Block Paving Driveway Cost

How Much Does a Block Paving Driveway Cost?

This article is all about the costs of block paving, specifically block paved driveways and the typical prices you might expect to pay for a professional to lay block paving.

There is a huge range of options when it comes to block paving, with many different styles, types, colours and sizes available.

Why is block paving so popular?

The reason most consider having a block driveway installed is the fact that they are generally considered to be more attractive than most other driveways, and they're also long-lasting.

However, as driveway costs vary depending on the materials used, it's worth comparing different types of driveways before settling on block paving.

Block Paving Prices

There are three brick types for block paving: clay blocks, concrete blocks and natural stone.

Any complex patterns and extras such as edging, steps and drainage solutions that may be required can really bump up the overall cost considerably.

So, what can change the overall cost of block paving?

The size of your drive will be the dominant factor affecting how much your block paving costs.

In addition, the materials you choose, the contractors you select to carry out the work, and your location will also be major factors.

Cost of Block Paving Materials

Thinking of laying block paving DIY?

The average material cost of installing block paving is usually around £50 to £100 per sq metre.

Costs can increase depending on the size of your driveway and the material used, if your driveway has complex patterns and extras such as edging, steps or drainage.

If you want to DIY and lay the block paving yourself, then it's handy to know beforehand how much the materials are likely to cost. Depending on your budget, you can choose from three major types of brick:

• Clay
• Concrete
• Natural stone

Clay blocks cost £70 to £100 per m², concrete blocks are cheaper and cost between £20 to £60 per m². Natural stone is the more expensive option, from £50 to £105 per m².

The size of your drive will thus determine the overall cost.

On average, a small drive is 40m² and can fit 1 to 2 cars. A medium drive is around 70m² and can fit 3 to 4 cars. Large drives are around 100m² and should fit 3 to 4 cars.

Waste Removal Costs

If you have a driveway that needs removing first, before having a new one laid, you may need to consider how much waste removal will cost.

Hiring a skip is a great way to remove large quantities of waste from a renovation project. The cost of hire depends on which size skip you choose. For a driveway removal, you won’t need anything over ten yards.

If you’re not removing the old drive yourself, and you’re hiring a driveway specialist to remove it, you'll need to factor skip hire cost into your budget.

It’ll usually take 1 to 2 days of labour and costs around £150 to £200 per day.

Additional Block Paving Driveway Costs

Here are some additional costs you may incur for materials and waste removal when block paving:

There are also some other additions to consider as part of the overall block paving cost. It can make sense to have these jobs done at the same time as your block paving installation to avoid later disruption or damage:

• Carport Installation - Some areas of a block paving drive may need reinforcement to handle the additional weight of a carport. The typical carport installation cost is between £2,500 and £3,500, and combining this with the block driveway installation could save future expense in retrofitting.
• New Garage Door - To avoid damage to the block driveway once it's been laid, you might want to install a new garage door at the same time. The garage door replacement cost for a basic up-and-over door will start at around £450.
• Installing a New Gate - A new gate can help protect your driveway from damage. The average gate installation cost is about £500 to £2,000, with electric gates and sliding gates often costing more.

Bear in mind that additional work may need to be done in a specific order to avoid damage to your new driveway.

25 %

Materials
£875

70 %

Labour
£2,450

5 %

Waste removal
£175

Block Paving Driveway Labour Costs and Timeframes

So, how much does a driveway specialist charge in 2025?

They will usually charge around £150 to £200 per day, although tradesmen will often work in teams and labour costs will be factored into the overall price.

A typical driveway is expected to take around 4 to 5 days to complete, depending on the size of the driveway.

As a brief insight into the job, labourers will likely need to remove your existing driveway, prepare the foundations, put matting down to stop weeds and then lay the block paving.

Below are some estimated time frames for your paving specialist to remove your old driveway and install a new block paved driveway:

Cost of Block Paving Per M²

Every type of paving has its pros and cons. It depends on what you’re looking for, your budget and what you’re expecting from your driveway paving.

Concrete

Concrete is the most affordable block paving brick and costs between £20 to £60 per m².

It’s manufactured from crushed stone, sand and cement, and because of its straight edges, patterns are easier to achieve.

