Block Paving Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Offering a perfect balance of practicality and aesthetic appeal, block paving is one of the most popular driveway surfaces around. It can also be used for paths and patios to provide long-lasting durability even with heavy foot traffic. But why choose it over other paving materials? What styles are available? And is block paving easy to maintain? Whether you want to create a stylish new walkway or upgrade your drive, this guide will answer all your burning questions.
What is block paving?
Usually made from concrete, block paving is primarily used to create hard-standing areas outside domestic homes and in gardens. This includes driveways, which larger paving slabs aren’t suitable for due to potential cracking under the weight of vehicles. Additionally, the most robust blocks blended with ground stone can be found in commercial settings like car parks.
As the name suggests, block paving features multiple rectangular or square blocks pieced together in various patterns. The process involves excavating the area to the desired depth, laying a subbase of compacted aggregate, and then positioning the blocks with small gaps between them. Fine sand is then brushed into the joints to help prevent movement, whilst still enabling good drainage. This reduces the risk of pooling water and water run-off when it rains.
And you can also get permeable block paving which is even more efficient for removing excess water. More on this later…
What are the benefits of block paving?
Durable
Despite their small surface area, concrete block paving bricks are very dense and durable. The minimum depth for driveway blocks is 40mm, but ours exceed this with 50-60mm depths for added reassurance. When interlocked together, they can withstand heavy loads and high footfall. This makes them ideal for areas that see a lot of use and those where vehicles are parked. In fact, when laid and cared for correctly, driveway blocks can last 25 years. So whilst they do involve a bigger upfront investment than other options, we think they are well worth it!
Versatile
With a range of sizes and patterns to choose from, block paving is a highly customisable option for your outdoor space. Each paving pack we supply can be laid out in many different patterns. From simple offset stretcher bond designs to eye-catching zig-zag herringbone finishes, it’s completely up to you. You can even use your block pavers to create circular garden features and curved pathways – the possibilities really are endless!
Visually appealing
There’s no denying the attractiveness of block paving compared to plain old asphalt. And it’s also much neater than gravel alternatives too. At AWBS, you’ll find contemporary and more rustic styles in a whole spectrum of shades to suit your home’s outdoor space. Think warm reds, classic buffs, cool blues and greys and even rich charcoal hues for added drama. Either way, you’re bound to enhance your property’s kerb appeal – and maybe even boost its value.
Practical
In the unlikely event that a block is damaged or stained, don’t panic! The good news is, you won’t need to completely re-do your entire driveway. Each individual block can simply be lifted out and replaced where needed – no cement needed. Furthermore, concrete driveway blocks offer good slip-resistance in wet or icy conditions thanks to their lightly textured surface. And on top of that, they are suited to sloped driveways where gravel is harder to keep in place.
Low maintenance
Once in place, your block pavers should need only a small amount of maintenance. Regular brushing and an occasional surface cleanse and re-seal should keep them in great condition. Plus reduce the risk of fading, weathering, scratches and more. Just watch out for any weeds creeping up through the joints! Read our dedicated block paving care guide to learn more.
Block paving brick styles: which should I choose?
As mentioned, buying block paving for your drive or patio can greatly enhance its aesthetic appeal. But how do you pick when there are so many choices? We’ve got you covered…
For newer homes, uniform brick shapes with straight sawn edges provide a more modern finish. For example, the Brett Beta Trio Pack which boasts clean lines and reduced gaps between pavers to minimise dirt collection. Meanwhile, tumbled blocks and cobbles with more variation in shape and colour tend to suit more established properties. Our characterful Brett Aura Block Paving would be ideal in this case, featuring a riven surface for added charm. Likewise, Bradstone’s Monksbridge blocks offer an authentic weather-worn finish in 3 shades.
You’ll also need to consider whether you’d prefer a single sized block grid design for more consistency and symmetry. Or whether you’d like to create a more random design for added interest with mixed sized paving blocks. Then to complete your paving and lock everything in place, you’ll need to install kerb stones. We have many styles and colours to browse, whether you’d like to them match or contrast with the surface. And each type offers a polished finish.
On that note, another element to factor in is the colour. Cooler tones like greys and blues are perfect for contemporary new-builds and white-washed homes. The minimalistic Brett Lugano Trio, for instance, comes in two grey hues with qualities of natural granite. Or, if you’re looking to complement a red-brick home, warmer shades are likely your best option. We’d suggest taking a look at the Brett Alpha Trio’s brindle and autumn gold colourways for inspiration. And last but not least, paler buffs and subtle greens pair beautifully with traditional stone houses.
What is permeable block paving and do I need it?
Although the small gaps between blocks generally provide good drainage, sometimes a greater degree of drainage is needed. Under SuDS planning regulations, if you’re laying paving over 5m2 in size at the front of your property, it must be permeable. If water can’t run off sufficiently and the excess must pass into public drains, you will need planning permission.
Permeable block paving negates the need for this thanks to spacing nibs incorporated into the design. Brett’s Omega Flow Permeable Block Paving is a great example of this. It features discreet gaps at the corners to allow more room for water to drain away into the subbase. All without significantly impacting the finished look. This makes the blocks ideal for reducing standing water around commercial premises and on larger domestic driveways too.
Explore our block paving collection online or in store
Keen to find out more about our block paving products? The full collection can be viewed online with samples available in store, including the new Brett Invicta Trio Paving Pack.
Designed to cover 9.53m2, this innovative block paving is specially formulated with a high-performance AggTech surface layer. This not only adds durability and weather resistance, but it’s also very attractive thanks to flecks of granite aggregates. Choose from four colours to suit your taste or mix and match the harmonising shades to create a more unique patio or drive.
Whichever block paving bricks you opt for, we sell them all in handy pre-designed packs to cover a set size. This removes any guesswork to ensure you have exactly what you need to pave your available space. We can also arrange free local delivery to addresses based within 25 miles of our Oxford, Swindon and Yarnton stores. Check your eligibility online now.