Block Paving: Complete Guide

Quick Answer: Is Block Paving a Good Choice for Driveways and Patios?

Block paving is a durable, versatile surfacing option using individual concrete or clay blocks, well suited to both driveways and patios, offering the flexibility to replace individual damaged blocks without disturbing the whole surface. It typically costs £50 to £100 per square metre installed and lasts 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance.

Types of Block Paving

Concrete Block Paving

The most common and affordable block paving option, available in a wide range of colours, sizes, and finishes, offering good durability at a moderate cost.

Clay Block Paving

Clay blocks hold their colour better over time than concrete and offer a distinctive, traditional appearance, typically at a higher cost than standard concrete blocks.

Permeable Block Paving

Specially designed blocks with gaps or a porous structure allowing water to drain through, helping meet UK SUDS drainage requirements without additional drainage infrastructure.

Block Paving Patterns

Pattern	Appearance	Installation Complexity
Stretcher bond	Simple, uniform rows	Lowest, quickest to install
Herringbone	Interlocking zigzag pattern	Moderate, more cutting required
Basketweave	Alternating pairs creating a woven look	Moderate
Circular/fan pattern	Decorative feature areas	Highest, specialist cutting needed

Herringbone is often recommended for driveways specifically, since its interlocking pattern provides better resistance to the shifting forces from vehicle tyres compared to a simple stretcher bond layout.

Block Paving Installation Process

Excavate the area to an appropriate depth for the intended use, deeper for driveways than patios given vehicle loading
Lay and compact a sub-base of hardcore or MOT type 1 aggregate
Add a bedding layer of sharp sand, screeded to an even depth
Lay blocks in the chosen pattern, working methodically and checking levels regularly
Compact the laid blocks with a plate compactor, then brush kiln-dried sand into the joints to lock everything in place

Block Paving Cost Breakdown

Area Size	Concrete Block Paving	Clay Block Paving
Small (20 sqm)	£1,000 to £2,000	£1,600 to £2,800
Medium (40 sqm)	£2,000 to £4,000	£3,200 to £5,600
Large (60 sqm)	£3,000 to £6,000	£4,800 to £8,400

Block Paving Maintenance

Re-sand joints periodically as sand naturally washes out over time, typically every few years
Pressure wash occasionally to remove built-up dirt, moss, and algae
Treat any moss or weed growth in joints promptly to prevent it spreading and lifting blocks
Replace individual cracked or damaged blocks as needed, one of block paving’s key practical advantages over solid surfacing

Block Paving vs Other Driveway Materials

Feature	Block Paving	Tarmac	Resin Bound
Individual repair	Yes, replace single blocks	No, patches often visible	Difficult, matching finish tricky
Design flexibility	High, many patterns/colours	Low, limited to solid colour	Moderate, colour blends available
Maintenance	Moderate, periodic re-sanding	Low	Low
Typical cost	£50 to £100/sqm	£40 to £70/sqm	£60 to £100/sqm

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does block paving last?

Well installed block paving typically lasts 20 to 30 years, with individual damaged blocks replaceable without needing to redo the entire surface.

Does block paving need planning permission?

Permeable block paving generally does not need planning permission under permitted development rights, while larger non-permeable areas without adequate drainage may require it, so checking current guidance is worthwhile.

Can weeds grow through block paving?

Weeds can occasionally establish in the joints between blocks, particularly if joint sand has washed out over time, though regular maintenance and prompt treatment prevents this becoming a significant problem.

Is block paving suitable for driveways with regular vehicle use?

Yes, block paving is well suited to driveway use, and a herringbone pattern is often specifically recommended for driveways given its superior resistance to the lateral forces from vehicle movement.

Can you repair a single damaged block paving section?

Yes, this is one of block paving’s key advantages, individual blocks can be lifted and replaced without needing to disturb or redo the surrounding surface.

Expert Insight

Paving contractors consistently recommend herringbone pattern for any block paving surface that will carry regular vehicle traffic, since the interlocking design significantly outperforms simpler patterns in resisting the shifting forces that vehicles place on a paved surface over time.

Final Thoughts

Block paving offers a versatile, durable, and repairable surfacing option for both driveways and patios, with pattern choice meaningfully affecting both appearance and practical performance under vehicle loading. Proper sub-base preparation remains the most important factor in long-term durability, regardless of which block type or pattern you choose.

Choosing block paving? Select herringbone pattern for any area with regular vehicle use, and confirm your installer is using an adequate sub-base depth for your specific ground conditions before work begins.