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Block Paving Driveways Sunderland

There are many different ways of enhancing your Sunderland home and improving its kerb appeal. You could change your front door or add new door furniture. You could landscape your front garden - if you have one. You could have the brick, stone, or tiles professionally cleaned. You could retile your roof or replace the facias and soffits. You might even want to paint the front of your home or apply a coat of render.

All of these are valid ways to freshen up your home and make it look appealing, whether you plan to sell up or just want to give it a makeover. Either way, all of these methods will add value to some extent, as well as making your home look great.

Looking for block paving driveways near me in Sunderland?

Another method that is often overlooked is to have a new driveway installed. Millions of homeowners across the UK have discovered this in recent years, and this trend is certain to continue.

In some cases, particularly in urban areas where space is limited, people choose to replace their front gardens with a new driveway. It's a practical solution that saves them from having to compete with neighbours for a parking space, but this doesn't mean that it has to be bland and boring.

Innovations In Driveway Finishes in Sunderland

Driveway designs and materials in Sunderland have come a very long way since the old days of basic concrete slabs, scattered gravel, and simple tarmac surfaces. You can still have all the old materials, and even some of these have been improved and upgraded. You can also have resin-bound or resin-bonded driveways.

But one material that has proved to be an extremely popular choice is paving blocks.

Driveway block paving has revolutionised the look of our driveways all across Sunderland. You can get textured paving, natural stone, smooth edges, a traditional cobblestone look - when it comes to colours and patterns, the only limit is your imagination! The only caveat is that you should try to make sure that whatever design you choose fits in with the rest of the neighbourhood.

Perhaps you've been considering a new driveway and want to know more about driveway block paving?

If so, then this guide is just what you need.

What Is Block Paving?

The answer might seem obvious, but it's always best to be sure that everyone is on the same page.

Rather than pouring a featureless slab of concrete or setting down a layer of dull tarmac, many people these days opting for driveway block paving. This involves having a path, driveway or patio made from individual blocks that are laid by hand in a pattern and colour of your choice.

There's a fantastic range of shades and textures, and these can be laid in the design of your choice, whether your tastes are classic, traditional, or contemporary. There is certain to be a range that will suit your taste and your home.

What Is Block Paving?

What Materials Are The Blocks Made From?

There are two basic types of blocks: clay and concrete.

These are sometimes referred to as block paving bricks, but don't confuse these with house bricks! You may have seen old red brick paths in the past, perhaps as garden paths or even patios. However, these tend to crumble and crack, especially when put under pressure. This makes them unsuitable for parking your car as they can't take the constant weight.

The concrete and clay blocks used for block paving are designed to withstand heavy loads, making them ideal for the job.

As well as concrete or clay, recycled composite materials are sometimes used, such as rubble from building projects and crushed glass.

As well as being called blocks or bricks, these are also referred to as pavers.

What Materials Are The Blocks Made From?

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What Are The Benefits Of Block Paving

One of the main advantages of driveway block paving in Sunderland is that it is aesthetic as well as functional. And it doesn't have to be limited to your driveway.

You can use this method to create a stunning patio design or enhance and personalise your outdoor space. Block paving that begins at the street and wraps around your property will provide a sweeping, continuous surface, that ties in your home and garden, creating a real sense of style and class.

Aside from this, here are a few of the other benefits of block paving:

