Block paving is a fantastic material to use for your driveway. Strong, durable and versatile, block paving can create a great-looking driveway that will last for years. An average 50m² block paved driveway costs £5,140 – but many factors can affect the cost. Let’s go through them in this guide.

How much does a block paving driveway cost per m2?

How much a block paving driveway costs per m² depends on the material your blocks are made from. The most common materials used for paving blocks are concrete, clay and natural stone, but composite blocks are becoming more popular.

These prices are averages and just include the material costs. You will have to pay for labour on top, which is usually an average of £400 per day if you use a driveway specialist as opposed to a general builder, who may charge as little as £200 per day. However, they may not have the expertise to lay block paving, so you’re more likely to run into problems further down the line.

Small driveway = 20m² (may fit 2 cars)

Average driveway = 50m² (fits at least 2 cars)

What affects the cost of a block paved driveway?

How much your block paved driveway costs will vary depending on a number of factors, so it’s always important to get a range of quotes to get an accurate price. The main things that affect the cost of a block paved driveway include the size of your driveway, the block material, the design and your location:

Driveway size

As you’d expect, the bigger your driveway is, the more it will cost to install. You’ll need more blocks and it’ll take longer for the driveway specialist to lay them.

You may find that you pay slightly less per m² for materials if you have a larger driveway. This is often because tradespeople can get discounts for larger quantities when they buy your blocks at a builders’ merchant.

Block material and colour

As we’ve already shown, the material your driveway blocks are made from affects the cost. Different materials have different manufacturing processes, which affects the price. For example, concrete is relatively cheap to get old of and make blocks from, so they tend to be a budget-friendly option. In contrast, composite blocks are still relatively new to the market and are made up of different materials, making the manufacturing process more involved and therefore more costly.

Plus, the colour of your blocks can affect the overall price of your driveway. Standard colours such as red or grey will be the cheapest, while other custom colours will cost more.

Design

The design you choose for your block paved driveway will affect the cost. A simple checked pattern will cost less than a herringbone or spiral pattern as it will be quicker to lay.

If you’re trying to keep costs down, consider whether the additional cost of a more intricate pattern is worth it.

Your location

Perhaps one of the biggest factors that will affect the cost of your block paved driveway is where you live, and unfortunately, you can’t do much about this one!

The cost of living varies across the UK, so driveway companies in high-cost-of-living areas such as London and the south east will charge more than those in the north of England or Scotland. If you live in a very rural area, you may find that your driveway costs more as your installers will have to travel further to get to you, and materials cost more to transport to builders’ yards.

Advantages and disadvantages of block paving driveways

Like any project or building material, there are advantages and disadvantages. Consider all the pros and cons to help you make your decision about whether a block paved driveway is right for you:

Advantages

• Durable: When laid correctly, block paved driveways tend to last a long time. They are highly weather resistant and shouldn’t be damaged by chemicals or salt.

• Versatile: If you’re looking for a unique driveway, block paving is the way to go. You can choose from a range of block colours and designs to get the look you want.

• Environmentally-friendly: Block paving is a porous material, meaning that water will drain through it back into the water table rather than pooling on your driveway. When lots of people have non-porous driveways in one area, it can contribute to localised flooding, so having block paving is a more environmentally-conscious choice.

Disadvantages

• Susceptible to weed growth: The nature of a block paved driveway’s installation means that it has joints, so weeds can settle in between these joints. The only way to prevent this is to have it sealed, which can then reduce its porous qualities. Expect to do some weeding if you choose a block paved driveway.

• Stains easily: Blocks can stain if your car leaks oil or other fluids onto it. However, sealing can also prevent staining.

• Blocks can sink: If your block paving wasn’t laid correctly, or simply due to the driveway’s age, you may find that blocks sink. The only way to rectify this is to relay some or all of the driveway, which is costly.

How long before you can drive on a new block paved driveway?

Most driveway companies will tell you to wait at least 24 hours before you drive on your new block paved driveway. This allows the blocks and the materials underneath to settle, and will prevent blocks from sinking or becoming damaged.

If you’re unsure, ask your tradesperson before you park on your new driveway.

How often should block paving be sealed?

If you choose to have your block paving driveway sealed, it’s a good idea to have it done every 2 years. You can do it yourself, but it’s important to use a high-quality sealant that’s suitable for your block paving. You should also test a small, unnoticeable area first to check that you are happy with the look the sealant gives.

Never seal a brand new block paved driveway. Wait at least 6 months to allow the jointing sand to settle and for you to identify any problems, as once you’ve sealed your driveway it can’t be reversed.

Do I need a membrane under block paving?

There are lots of arguments over whether you need a membrane under block paving! Many driveway specialists say that you don’t need a membrane as a properly laid sub-base should be level and sturdy enough, and should prevent weeds (although it will never prevent weeds from blowing into the joints and seeding there).

However, other driveway companies swear by using a membrane. If you’re concerned, ask your driveway specialist how they will lay your driveway and get a wide range of quotes and opinions to help you feel more confident in your choice.

Does a block paved driveway need drainage?

All driveways in England must be SuDS (sustainable drainage systems) compliant. That means that your block paved driveway needs some form of drainage to prevent water from pooling on it.

Your driveway specialist should speak to you about the most appropriate drainage for your driveway. If you have a lawn next to it, this may be enough coupled with a small decline in your driveway to allow water to run off. If you don’t have a natural drainage system, they can install channel drains or create a natural drainage system for you to ensure you comply with regulations.

Ready to get quotes for a new block paving driveway? Get a quote with HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with driveway companies in your area.

Estimates for common driveway specialist jobs;

Rates for other trades