Block Paving Cost

Price guide to block paving installation

Average block paving cost for a typical driveway is

The time taken to install block paving on average is around 4 days

£5750

Block paving has been popular in the UK since the 1980s when clay or concrete blocks were available in a handful of colours. Since then, the market has become much more sophisticated and the manufacturing technology is much improved along with the choice of bricks and blocks. However, this home improvement remains a quite expensive job and is probably not a great DIY project. it is essential that you choose a skilled and reputable builder or construction company to do this job.

You can use the free service on this website to find local and reputable tradesmen to provide you with quotes and further information about installing block paving. All you have to do is provide some brief details on the type of job you need doing, plus of course contact information.

Typical prices for block paving in the UK

Things to consider when thinking about buying block paving

One of the first choices to be made with paving it to choose between clay bricks or concrete blocks. Concrete blocks are relatively cheap and there are plenty of styles to choose from including textured blocks. The disadvantages of concrete blocks are that they tend to fade in colour over time and they can also wear which will eventually expose the aggregate. Clay paving bricks are slightly more expensive than concrete but are extremely hard wearing and their natural colour will not fade over time. However, they are prone to moss growth and the tolerance in terms of sizes can be quite variable so they can be more difficult to lay. In terms of colour, there is no definitive answer to choosing the best colour, it’s a decision which has to be made considering the surroundings, the lighting, and of course personal taste. Most block paving consists of a single uniform colour, often red, but there are multicolour block systems on sale.

There are many factors affecting the price of a block driveway, the most obvious of course include the size and shape of the driveway, but there are other less obvious factors. You can expect your new driveway to cost more if there are any inspection or manhole covers located on the driveway. The cheapest way to deal with this problem is to leave the inspection chamber in place and replace the cover with a recessed cover that will accept peeling locks so will not be immediately obvious that there is a manhole there. another cost factor that should be considered for new driveways as the additional cost of dropping a kerb. If you need a new entrance or intent to widen the existing driveway entrance then you may need to lower the kerb which will need permission from the local council and you will also probably need to use one of their approved contractors.

Doing it Yourself

If planning on laying block paving as a DIY project then you will first have to locate all the services such as gas pipes, electric cables, water pipes and drainage. You will also need to check if planning permission will be required, if rainwater will be diverted onto the streets from your property then you likely will need planning permission. Once you have checked for services and whether permission is required, the next step is to excavate and dig out the existing driveway or garden, then to remove all the waste material which will normally be disposed of in a skip.

Then you need to lay a drainage channel which will need to be connected to the existing soakaways. Next, the subgrade needs to be prepared along with edging blocks for cement. A membrane needs to be put down to prevent weed growth followed by 150 mm of hardcore and 40 mm of hard sand.

 Finally, lay the paving blocks and build a new step to the front door if required.  All that is left now is basically tidying up and finishing off the edgings, sprinkle kiln dry sand over the blocks and brush into gaps for a neat finish.

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