Block paving gives your home a classy appearance by making your driveway more sophisticated and well-structured. This makes it an excellent choice to consider when planning to renovate your place.
Fortunately, it is usually inexpensive while providing a strong investment return. Moreover, the blocks are available in various colours, shapes, and styles to fit practically any look.
The cost of brick pavers in the United Kingdom starts from £2700 and averages at about £6000. It is significantly affected by the driveway size and design. A complex design will also increase the total cost of your project. An easy style may take about three days to complete, costing about £4,500-£5,000, while more difficult ones may take about 4-5 days to complete and will cost about £6000; for a small to average size driveway.
The current condition of your driveway also affects the project cost. There is a lot of groundwork to be done on the driveway before starting with brick paving. Needless to say, the more the labour work, the higher the labour costs.
Despite that, concrete driveway pavers are more valuable than their counterparts. Firstly, it gives your property a great look and also improves its value for sale. Secondly, it is easy to replace a split block. Finally, pavers are solid and will last about 20 years or more if taken care of.
We have put together a detailed guide to further help you understand block paving costs and where you can get the best service.
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A Breakdown of the National Average Cost of Block Paving
| Area | Driveway Material | Duration | Cost |
| About 40 per square foot
About 70 per square foot
About 100 per square foot |
Concrete
Stone Clay
Concrete Stone Clay
Concrete Stone Clay |
3-5 days
5-7 days 5-8 days |
£100 to £2500
£2000 to £3500 £2500 to 4000 £1700 to £5000 £4000 to £ 8000 £ 4500 to £7000
£35000 £7000 £6000 to £12000 £6500 to £11000 |
The cost in the above table is not fixed as it depends upon the nature of the job and the service provider.
Factors to Consider for Brick Paver Driveway Cost
If you are planning to install a brick paver driveway for the first time, there are some factors you need to consider. These include block types, the size of the project, the per square foot cost, and the intricacy of the design. Each aspect can potentially increase or decrease the general cost of the driveway installation. Therefore, proper planning is crucial before starting the project.
Block Types
The material, colour, and texture of the blocks you chose for your brick paver driveway affect the overall cost of the project. Generally, there are three brick types – concrete, composite, and clay, each with its own price. Their prices further vary based on availability and colour selection. Standard colours like grey, black, and red are usually less expensive than bespoke colours like blue, green, and yellow.
Hence, be sure of what you are looking for and collect quotations accordingly. We suggest consulting professionals for the best results within your budget.
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Square Metre Cost
When quoting the cost for installing pavers, contractors consider the area to be covered instead of the number of blocks needed. That’s because they need to account for broken bricks or the damages that may occur to them during installation. As a result, they always order 10-17% extra bricks.
While determining how much material you need, remember that the higher the quantity you order, the more discount you will get. In the construction industry, this is a standard procedure. Note that most professional contractors hand over the remaining blocks to the clients. However, that is not always the case, so make sure to check with your contractor.
Scale
Scale refers to the width and length of the paver driveways. This largely determines the total cost as the more the area, the more material and labour costs. Since it is determined at the design stage, you can easily decide your way forward.
Complexity
The difficulty of a driveway pattern varies according to the design and material you choose. The more complicated a driveway design, the more time, expertise, and cost it will require.
Simple chequered styles, for instance, are easier to create than herringbone or diagonal patterns. Furthermore, spiral designs will require more effort and expertise than linear designs.
Landscaping
Deciding to landscape the surrounding region with flowerbeds and grass can significantly prolong the installation process and raise labour costs. If the border of the driveway is near a wall, there will be a need for drainage.
Extra Resources
You need to be prepared for some extra expenses throughout the project. These expenses may include inspection fees, excavation costs, equipment costs, material costs, installation costs, and specialty equipment. Lastly, there may be a need to hire a skip if there is old paving you need to remove, or perhaps the ground needs leveling. In most cases, a new patio or driveway does not need the approval of building regulations.
