Block paving driveways, why they are so popular and how are brick paving block laid... 

One of the more popular options to lay on a drive is block paving. Driveways are bigger areas than patios and therefore paving blocks offer more detail. Block paving driveways is also popular because the foundation required can be automated. A driveway needs an extra solid foundation and this can be cheaply accomplished by using a digger to remove the existing surface.

Large areas are very easy to prepare for brick paving, and they don't need the same care when laid as paving slabs. This doesn't mean you can use any paving contractor. Choosing a paving expert to lay your block paving will ensure a long lasting surface with no puddles and a good finish around the edges. Most brick paving blocks are made from concrete but there are also clay and natural stone versions too.

How to lay a brick paving driveway

Block paving driveways require a depth dug out of around 10 inches. Crushed stone is then laid and compacted with a road roller. This makes a very solid base, on which a thin layer of grit sand in laid. The grit sand is compacted with a compressor plate and screeded to make a perfectly flat surface.

The paving blocks are then placed on top of the screeded sand and kiln dried sand is brushed into the joints. The compressor plate is then applied again to compact the blocks and help the sand fall into the joints. The key to avoiding dips on block paved driveways is to use a thin layer of sand and make sure that everything is very well compacted.

Once the job is complete you can apply a driveway sealer to protect the surface. This will help keep the sand in the joints and stop dirt sticking to the paving blocks. Brick paving driveways can be used immediately as there is no concrete to dry. However there may be some concrete around the edges or across the entrance which will need to be left alone until it has set. The edge blocks need to be supported by a concrete curb or a strong mix of concrete underground and to the side.

People assume that brick pavers cost much more than paving slabs because there are so many of them to buy and lay. However, block paving driveways are not as expensive as many people think. The foundation and laying is quite simple especially on large simple areas. The real time is in the edging blocks paving contractors can often lower the time spend on cuts by laying the block paving in a certain pattern.