  • It is easy to maintain - if a block does break for any reason, it can be simply lifted and replaced.
  • It is immensely strong - as the blocks are interlocked (especially if a herring-bone pattern is used) they add extra strength to the overall structure, making them suitable for traffic.
  • They are resistant to fading - the colours will last for many years without losing their vibrancy and appeal.
  • They add value to your home - we've mentioned this before, but it's worth saying again! Whatever you spend on installing a block paving driveway, you will be sure to recover this through the value added to your home, which could be as much as 20%.
  • They enhance the local area as well as your home - the psychological importance of this can't be overstated. Places that look run down tend to attract unwanted attention from undesirable elements. A well-kept neighbourhood doesn't just look pleasing to the eye, but it also deters criminals. Driveways that are cracked and overgrown with weeds give the appearance of neglect.
  • They allow for easy drainage - some driveways send surface water cascading into the drains, which increases the risk of localised flooding. Because of this, you don't usually need planning permission for this type of driveway, as long as it is permeable.
  • They are available in a wide variety of colour options to suit all tastes - seriously, the range is extensive! You are sure to discover the look that you want to create for your home, whether you want a daring red, a warm brown, or a sophisticated black driveway. Whatever your style, there's a driveway block paving solution for you.
  • They are long-lasting - with care and a little bit of maintenance, your driveway block paving will last for at least 15 to 20 years.
What Are The Benefits Of Block Paving

What Options Are Available?

Driveway paving products come in a great range of styles and tones, as well as being textured, so there's bound to be one that appeals to you:

Natural Stone Block Paved Driveways Sunderland

Natural paving blocks will appeal to many people as it is durable, looks amazing, and is easy to maintain. The shades of natural stone are very appealing and the materials, such as granite setts, are incredibly tough and hard-wearing.

Standard Concrete Block Paving Sunderland

Also known as CBPs (concrete block pavers), these are made from moulded concrete. These paving blocks are available in a huge variety of sizes, colours, shapes and textures, from a traditional look to a more contemporary style.

The pigments are added during manufacture, in processes known as through-coloured or a face-mix. This is important, as through-coloured blocks have the pigment running throughout the entire block, whereas the face-mix only colours the side of the block that will be visible when installed.

Why is it important? The choice of colouring method may affect the price, but through-coloured blocks can be inverted if there is any surface damage or fading.

Clay Pavers

Again, the range of styles is extensive, making it simple for you to achieve stunning and unique designs for driveways, patios or paths.

Clay pavers have two advantages over standard concrete block paving. First, the colour is natural, therefore not subject to fading. These can be combined to make an almost infinite range of blues, browns, buff-coloured blocks, charcoal, red, terracotta - whatever shade you can think of! These types of driveway paving products are always through-coloured, unlike some of the concrete examples above.

Second, they have two presentable faces, meaning that they can be inverted in the event of staining.

Of course, the choice is entirely yours, but each different type of block has its own set of advantages and will affect the total cost of the finished project.

All of these different types of block paving materials have a range of thickness options, creating a huge variety of effects and finishes.

A Word About Paving 'Bricks'

You'll see the term paving bricks used at times in relation to driveway block paving. However, this does not mean that regular traditional house bricks are used for block paving projects. They are not suitable and will soon crack or flake, especially where a car is parked.

While you might see red bricks used to create paths in kitchen gardens or some old houses, they aren't the best material for driveways.

Alternatively, driveway paving products are not suitable for building walls!

What Options Are Available?

Who Will Install My Block Paving In Sunderland?

This is one of those jobs that should really be left to the professionals. Some homeowners feel confident enough to do the job themselves, but most will end up regretting this decision. Besides, most people can really do without the hassle!

If you do a poor job, it will not only look bad but you could also cause a trip hazard from uneven pavers, and your driveway might experience subsidence.

Your driveway block paving will be installed by a team of driveway specialists using the best quality materials in the trade. They will liaise with you to discover what colours and patterns you desire, as well as advising which ones are best suited to your property and neighbourhood.

The service will include any excavation work and the laying of a base level, followed by the installation of the driveway pavers and any finishing touches.

This is the best way to ensure that your new driveway looks amazing.

Who Will Install My Block Paving In Sunderland?

What Is The Installation Process?

The team will begin by inspecting the site to assess whether excavation is required. In some cases, driveway pavers can be installed over an existing driveway, although this must be in very good condition.