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Blocks and Bricks for Paving
Brick pavers are available in various materials to fit the customer’s preferences. They are suitable for various applications and available in various colours, shapes, sizes, and textures. Numerous driveway designers prefer variety in their designs. However, it’s recommended to choose blocks with the same colour and size when working on a sizable, uninterrupted area.
This is called monoblock paving. It can look adorable on a wide driveway. Additionally, it is simple to determine how many blocks are required to cover the space if all bricks are the same size.
Clay
Clay is highly valued in the United Kingdom since it does not fade. They are also incredibly robust, long-lasting, and require very little care. Since they are inherently non-slip, they are significantly safer.
However, because they are so complicated to cut and mould to suit non-standard spaces, it is not appropriate for regular simple DIY enthusiasts. Additionally, clay doesn’t come in the custom sizes and shapes that concrete does, and fewer types will likely be available.
Be advised to use the same material when fixing or changing patches in your driveways. You can use concrete in place of clay pavers with exact colours. But over time, the concrete would lose its colour, whereas the clay retains its original colour. The driveway will then have a unique appearance with two-toned blocks.
You should also anticipate paying more because clay bricks are much better than concrete. The regular pricing can range between £20 and £35 per square foot.
Concrete Pavers
Blocks made of concrete are the most affordable and widely used of wide varieties. Concrete pavers also come in various sizes, colours, and shapes. However, a beginner may construct concrete pavers with ease. They also provide excellent slip resistance in wet and icy conditions. Additionally, they are often effortless to clean if they get discoloured by chemicals or oil.
But as they become older, the colour will degrade, and they’ll become worn out. They are not quite as strong as clay or stone, either. In addition, they can crumble if the edges and corners are not fastened in any way. Edging stones can work well for the fastening.
It can be challenging to determine the number of bricks per square metre required because numerous distinctive block sizes can be used in your driveway. Additionally, the cost of these blocks will range from £10 to £100/sqm, depending on their pattern, colour, and size.
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Reconstituted stone
Even though, at first glance, you can mistake the dust of reconstituted stone for concrete, gravel and sand from various types of stone are used in concrete and don’t even appear as stone. On the other hand, the reconstituted stones uses gravel and sand from a particular rock.
The stone has a well-grained structure and without any air spaces. Reconstituted stone thus makes an effort to resemble natural rock while also having the benefit of being simple to cut and mould. Because every block originates from a specifically designed mould, one can refer to them as a cast stone.
This cast stone has mineral shreds of various colours, just like natural stone. As a result, each block will also have a distinct overall colour, unlike painted concrete slabs. The overall impression will become one of complementary and random colour once they are laid. Unlike natural stones, you can purchase materials moulded into capstones, cornerstones, edging, and numerous other unique shapes. Reconstituted stone typically costs £50 per square foot or less.
Natural Paving Stones
Unlike concrete, natural paving stones aren’t formed into various shapes. Therefore, an experienced and competent contractor must mould the blocks into the desired forms. If you are installing a driveway yourself, don’t use this material because it’s hard to set up and lay. Additionally, avoid companies that provide speedy and inexpensive services. Use a professional with stone masonry skills if you want a sophisticated driveway made of this material.
Here are some pros of natural paving stones:
- Durability: Natural paving stones don’t wear out or fade with time; they look beautiful as they age. It can be cut, carved, and sculpted to any size without losing its effect or look.
- Natural Colour: No painted object can replicate the colour and liveliness of genuine stone.
- Unique: Because natural stone cannot be made using a mould, each piece has distinct individual qualities.
- Simple to Maintain: Pressure washing natural paving stones won’t harm them, but doing the same to manufactured stone would.
There is no way one can talk about pros without talking about cons. Here are the cons of natural stones.
- Natural stone has the drawback of absorbing water much more quickly than brick or concrete. In winter, moisture inside the stones may freeze, causing cracks in the pavers. This causes a visible fracture on the stone’s surface, making the patio look less appealing overall.
- After a while, moss can easily grow on stone pavers, making it slick.
- Making patterns and visuals is difficult.
- It is tough to create a tasteful finish if you are not a professional.
- Place smaller stones amid the bigger ones for further traction to avoid slippery surfaces.