If you don’t use a protectant, the colour will fade over time, and oil can stain it. Make sure you clean any algae or lichen that grows on the blocks, so the drive doesn’t become damaged.

Clay

Clay blocks are pricier than concrete at around £70 to £100 per m², but they’ll keep their colour and not fade over time.

Once completed, it looks visually stunning and generally lasts for several decades. No matter what the weather, clay blocks have a natural anti-slip and are stain-resistant, so they require less maintenance.

Clay blocks are harder to cut and have limited block depth, so aren’t best used for patterns. They’re made from a natural, sustainable product and are eco-friendly.

Natural Stone

Natural stone is the most expensive brick for block paving and costs £50 to £105 per m².

They’re usually mined or quarried and are naturally sourced. You can choose from granite, limestone, slate and sandstone. All are long-lasting and don’t discolour with age. Most stone is frost-resistant and low-maintenance.

What Does Block Paving Entail?

When having a driveway installed, the first step would normally be to locate all services (gas and water pipes, electric cables and drainage) and ensure digging out the drive will not cause any issues.

Then the planning will be considered. If you are diverting rainwater from your property onto the street, then planning permission will be required.

Once planning is taken care of, the existing driveway can be dug out and waste material removed. Drainage can then be laid to soakaways.

Next, the membrane will be put down, followed by 150mm hardcore, compacted down with whacker, then 40mm of sharp sand.

The paving blocks can then be laid, and any steps required can be built to the front door. Kiln-dried sand is used to fill any gaps.

Any other related hard landscaping jobs should be done at the same time as the driveway to reduce overall costs, for example, laying any paths or edging, plus, of course, walls/fencing, which works well with a new driveway and finishes the job off nicely.

What Impacts Block Paving Driveway Costs?

There are many cost factors that you may want to consider, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

One of the main cost factors is the condition of the ground you’re placing the new driveway on.

If you need an old drive removed, or the foundation dug out of a garden, you can expect to pay for skip hire (between £65 and £170) and labour for 1 to 3 days (£150 to £200 per day).

If your driveway is being built over a garden, it may need a weed membrane underneath it, which costs an extra £40 per 100m².

When you’re working out a location for your drive, try to avoid any drains or manholes, as you’ll need an inspection, which can cost a fee.

If you’re doing it yourself, you’ll need to hire specialist equipment. For example, a jackhammer (or electric/petrol breaker) will cost about £50 per day. Most driveway specialists will have the use of their own tools.

Finally, if you live in London and the surrounding areas, expect to pay more than those who live in the North or West of the country due to the higher cost of living, impacting on labour costs.

Dropped Kerb Cost

It's best practice to install a dropped kerb if there isn't already one at the end of your driveway. However, you will need local authority permission to do this.

As well as protecting any public footpaths from damage, a dropped kerb will ensure a smoother ride for your car and protect that too.

The dropped kerb cost can range from £330 to £1,500. It's affected by factors including which local authority your home is in and how many kerbstones will need to be replaced.

How to Lay Block Paving

It’s always recommended that you use a qualified, experienced labourer to lay your new driveway.

While this will increase your overall block paving driveway cost, it ensures that the work is completed correctly the first time. Incorrectly laying block paving can cause drainage issues as well as looking unsightly, so it's better to leave it to the professionals.

However, if you want to lay your own block driveway, you'll likely need to hire equipment such as a cement mixer and purchase the materials individually in the right amounts for your project.

The process for installing a block driveway is roughly:

• 1. Planning - Design your driveway and write down specific dimensions. Check whether you need to apply for planning permission.
• 2. Order Materials - Remember to order more than you need according to your plan: 10% more is a common figure.
• 3. Dig the Area - After marking the area out with string and pegs, dig it out to a minimum depth of around 150mm, including a gradual slope for drainage if necessary (about 1cm in every 60cm).
• 4. Install Edge Restraints - Use these to frame the blocks and hold them all together.
• 5. Make the Foundations - This involves mixing one-part cement with six-parts ballast, then mixing the concrete layer and ensuring the edging is even using a spirit level.
• 6. Install the Hardcore - This supports the paving and will need to be flattened multiple times to ensure it's completely even. This will help support your driveway and stop any sinkage or sagging.
• 7. Add Sand for Filler - This will then need to be compacted afterwards to ensure it's doing its job.
• 8. Lay Your Bricks - Begin laying your chosen bricks from the bottom of the slope in a corner. If you’re not able to start here, begin from a border or straight edge. Lay the bricks individually, ensuring they’re level with the previous brick.
• 9. Fill the Joins - Spread kiln-dried sand onto the paving and brush it into the joins. Next, compact the paving and sand – redo this procedure till all the joins are filled.

