Front driveway paving laid in a red herringbone pattern, framed by contrasting charcoal blocks. The photograph shows the paved surface during the final compaction stage, with matching edging around the driveway.
About this type of work
The notes below explain this kind of work in general terms. Every home is different, so the details of a particular job depend on the property, the ground and what the owner wants.
How a block paving driveway is built
- The old surface is dug out, and the ground is levelled and compacted.
- A sub-base of crushed stone is laid and compacted in layers. This carries the weight of the cars, and it matters more than the blocks on top.
- Edge restraints, such as kerbs or a concrete haunching, are set along the sides so the blocks cannot spread.
- A thin laying course of sharp sand is screeded level, and the blocks are laid in the chosen pattern. Herringbone is popular for driveways because the interlocking pattern spreads loads well.
- The surface is compacted with a plate compactor, which is the stage shown in the photograph, and jointing sand is brushed into the gaps and compacted again.
What to check before you start
- Drainage. Paving a front garden of more than 5 square metres needs a permeable surface, or a way for the water to drain to a lawn or border, to be permitted development.
- A dropped kerb. If the driveway crosses the pavement, the highway authority has to approve it. This is separate from planning.
- Levels. The surface should fall slightly away from the house, and away from the neighbour.
- Conservation areas and Article 4 directions can restrict changes at the front of a house.
Read more about permitted development rights or ask us about your property.