- These stone pavers can be expensive, and their price can vary based on the type you choose. Generally speaking, the price starts at around £30 per square foot.
Brick Pavers Designs & Patterns
Depending on the colour and type of the pavers, you can pick from various designs and patterns for your pavement or driveway. The simplest patterns produce geometrical or randomised patterns using the paver block size and shape. Additionally, you’ll discover that certain designs are suitable for the driveway but not for patios. Conversely, too.
- The “herringbone” is undoubtedly the most regular and easy pattern. It requires arranging the blocks in a “V” or “zig-zag” pattern. You can make the entire area one colour. Alternately, use contrasting and alternate colours to draw attention to the pattern.
- A stretcher is another prevalent pattern. To install this, place the blocks with the joints on the longer edge lined up and keep the joints on the shorter edge spaced apart. Picture the typical way bricklayers construct a wall to get a good picture of this.
- Although less popular than the others, the “Basketweave” can be highly powerful if executed correctly. Set two blocks side by side and in the exact direction. Then put another two blocks parallel to them. The next pair is again positioned similarly to the former pair. Continue repeatedly. When the design is complete, it resembles an easy basket weaving.
Driveway Building Regulation And Planning Permission
In most cases, a new patio or driveway does not need the approval of building regulations. In addition to the above, it is essential to note the following:
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Pavers
The durability, size, breaking load, composition and water absorption of the pavers must follow British Standards. As a result, clay pavers shall follow BS EN 1344:2013, and concrete pavers shall follow BS EN 1338:2003.
Planning Permission
Surface rainwater drainage increases when pavers are used to construct an impervious driveway. To tackle this, the government of the UK urges users to change impervious surfaces with previous ones. This is accomplished chiefly through the use of the Planning permission. Therefore, you will not need planning permission if you have a permeable paver driveway surface that flows into a soakaway or yard.
Building Regulation
There is no need for a building regulation to build your driveway. You must, however, ensure that any changes you make don’t go into residences any less convenient than before. For instance, hanging levels to establish steps where there were none before will violate the standards.
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FAQs Regarding Building Pavers
Where can I get the best Driveway Paving Service?
The best place to get professional paving service is at Bark. They are based in the UK, with over five million satisfied customers in over seven countries worldwide. Thus, they are the best service marketplace where you can find professional pavers.
In September 2020, Bark was ranked 6th in the 100 awards organised by Tech Track.
You can find professional brick pavers in these simple steps:
- Say what you need: Use the search box on the Bark website to describe the requirements you want and hit the search button. A list of the best service providers within your area will pop up. You can also type in your postal code or town to enhance your search.
- Get free quotes: Bark will provide you with free quotations from professionals. You will also get a notification through their mobile app or website.
- Pick your professional: at this point, you have the list of the best contractors within your area. You can review their profiles, get their contacts, and the work will be done.
What Questions Should I Ask the Paver Before Employing them?
Before hiring a professional, it is crucial to research them. Always check their identities to avoid strange callers knocking at your door because there is no way to track them should they perform a terrible job. Hiring a professional for your new block paved driveway is preferable because professional block pavers installers are in demand.
- Contract: Ensure that you obtain an accurate written estimate or contract on business letterhead from the contractor and that it has a real, traceable address as opposed to a Post office box or an office room at a posh-sounding location.
- Past paving project– Try to pick a native driveway installer with a solid track record and established business in your area. They should be able to identify locations where they have completed block-pave driveways throughout their years in business. Viewing your contractor’s completed and tested past work is a fantastic idea.
- Deposits: Never make advance or upfront payments for deposits. The likelihood that the driveway contractor you want to choose is not a reliable enterprise increases if they cannot begin the foundation work on your patio or driveway before making advance payment.
- Experience: When specialists come to your home for a quote, ask them specific questions about their experience, how long it will take to install the driveway, and what the driveway construction process entails. There is a need for special tools and knowledge to install driveways adequately.
- Trade associations: Find out if the firm is a member of a trade group, as these groups do background checks on businesses and frequently visit pavement contractors to inspect working conditions.