Cost of Block Paving on an Existing Drive

You can lay block paving over an existing driveway, including concrete and tarmac.

Before you start, check that your current driveway is even, has no large cracks, holes or chips in it. If it’s in a bad state, it’ll be best to dig it up and start afresh.

If you do decide to pave over an existing drive, be aware that your new drive will sit 76mm to 80mm higher than your previous driveway. This could create problems in other areas (such as doors, etc.), especially if the driveway connects to your home.

Paving over a concrete driveway can cause issues with drainage. You’ll need to ensure that it’s sloped first, so there’s no flooding or puddling. Because concrete doesn’t allow any movement, your new paved driveway may undulate and crack.

Paving over your current driveway will save you skip hire costs (around £65 to £170) and labour costs for removing your drive (can be between £150 and £800). So, it will save you a chunk of money to pave over your existing driveway, but it may not last as long.

Will a New Block Paved Driveway Increase My House Value?

A block paved driveway amplifies the appearance of your home, and because of the variety of colours and materials you can choose from, it’s a tailored addition to your home.

It also creates safe, off-road parking, which is a substantial advantage to any property.

Adding a block paved driveway or updating an existing driveway to block paving is a cost-efficient way to add value to your home. It can increase your home value by 2% to 10%.

This depends on location, drive size and quality, and how well it matches your home and the surrounding area.

Preventing Block Paving Sinkage

The biggest problems with any driveways are caused by poorly prepared sub-bases. This is the area where cowboy builders cut corners and save money, just putting down a thin layer of hardcore covered with sand.

This will result in the paving surfaces sinking in high-use areas under the weight of your car, plus the blocks can move laterally, opening up gaps which will allow unsightly weed and moss growth as airborne seeds settle into the sand.

There are many thousands of people around the UK who thought they were getting a bargain driveway, which certainly looked good when the job was finished, and the cash was handed over, only to be left with an unsightly, uneven, overgrown mess just a few months later.

You will pay more for a reputable professional builder, but it will be worth it as the job will last.

SuDS and Permeable Paving

SuDS (which stands for sustainable drainage system) help to manage surface water near where it falls.

It helps to avoid water pollution and flooding in built-up areas. They work by keeping back any water that runs off from an area and letting a natural process break down pollutants.

Advantages of SuDS

• Decreases the danger of flooding by slowing surface water.
• Averts water pollution.
• Lessens the hazard of sewer flooding during heavy rain.
• Offers beneficial habitats for wildlife in built-up regions.
• Can contribute to local groundwater recharge.

SuDS Methods

• Permeable surfaces.
• Green roofs (roofs covered with vegetation).
• Infiltration trenches.
• Detention basins.
• Swales (shallow drainage ditches).

You can purchase SuDS compliant paving that directs water to a SuDS (sustainable drainage system).

This means water will drain naturally back into the ground, rather than flooding on impermeable material and polluting the water with it. You can expect to pay £30 to £60 per m² for permeable, SuDS compliant paving.

The Durability of Block Paving

Block paving is very durable, and many retailers have guarantees of 9 to 21 years, but if maintained properly, it can last up to 25 years.

Most block paving is resilient to oils, frost and chemicals and won’t stain your driveway.

There are differences between clay, concrete and natural stone bricks that can affect durability.

Clay and natural stone bricks won’t fade, but concrete brick will eventually fade in colour if they’re not treated. Oil can sometimes stain concrete paving if it’s not cleaned immediately.

Block Paving Driveway Repair Costs

Over time, or if the paving hasn’t been laid correctly, it may become uneven.