Start From Scratch

However, it is often best to dig out and start from scratch so that a good quality sub-base can be laid and compacted. This is an essential step as it provides a stable and strong foundation on which to lay the blocks. The sub-base may only be a few centimetres thick, but it helps to spread the load, thus reducing the risk of damage and sinking. It also aids drainage, which is another important issue we'll come to later.

Levelling Out

A layer of sharp sand is spread across the sub-base and raked out and checked to make sure it is level.

The installers will set the edges to define the working area, then start laying the blocks in the desired pattern. They should take blocks from different batches to avoid noticeable changes in shade in one area.

Compacting the Block Paving

Once all the blocks are in place a layer of sharp sand is swept across the surface to fill the gaps between them. A vibrating plate is then passed across the top to pack the sand into the spaces, as this will stop the blocks from shifting and ensure that they are all level. This step is usually repeated for good measure.

And your driveway block paving is complete!

What Is The Installation Process?

How Much Does Driveway Block Paving Cost?

Obviously, the total cost will depend on the size of the project and whether it includes any further landscaping work.

Prices are charged per square metre of block paving and general take into account any preparation, such as the laying of a sub-base.

Here are a few factors that will affect the total cost:

  • Design - the more complex this is, the higher the cost.
  • Condition of the existing surface - whether it needs to be excavated or not.
  • Materials used - as mentioned above, some block paving materials are more expensive than others.
  • The shape of the area - a simple rectangle will be easier to work with than an odd shape, as this will involve more work to fit the block paving into place.
  • Quality of the materials - you could opt for cheaper materials, but this will compromise the look, finish, and longevity of your driveway.
  • Installing a weed membrane - this additional measure protects against damage from weeds.
  • Sealing the driveway - a protective sealant can be applied to your new driveway as added protection.
  • Removing rubble - if your old driveway needs to be taken away, the driveway specialists might do this for you, the cost of which will be added to the final cost.

As a very general rule, an average block paving driveway costs around £4,500.

How Much Does Driveway Block Paving Cost?

The Next Step

If you want to create an impression with your new driveway, give some thought to what style and aesthetic you want to achieve. What size is your project? Does it include a path or patio?

Think about the colour scheme you want, or whether it's a traditional or contemporary style. Consider the pattern and whether you want a textured surface.

Once you have an idea about the dimensions, design, and materials you want, contact your driveway block paving specialists for an affordable, practical and attractive solution. It will enhance your home, add value, and look amazing for many years to come.

The Next Step

Our Patterns & Colours

cheshire cobble

cheshire cobble

circle pattern

circle pattern

compass

compass

english cobble

english cobble

european fan

european fan

farmyard cobble

farmyard cobble

grand ashlar

grand ashlar

lakeland weave

lakeland weave

large ashlar

large ashlar

large cobble

large cobble

london cobble

london cobble

old english

old english

opa locka

opa locka

random stone

random stone

riven slate

riven slate

running bond

running bond

small ashlar

small ashlar

smooth cobble

smooth cobble

walkway slate

walkway slate

Block Paving Driveways Sunderland FAQs

Is Block Paving Cheaper Than Slabs?

For the difference in quality between slabs and blocks we would certainly advise to stick with the slightly more expensive blocks because the price is not much lower for slabs but blocks provide a higher quality finish.

How Long Does It Take To Block Pave A Driveway?

On average a typical project takes about 4-5 days if we have the weather on our side. This obviously also depends on the size of the driveway be it 1, 2, 3 or 4 car space driveway.

Does A Block Paved Driveway Add Value?

Yes a block paved driveway not only adds better aesthetics to your home but also significantly increases the properties value.

Do You Need Planning Permission For Block Paving Driveway?

You do not need planning permission for a permeable driveway like a block paved driveway as the water can naturally drain through but if you choose a non permeable material then that can indeed sometimes require planning permission.

How Much Does It Cost To Block Pave A Driveway UK?

This is obviously dependant on the size of the driveway and materials chosen but typcially between £3000 & £7000.
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