- Guarantee: Know if your driveway comes with a guarantee by asking about it. You should avoid any company that offers paving service or landscape contractor who will only provide you with a spoken promise.
- Public Liability Insurance: Verify that the paving company has public liability insurance by asking about it. Any reputable landscaping, paving, or driveway company will have public liability insurance, even though the law does not demand it. If they are members of a trade association, this is typically a membership requirement. If the company belongs to a trade organisation, this is generally a requirement of registration.
- Estimates: Acquire about two or three estimates from a company with experience. You need information on the design of the driveway; the block paves type and its manufacturer, and permeable paver driveway cost.
What is the Average Lifespan of my new Driveway made of Block Pavers?
A paving driveway will typically last 10 to 20 years if placed appropriately, cleaned properly, and maintained properly. The frequency of use, the weather, and the kinds of cars moving will all affect this.
Meanwhile, even the most heavily used driveways will survive for around 15 years with good paving construction and maintenance.
Should the Paving Driveway be Pressure Washed?
You can pressure wash your paving blocks. There are certain restrictions, though. You risk washing away the sand in between the blocks if you wash it too frequently or vigorously. Additionally, washing the pavers could remove the cement from the concrete if the pavers are made of concrete; thus, the aggregate remains.
What may Cause Sinking in my Paving Blocks?
The majority of paving sank due to poor support from the sub-base. For many decades, contractors usually fill driveway gaps with leftover construction materials. Most paving contractors prepare the sub-base with leftovers before covering it with sand. One significant issue discovered is that big gaps develop, which eventually fill with sand and cause the block paving on top to sink.
What is the Best Type of Block Paving?
Your search criteria determine this. Concrete driveway pavers are the best option on a tight budget because they come in a broad selection of colours and styles. However, some designs can be very expensive. Additionally, the concrete driveway pavers with dyed colour will wear if you are not careful. Use clay if you want a cost-effective job that won’t fade, will look beautiful and will last long. Finally, you should use stone if money is not a barrier and if you want an extraordinary appearance.
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How much does the Paver Driveway Cost?
Paver driveway costs about 15 to 40 per square foot, and a standard 15 by 30 ft area will cost about 6000 to 30,000 on average. This depends on the location and material.
How do I Remove Weed From my Block Paver?
Nothing eliminates weeds like hard labour, and removing the weed from the root will help you permanently eliminate it. Although it may seem tiresome, doing it this way will produce effects that endure longer.
You can also use white vinegar to kill weeds in your block paver, and it is cheap, available, and effective. You can kill younger weeds using this solution or a higher quantity for tougher weeds, available in any supermarket or garden shop, and it kills weeds immediately on contact.
Get Prices for Block Paving
Your home’s value will rise if you pave your garden pathway and driveway with block paving. Therefore, hiring an expert to complete the task rather than attempting a DIY will be far better and save you extra damage. If you need the service of a professional block paver, visit Baker to get three or four quotations from local experts.
Below is a highlight of various paver driveway costs and their materials:
- Brick paver driveway cost- a brick driveway costs about £3000 to £7000
- Grass pavers – grass pavers cost about £6000 to £12000
- Concrete driveways- a concrete driveway cost about £5000 to £10000
- Cobblestone driveway cost- £12000 to £30000
- Plastic pavers – £3 to £7 per square foot
- Asphalt driveways – £5000 to £9000
- Standard pavers – £5 to £10 per square foot
- Material costs:
- Concrete bond beam- £0.2
- Seal pavers – £0.8
- Wet masonry saw
These and more are the materials you will need to install a paver driveway.
Conclusion: Costs For Block Paving
Block paving gives a beautiful appearance, increases the ground’s toughness, and usually increases the value of your home. Consider installing it in your driveway, garden pathway, or both. A good estimated cost per square foot will help you know your budget. Also, always go for good paver materials for permeable pavers.
After the installation, remember to always care for and run regular maintenance by weeding, cleaning, and sealing broken parts annually. Since you know about block paving in 2022, why not use Bark for this service.
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