Block Paving

The popularity of block paving has increased exponentially in the last 10-15 years. New trade opportunities coupled with bulk production techniques have enabled blocks to be purchased at a cheaper price, making this type of paving affordable to most projects. In fact, concrete block paving costs only £3-6 per m² more than plain flags/slabs, when laid to a domestic driveway.

Another big benefit of block paving is that it can be used anywhere. Usual locations for block paving include driveways, paths and patios (where the blocks can be mixed with other paving types or gravels to form unique patterns and features). Many new housing estates have used block paving as surfacing for estate roads, as it is far more aesthetically pleasing than traditional concrete or tarmac.

They are even being used in areas of exceptional loads, such as airport taxi-ways, docks and freight yards.

What We Will Do

If you decide you would like us to transform an area of your choice with block paving, we will manage the project from start to finish.

During an initial consultation we will discuss the various block types and patterns available, also get an idea of the areas of coverage required. Once this information has been acquired, we will submit the most cost-effective bid that satisfies all of your needs.

If our bid meets your satisfaction, we will carry out the purchasing of all raw materials, and execute all stages of the laying, from initial excavation to final sealing.

Information on the various blocks, patterns and maintenance methods can be found below.

Types of Block

There are two general type of block paving; concrete blocks and clay bricks.

Concrete blocks are moulded blocks, and their colour is achieved by the use of concrete dyes. Nearly all dyes will be subject to some form of fading in natural sunlight, with cheaper blocks generally fading more.

Clay bricks are kiln-fired, and their colour is completely natural. This natural colouring means that they are not subject to fading. Another advantage of clay bricks are that they are available in an almost limitless amount of colours.

Patterns

There are four common patterns used in block paving. The 45 and 90 Herringbone patterns are the most suitable for driveways, as the bond formed by the bricks gives the level of strength required to drive a car over the surface.

Basketweave and Stretcher Bond (in certain directions) patterns do not generally have the strength to be used on driveways, but are excellent patterns for patios etc.

Photographs of these patterns can be found below:

Maintenance

Block paved surfaces require a medium level of maintenance once laid. They should be sweeped occasionally to remove dust and detritus. A pressure washer can be used to remove any green algae build-up.

We recommend that that block or brick paving be treated twice a year with a general weedkiller such as Sodium Chloride, to deter mosses and weeds from setting up residence in the sand joints.