This problem can be easily repaired without any major labour needed. You’ll need to lift and relay the uneven area of bricks.

You can DIY or hire a labourer for around £150 to £200 per day. Depending on how big the area is that needs relaying, it’ll take around 1 to 2 days to complete.

To restore the paving, firstly, you need to decide which areas need to be lifted and re-laid.

For more accurate guidance, use a spirit level. Place the spirit level on the paving, and look beneath it (using its straight line) to establish which blocks are uneven, then mark out the area with chalk.

Next, you need to lift out the blocks within this area. To do this, you’ll need to remove the sand between the blocks to loosen them.

There’s a specialist paver lifting tool available to do this, but they’re pricey (around £50 to £100) and there are cheaper methods to do this.

You can use a stone saw to cut along the joints or a strong leaf blower to remove the sand. For any difficult bricks, you may have to use a club hammer and chisel to break them apart.

After you’ve removed all the bricks, before starting the re-lay, you’ll need to clean them individually.

Use a small, firm brush and remove any excess sand. This will help with the re-lay process, as it’ll keep them tight together and ensure they fit back in place.

Now you’ll need to check the sub-base and sand layers. Make sure there’s a hardcore layer of at least 50mm. If there isn’t, you may have to lift the entire driveway and start again.

If your hardcore level is fine, just add sharp sand into the area to raise the bricks to the correct level.

Once you’re happy that the sand is even, you can start re-laying the bricks. Use a small rubber mallet to tap the paving back into place. Then, you’ll need to go over the newly re-laid area with a compactor at least three times.

Lastly, you need to reapply kiln-dried sand to the joints with a broom. Sweep any excess sand away, then use the compactor again over the area.

Block Paving Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular cleaning and maintenance will help your block paving last longer, keep its colour (only concrete fades), and stop staining.

An annual clean in the spring months is recommended. Here’s what to do:

• Use a strong detergent, a broom and warm water to wash and scrub the paving. This will get rid of any grime that’s appeared.
• A power washer can be used on medium pressure at a 30° angle.
• Use a weed preventer in the paving joints to stop weeds from sprouting.
• Ensure to rinse any cleaning products thoroughly.

If you have a specific stain you need removing, it depends on what type of stain it is, regarding what method you use:

Oil and Grease Stains

• Try to remove oil and grease stains as quickly as possible, as they can become a pain to get rid of.
• Use an absorptive material like a cloth or paper towels.
• Don’t rub, rather try to soak the stain up. Rubbing can cause the stain to spread and get deeper into the paving.
• If the stain still remains, use a strong detergent and scrub away with warm water.
• You can also try an emulsifying degreaser.

Mortar and Cement Stains

• You can purchase mortar remover for any light stains that have dried on your paving.
• You can also scrape it off gently with warm, soapy water.

Lichen, Algae and Moss Stains

• Scrub off any dense plants and throw them away.
• Use a weed or moss killer; make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• May have to repeat these steps several times for it to work completely.

Paint Stains

• Freshly spilt paint should be cleaned up by using an absorptive cloth, don’t wipe up as this could spread the stain.
• Wash with warm water and detergent.
• Dried paint should be scraped off, followed by a paint remover.

Rust Stains

• First, find what the source of the stain is and treat it.
• Wet the stained area.
• Use a diluted hydrochloric acid solution on the stain, while following all safety instructions.
• If you have concrete paving, follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely, as hydrochloric acid can eat away at it.

Tyre Marks and Scuffs

• Tyre marks will disappear over time, but if they’re persistent, scrub down with hot water and a strong detergent.
• A power washer will also remove tyre marks and scuffs easily.

For maintenance, re-sand or re-point any joints when needed. Yhis may need to be done soon after the paving is laid, as the sand will be porous.

It’s recommended that you seal your pavement with a sealer to prevent weeds from growing through the joints, harden the sand, protect from harsh weather and stains.

If you use an acrylic sealer, you’ll need to reseal your paving every 2 to 3 years, if you use a water-based sealer, it’ll need resealing every 3 to 5 years.

The average driveway cleaning and sealing cost is around £300.

