Block Paving

Premium Landscaping — Durham

Block Paving Driveways

We're experienced block paving contractors working across County Durham and the surrounding towns and villages, supplying and installing a wide range of paving products for driveways, patios and pathways. With its strength, kerb appeal and ability to handle daily vehicle weight, block paving is a good choice for driveways of every size.

Every driveway starts with the sub-base – get this wrong and problems like sunken blocks and tyre-track ruts will appear over time, which is why we lay every driveway on a properly prepared and compacted base as standard, following the same block paving installation process on every job. While DIY block paving is achievable for a small patio, we'd always recommend a professional job for a driveway that needs to cope with daily vehicle weight. The overall cost of a block paved driveway depends on the size of the area, the existing surface and what needs to be excavated, the complexity of the design, and your choice of blocks, edging and drainage – we offer a free, transparent, no-obligation quotation.

Patios and Paving Patterns

If you don't have space for a driveway but like the look of block paving, we also build raised and level patios in rear garden areas.

There are several popular laying patterns to choose from: herringbone, laid at 45 or 90 degrees, is our most requested design and locks blocks together for extra strength under heavy loads; stretcher bond uses whole blocks in a simple, repetitive pattern that's ideal for larger areas such as driveways and car parks; and basketweave creates an interlacing, woven-look finish that remains one of the most popular styles. For more block paving ideas, including colour combinations and border options, take a look at our dedicated ideas guide.

Drainage and Durability

Properly laid block paving is a permeable surface, allowing water to drain through the gaps between blocks rather than pooling on top or running off into drains – this helps prevent flooding and reduces pressure on local drainage systems.

Block paving is also frost-proof, low-maintenance and easy to repair, since individual blocks can be lifted and replaced without disturbing the rest of the surface. A well-laid block driveway will typically last 20 to 30 years, considerably longer than a tarmac equivalent. For the occasional weeding, re-sanding and jet-washing it will need to stay looking its best, see our guide to block paving maintenance requirements.

Commercial Block Paving

We also install commercial block paving for car parks, footpaths and public areas, where durability and safety are just as important as appearance.

Different areas of a site often call for different treatments – a car park might use interlocking paving in several colours for strength, while pathways use softer, more decorative materials – and features like borders, kerbs and bay markings can all be built in during installation.

Whatever the size of the project, we work to the same standards of preparation and workmanship as on a domestic driveway, so the finished surface is built to handle years of regular vehicle and foot traffic. Call us today for a free quote on your driveway or commercial paving project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is commercial block paving?

Commercial block paving is the process of laying blocks in one outdoor area to create a driveway, patio, walkway, or another such surface that can be used for transporting things and people from one point to another. It is typically chosen by business owners who want their place of work to look attractive while also allowing for good functionality while doing what it needs to do - namely getting customers where they need to go while keeping them safe and comfortable while doing so. There are many benefits associated with commercial block paving services for both businesses and homeowners alike. These include increased safety by reducing trip hazards, aesthetically pleasing appearance, longevity, sustainability due to no oil residue after installation, low maintenance costs and more! Regard

Is block paving good for driveways?

Yes, block paving is a good choice for driveways and paths. Block pavements tend to last much longer than asphalt or concrete. They come in a wide variety of styles and patterns and can be arranged in many different ways. There is so many varieties of block pavers, and edging blocks to choose from, we will spoil you with choice.

Is it cheaper to tarmac or block pave?

The main reason why tarmac and block paving have different prices is that they are made from different materials. Tarmac is typically made up of rocks mixed with tar, whereas blocks are usually a mixture of sand and cement. Tarmac tends to be cheaper than blocks to buy but it does not last as long. On the other hand, block paved driveways tend to last 20-30 years whereas tarmacs can only manage 10-15 before looking worn down and need replacing again. Another factor that can affect the cost of your driveway is the intricacy of the design. Tarmac driveways are usually cheaper to install since they are much simpler to lay, whereas block paving can be time-consuming and costly because it involves setting out measurements for each individual size block that needs laying.

How deep should you dig for block paving?

The recommended excavated depth for an average residential block paving is 150-200 mm. This can alter and varies depending on how much the rise and fall is on the ground to be paved. We also take into account any soft spots we find during the excavation process, and these are backfilled with the sub-base material, and compacted tightly to prevent any sinking occurring in the future. Something that never happens on one of our driveway installations.

Is planning permission required for laying block paving?

No need for planning permission is needed, as long as the replacement driveway uses a porous or permeable new surface, that will allow water drainage to pass through. This could be, concrete block paving, asphalt, or gravel material. Alternatively rainwater must be catered for by natural drainage that is aimed at and directed to lawns or positioned strip drains.

How long does it take to Install a block paved driveway?

The time it takes to lay a block paved driveway depends on a number of factors. These include: The size and shape of the area being paved How straightforward the job is in terms of access, level, obstacles, etc. The experience of the team carrying out work. Generally speaking, most domestic driveways require between 4 to 5 days work unless there are unforeseen problems that can cause significant delays. Laying block paving around garden features such as ponds or flower beds will obviously take longer than if the areas are already level and clear with no obstructions in place. Also how much preparation needs doing before laying the new surface will be another factor that determines how long it takes to complete. When we come to look at your driveway, we will discuss and predict a timescale

Is Block Paving Permeable?

Yes, block paving is a permeable surface and is a great choice for driveways, patios, pathways, and other outdoor features. It allows water to pass through the small gaps between each block, reducing the amount of runoff that would otherwise end up in storm sewers or waterways. The blocks are usually set on a bed of gravel or sand, both of which absorb and disperse water quickly. This helps prevent puddles from forming and minimises the risk of flooding. Block paving also provides an attractive surface that can be customised to fit any design aesthetic. It's durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic while still allowing water to reach underlying soil and roots below ground level. With proper maintenance and occasional repairs, block paving can last for many years. The type of material

How long do I have to wait before I can drive or walk on my driveway after completion?

You can drive and walk on the new block paving as soon as we have installed and swept in the kiln dry jointing sand. This assures all the blocks are fully locked together.

Do you Install driveways all year round?

Yes we do, we work throughout all the seasons Recommended contractors in other areas Cardiff Driveways Premium Landscaping ​ Durham Hard and Soft Landscaping A touch of class with old school customer service 0191-743-6700

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