Block Paving Deal

Choose blocks for the space and loading

Driveway blocks need to suit vehicle use; a garden path has a different role. Confirm the product, thickness and construction rather than assume every decorative unit is suitable for every area.

Consider the scale of the pattern, house brickwork and border colour. A restrained edge can define parking without creating an overly busy layout.

Set out pedestrian routes and gate openings alongside the car spaces. The pattern should support the practical layout.

Sub-base, laying course and edge restraint

Remove unsuitable material and establish a stable construction appropriate to the ground and intended use. The base, laying course and blocks form a system; visible paving alone does not establish its load capacity.

Secure edges help contain the paved area. Plan transitions to retained surfaces and the treatment of covers and drains before filling the field of blocks.

Avoid using the laying layer to disguise major errors in the base. Ask for a scope that describes the construction beneath the finish.

Do you need a membrane underneath?

A geotextile can have a separation or stabilisation role where the ground and specification require it. It is not a universal cure for weeds and is not automatically needed in the same position on every project.

Conventional and permeable paving have different layer and jointing requirements. Select the fabric and aggregates as part of the proposed system rather than simply adding a generic weed barrier.

Surface seeds can still germinate in accumulated debris. Routine sweeping remains useful after installation.

Drainage and permeable paving

Standard block paving is not automatically permeable. A permeable design needs suitable joints, underlying layers and an appropriate water route.

For conventional paving, consider falls and any drainage infrastructure as part of the layout. Show persistent puddles and the levels beside the house.

Check the front-garden paving requirements through Planning Portal when planning a driveway. Product names alone do not establish planning compliance.

Pricing a 30m² drive or a paved patio

A 30m² driveway quotation should include preparation, base, laying, edging, jointing, drainage, disposal and VAT treatment. A 25m² patio needs its own specification and loading assumptions.

For comparison only, £3,600 divided by 30m² is £120/m². This hypothetical complete quote is not our rate, and the cost of another site could differ.

Complex curves, multiple colours, steps, restricted access and retained covers can affect labour. Compare the same dimensions and details across quotations.

Maintenance and localised repairs

Remove debris and follow cleaning advice for the specified paving. Conventional sand-jointed paving may need joint sand replenishment after cleaning or use; permeable systems need their specified joint aggregate maintained.

Individual blocks can often be lifted, but recurring sinking needs the cause investigated. Replacing the surface over a failing base may leave the problem in place.

Our West Malling garden project shows genuine block paving beside fencing. It is labelled as a garden patio, not a Deal driveway.

Plan the adjoining garden features

Discuss driveways in Deal, patios in Deal, tarmac driveways in Deal. Agree levels, access and the order of work together where the project includes several improvements.

Check the official front-garden guidance

Planning Portal: paving your front garden explains the English planning requirements. Check the proposal and any property restrictions before work.

Questions about block paving in Deal