Block Paving Process

Before you commit financially to having your driveway paved, it’s important to understand what exactly you’re paying for and what you should expect when the builders arrive. The block paving process is as follows:

1. Marking-out

Using spray markers or string and pegs, the area to be paved is marked out.

2. Excavation

The marked-out area is dug up either by using a digger or by hand. Soft spots should be thoroughly removed as it’s better to fill them with sub-grading material than to have the whole driveway sink once it’s completed. If there is existing concrete in your paving area it will need to be broken up using a hammer machine and removed from the site. You’ll need a skip for this, and any excess soil or rubble. Digging usually goes around 8 inches below ground level.

3. Sub-Grading

A sub-grade of hardcore or scalping stone is spread, levelled out, and compacted to form a solid base. If the ground below is particularly soft or sandy, a geo-membrane may be placed between the sub-grading material and the sub-base to prevent movement or sinking.

4. Edging Stones

A restraining edge of block pavers is placed to form a perimeter around the marked-out area. It’s advisable to secure them within 75mm of concrete.

5. Laying course

Coarse sand is spread and levelled before being compacted using a vibration plate. This is a screeding layer and should be 25-40mm thick to create a solid base for the block pavers.

6. Laying the block pavers

Each block paver is pressed closely together and bedded into the sand. Spacing burs form small joints between each brick.

7. Alignment and Cutting In

Block alignment is checked using a string line. Any cutting necessary is completed using a circular saw.

8. Final Touches

Any recess trays and gully covers required are fitted.

9. Jointing

Kiln dried jointing sand is spread over the entire paved area using a brush, which pushes it down into every joint. The entire area is vibrated for 10 minutes without sweeping away the excess sand. This allows it to fall into the joints.

10. Repeat Jointing

More sand is spread over the area and the jointing process is repeated.

Block Paving Cost per Square Metre

Depending on where you live, who completes the job, and which type of block paving you choose, the actual cost of block paving varies greatly per square metre.

The average cost of block paving around the UK, VAT included, is:

• Up to 40m²  –  £100 per m²
• 40-70m²  –  £85 per m²
• Over 100m²  –  £75 per m²

If you want to pave a standard 55m² driveway in London, it may cost you between £4,500 and £5,000. In the South, South West and Midlands, the same driveway is likely to cost between £4,000 and £4,500, while in the Outer Regions and the North, it could set you back between £3,500 and £3,750.

Materials for your block paved driveway are going to cost you the least, as much of the total price goes on labour costs.

Outside of London, the average cost of labour is £45 per square metre. This is why many experienced DIY-ers choose to lay it themselves.

The approximate cost of materials is as follows:

• Blocks and edgings – £950
• Sharp Sand – £150
• Kiln Dried Sand – £75
• Skip Hire x3 – £450
• Additional Supplies – £350
• Total Material Costs – £2075 (£38 per metre squared)

As you can see, turning your block paving driveway into a DIY project could save you nearly 50% in labour costs, but it’s important to consider the following points before you do:

• Are you experienced at this type of DIY?
• Have you done something similar before?
• Have you got enough time to spare to complete the project?
• Do you have the tools and materials necessary, or will you need to rent them?