Alternatives to Block Paving Driveway

If you’ve decided against block paving, here are a few alternatives for your driveway:

Resin Driveway Costs

Resin driveways have become popular in both commercial and domestic settings because they looks great and last a long time.

There are two types of resin: resin bound and resin bonded. Resin bound is permeable, and bonded is impermeable. There’s a variety of colours available that’ll match every home.

The cost of resin drive installation is around £35 to £60 per m².

Concrete Driveway Costs

Concrete driveways are very low maintenance, extremely hard-wearing and relatively cheap. Typical concrete driveway costs are around £1,800.

Concrete can be stained in an assortment of colours, giving you a better choice. The only downside of concrete driveways is that they stain easily and are prone to cracking.

Gravel Driveway Costs

Gravel driveways have grown in popularity because they're cheap, simple and look good.

They’re the fastest and most straightforward driveways to install and can be used immediately after fitting. There are a variety of stone types and colours to select from, and it is a very versatile material.

An average gravel driveway installation cost will be between £20 to £50 per m². However, this surface can be high-maintenance to keep tidy.

Tarmac Driveway Costs

Asphalt drives are frequently recognised as tarmac driveways and are very popular.

The typical tarmac driveway cost per m² is around £40 to £65 and lasts at least 20 years, so the surface is very hardwearing. It won’t crack in harsh weather and has a sleek and professional finish.

Cost of Removing Block Paving

You may want to remove your driveway entirely if it’s outdated and you want a new one laid, or if it’s been laid incorrectly and needs relaying.

To dig up the complete driveway will take between 1 and 2 days, and a labourer will charge £150 to £200 per day.

If you need to hire a skip to get rid of waste, you can expect to pay the prices below:

Choosing the Right Driveway Specialist

It’s very important to use a good paving expert to lay your block paving correctly. If it’s not done properly, it can sink and become uneven, and you can end up wasting money by having to get it re-laid.

In order to find the right paving expert, here are a few tips:

• Check for experience as well as qualifications and certification.
• Enquire how they’re going to complete the task.
• If you don’t feel comfortable with them, don’t hire them.
• Ensure you get quotes to cover all costs, then agree on a payment plan.
• Ask if they’re aware and up-to-date with any planning permissions (if required).
• Make sure they offer follow-ups after the paving is complete.

Using these suggestions will help you find the right paving expert, and you’ll now know what to look for when meeting various labourers.

FAQs

Is planning permission required for block paving?

Planning permission usually isn’t needed if you use permeable material or a SuDS (sustainable drainage system), but check local authority rules to ensure you understand local regulations.

Should a membrane be laid for my new drive?

It’s recommended that a membrane be placed on the ground/soil, underneath the sub-base (hardcore) layer. This is to ensure the sub-base layer stays compact and doesn’t sink into the ground.

How do you split paving blocks in half?

If you don’t need to cut many paving blocks, a cheap and easy way to split blocks is with a hammer and chisel. If you need to cut a lot of blocks, hiring an angle grinder, a circle saw, or a masonry wet saw would be best.

How much do block paving bricks cost?

The cost of block paving depends on the brick types you choose. The cheap clock paving option is concrete, which costs £20 to £60 per m². Clay is more expensive, costing between £70 and £100 per m². The most expensive option is natural stone, where you can expect to pay £50 to £105 per m².

Why has my block paving sunk?

The main reason why block paving has sunk is that it wasn’t laid correctly in the first place. It could be because not enough soft earth was extracted (or dug out), hardcore (sub-base) wasn’t used or not applied properly, or a membrane wasn’t used between the hardcore and the ground/soil.

What’s the cheapest driveway to install?

A cheap driveway choice is gravel. You can expect to pay between £0 and £50 per m² to install. It’s also the quickest and easiest to fit.

Will block paving fade?

Concrete block paving will fade over time. Getting it sealed regularly can slow the process, especially if it’s a sealant that protects from UV rays. Clay and natural stone won’t fade.

Sources

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/paving-your-front-garden/planning-permission
https://www.vandersanden.com/en-uk/our-environmentally-friendly-and-energy-conscious-production
https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/can-lay-paver-stones-across-old-patio-18045970.php