide additional strength
- Individual bricks can be replaced instead of the whole driveway / patio
- Fade-resistant – it looks newer for longer
- Porous material, so no planning permission is needed
Are there any alternatives to block paving?
If you’re on a tighter budget, but still want an attractive exterior, then gravel and resin paving are excellent options.
Is planning permission needed for block paving?
No! Because block paving is porous no planning permission is required unless you’re changing the access to your property by lowering a kerb for example.
How do I find someone to lay block paving?
If you’re considering block paving for your driveway or patio, getting a professional to install it is essential if you want that professional, long-lasting finish.
To find local tradespeople in your area to help, all you have to do is submit your job specification on our site and local contractors will be in touch.
Block paving FAQ
How do I maintain block paving?
To keep your block paving looking its best, you’ll want to clean it regularly – especially during the winter months.
A power washer, a broom, and strong detergent will do the trick. You’ll also want to apply a weed killer between the joints too.
You should also keep an eye on joints that need re-sanding or re-pointing to avoid costly repairs later down the line.
How long does block paving last?
Well-maintained block paving can last more than ten years, making it a worthy investment.
How long does block paving take to lay?
Depending on the size of the driveway or patio, block paving can take around 4 to 5 days to complete.
Once laid, it’s suggested you avoid driving on your new block paving for around 48 hours, however, you can walk across it after 2-3 hours.
To get quotes from block paving experts near you post a job now.