Block Paving Cost FAQ

Why would someone want block paving?

Block paving looks good – UK homeowners have been choosing it to pave their drives since it first became popular in the 1980s. It’s a simple concept which gives stunning results when laid correctly.

The range of styles, bricks, and patterns in which block paving can be arranged is all down to you, the homeowner.

What are the disadvantages of block paving?

If block paving is installed badly, it can suffer from ‘sinkage’ where pavers on an uneven level begin to sink into the ground below over time.

Block paving also requires regular maintenance as the gaps in between each block prove a prime environment for weeds and moss to collect. In communal areas, block pavers can collect detritus and dirt making the paved area look unclean.

In addition, block paving does not qualify under the government’s SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage) legislation as the pavers used are rarely made of permeable materials. This means if you’re looking to pave your driveway with block paving, you’ll be more likely to need planning permission to do it.

Will I need planning permission for block paving?

If the blocks you choose are permeable (i.e. they allow sufficient drainage) you won’t need planning permission to lay them in your driveway.

However, if the blocks you choose are impermeable (for example, clay blocks instead of concrete), you must prove that water can run into a suitable drainage area. This could be a lawn, border, or guttering system.

You’ll need planning permission for more than 5m² of block paving if there are no suitable drainage areas.

Are there alternatives to block paving?

Because of the SUDS legislation, there have been significant steps forward in making driveways drainable. Many homes now use gravel to cover their driveways as it provides ample drainage and is cheaper than traditional block paving.

A newcomer to the permeable driveway marketplace is resin-based block paving which has grown quickly in popularity because it’s:

• Permeable – resin is fully SUDS compliant, meaning you won’t need prior planning permission to have it installed.
• Long-Lasting – the materials used in a resin driveway are slightly flexible, meaning they ‘give’ when vehicles drive over them. This makes them a good choice for driveways with a lot of cars coming and going.
• Weed-Resistant – Resin is made up of compounds which stop weeds from growing through it, meaning driveway maintenance is minimal.

There is also the (less popular) option of a concrete driveway available to you. However, concrete driveways are known for cracking under pressure and requiring a fair amount of maintenance although the eventual result can be clean and neat.

What are the main benefits of block paving?

Block paving is a great option for those who want a driveway that matches the style of their home, or for those who want to experiment with patterns and colours for a striking effect.

It is an easily personalised option that can last for a long time if laid correctly and with the right care and attention over the following years.

Block paving is durable, and different types have different benefits – for example, clay pavers won’t fade over time and concrete pavers come in an affordable range of styles and colours.

Who can I buy block paving from?

Block paving is such a common choice for driveways that there will be hundreds of companies all able to offer you the same service, but the prices will vary.

The cost of block paving per square metre depends mainly on the material and also how much the company chooses to charge for labour. Additionally, smaller companies tend to charge less for labour because they aren’t paying huge overheads like larger companies have to.

To make sure you get the best deal possible, fill in the form at the top of this page to access 3-4 block paving quotes from local tradesmen who are history-checked and prepared to do a professional job for you.

How long will it take to lay block paving?

How long it takes to lay block paving will depend on a few factors, namely:

• The contractors doing the job
• The size of the paved area
• The blocks being used, and
• The state of the ground beforehand.

Before block paving is laid, the ground must be flattened and cleared of any roots, debris, or rubble that could impede the installation process. Usually, a block paving team will dig around 8 inches below ground level, before ‘stoning’ using scalping stone. With a digger, a well organised team, and materials arriving on time, this can be achieved in around half a day for an average 55m² driveway.

For the same driveway, the entire job will vary in length depending on the style of block paving you’re using and how the weather behaves. Most skilled workers will recommend a minimum of 4-5 days to complete the whole driveway, but you’ll need to factor in the vibration plate period (1-2 days) and the period of abatement after it’s finished – block pavers need time to settle before you can drive over them.

Before I get block paving, what should I ask a potential block paver?

Before you agree to any quote you’ve been given, you should consider asking your contractor a few preliminary questions. You could ask them:

• How long will the job take to complete?
• How long have you been in the trade?
• Have you been working in this area long?
• What does the job involve, exactly?

Should my block paver be a member of anything (trade body, government organisation, etc)?

There are no qualifications required to be a block paver which means your security in the block paver’s abilities will be derived from their experience, rather than any academic accreditation or trade body membership.