Block Paving Driveway Cost UK

Prices mentioned above include excavation, sub-base, block paving, edging, jointing sand and labour. Standard concrete blocks are at the low end of the price scale. Clay pavers and natural stone cost more to purchase and take longer to lay, which is why the prices often come in between £110 and £140 per square metre.

London and the South East have higher labour rates than the rest of the United Kingdom, therefore prices may be 10-20% higher than the numbers shown here. The quotes also differ according to the laying pattern and the selected block.

Block type. This is more important than anything else in determining the final price for your driveway. Standard concrete blocks are the least expensive option available. Clay pavers are more expensive but they last longer. Natural stone are permeable blocks that are the most expensive in this category. Permeable blocks also satisfy SuDS drainage requirements without having the need for an additional soakaway.

Laying pattern. Herringbone is the most popular pattern that you will find on driveways because it interlocks well under the load of vehicles. Borders, different colours and complex patterns all add labour time, although the blocks themselves cost no more.

Sub-base depth and preparation. The base of a driveway is as much important as the surface. A MOT Type 1 sub-base that is well compacted and 100mm to 150mm deep will create a stable driveway and reduce the risk of sinking or displacement. When early block paving failure occurs it will be far more likely to be down to rushed groundwork than the blocks themselves.

Drainage and permeability. Water does not pass through the surface of standard concrete and clay blocks. SuDs rules for driveways over 5m² state that water must drain into a soakaway or garden border and not into the road. Permeable block paving solves this problem without having the need to build a drainage system but this material costs more.

Edging and kerbs. It is important to have strong edge restraints as they prevent blocks from spreading out over time. Decorative kerbs or contrasting edgings are a popular upgrade but they will end up costing you way more than a standard driveway.

Removing the existing driveway. If there is an old driveway that needs to be removed before the work starts, the extra labour and cost of waste disposal will add to the price.

Access. Restricted access to the work site can slow the job down and if machinery can't reach the driveway, more digging and material handling has to be done by hand so the labour costs increase.

If you want to compare block paving to other driveway materials, refer to our main driveway cost guide that covers the factors that influence the price of every type of driveway, not just block paving.

A standard block paving driveway takes about 4-5 days to install. The job can stretch to 6 to 9 days if you have a bigger driveway and you have to take care of things like decorative edges, dropped curbs, or permeable systems with extra drainage.

Block paving is one of the more practical choices for DIY. No hot tarmac to play against, or resin that starts to cure as soon as it's mixed up. But keep in mind that it's the groundwork where most DIY projects go wrong.

The sub-base must be dug out to the correct depth first and then compacted properly and finally laid with the right falls for proper drainage. Get that wrong and no matter how perfectly the blocks are laid, the driveway will probably start to sink or move before long.

It's the laying of the blocks that's easy. If you have a good base underneath it's a pretty flexible process and each block can be lifted up and adjusted as you go. It's the groundwork, not the paving, that dictates how well the driveway will hold up over the years.

Pros

• Huge choice of colours, styles and laying patterns to suit almost any property
• Damaged or stained blocks can be replaced individually without lifting the whole driveway
• Long lifespan, especially when clay pavers or natural stone are laid on a well-built sub-base
• Borders, circles and contrasting colours are easy to include in the design
• Materials and experienced installers are easy to find across the UK

Cons

• Higher upfront cost than gravel or tarmac
• Needs occasional maintenance, including re-sanding and, if you choose, sealing
• Standard block paving needs suitable drainage unless you opt for permeable blocks
• Poor groundwork will lead to movement and sinking, no matter how good the paving looks
• Weeds can start appearing between the joints as the jointing sand wears away over time

Block paving driveways that are built using standard concrete blocks will last for 20 to 30 years. If you are using Clay pavers or natural stone, they can last 30 to 50 years but only if the sub-base below has been constructed correctly. The groundwork plays a major role in extending the of your newly built driveway. Even high quality blocks won't last if they are laid on a poor foundation.

Maintenance is fairly simple but you should definitely budget for it separately. The joints need re-sanding every 4 to 5 years as the kiln-dried sand gradually washes out. This costs around £150 to £400 for a double driveway. Every 3 to 5 years sealing costs about £5 to £15 per m² and helps to reduce staining and slow down weed growth. In our opinion, £100 to £300 a year is enough to cover everything including cleaning, re-sanding and the occasional sealing.

Your driveway won't be ruined overnight if you miss a few maintenance jobs but it does cut it's lifespan. The jointing sand starts wearing away with the passage of time and weeds begins to take hold allowing the blocks more freedom to move. What could have been a simple upkeep job often turns out to be a more expensive repair if left long enough.

This is a real advantage for block paving. Unlike resin or tarmac, it is often possible to repair the area that was damaged without having to touch the rest of the driveway.

Replacing a single defected block will cost you between £20 to £45 per block and this price includes labour charges. If part of the driveway has sunk or become uneven, you can easily lift the affected block and fix the problem underneath and then put back the same block again. The cost of this type of lift and relay repair is between £20 and £45 per m², depending on the amount of work involved.

A full replacement where you have to dig out the driveway and start from scratch, costs the same as a fresh installation. This is only required when the base has failed in a major section of the driveway and not in an isolated area.

The first thing to check is whether the issue is isolated to just one section or if the problem is more widespread throughout the driveway. A few loose blocks, a sunken corner or a stained patch are all simple fixes. If large areas are beginning to sink or if the same area continues to move even after it is repaired, the problem is much more likely to be under the surface than with the blocks themselves.

Block paving is a medium price range and sits between resin and tarmac. It is more expensive than tarmac and often similar or a bit more expensive than resin depending on the type of blocks you choose. The biggest benefit of choosing this type is that it can be repaired easily. If one section is damaged, the blocks can be removed and replaced without disturbing the balance of the driveway. That is something you don't really get in tarmac and resin driveway.

The downside is the time to install. Drainage should be considered in the same way as a tarmac driveway and block paving takes longer to install than tarmac unless you choose permeable blocks.

What is the depth of sub base and what material are you using?
The sub-base is the most significant consideration for the life of the driveway. Find out what will be the depth of the sub base and also verify if it is MOT Type 1 and not a cheaper alternative.

Which block is included in the quote?
If the quote just says block paving and nothing else then ask the contractor for the specific product they are using or manufacturer's name so you know whether you're paying for a basic concrete block, clay paver or natural stone.

How will the driveway drain?
If the contractor is not installing the permeable blocks then do ask them where they water will go after the driveway is finished as it should always drain in a soakaway or garden border as per the regulations.

Does the quote include a dropped kerb if one is needed?
A dropped kerb is pretty much always an extra. If you need one for your project, check if it is included or if you will need to arrange it on your own through the council.

What workmanship guarantee do you provide?
A good installer will be happy to provide a written guarantee against such things as sinking, movement or bad workmanship. If it's not in the quote, ask before you agree to start the work.