Block Paving Driveways in Essex, Hertfordshire and London
Guide to Choosing the Perfect Block Paving Driveway
Looking for a premium block paved driveway installed in Essex, Hertfordshire, or London? Read our expert guide below to discover how to select the right layouts, materials, and engineering specifications for your home.
What is Block Paving?
Block paving is an incredibly popular, versatile surfacing solution created by laying individual pre-cast concrete blocks tightly alongside one another to form a highly durable, interlocking paved matrix. This classic construction method allows for a wide array of geometric patterns, and custom border details.
- Exceptionally Hard-Wearing: The interlocking design distributes vehicular weight evenly, making it highly resilient to heavy domestic traffic.
- Effortless Repairability: Unlike Resin or tarmac, individual blocks can be easily lifted and seamlessly re-laid if underground utilities ever need to be accessed.
- Tailored Drainage Solutions: Standard block paving is non permeable, meaning surface water runoff must be managed correctly. Our team integrates professional drainage channels, directing surface water to a dedicated soakaway or nearby soft landscaping in full compliance with local environmental regulations
Where Can Block Paving Be Used?
Thanks to its exceptional load-bearing strength and vast design versatility, block paving is a perfect surfacing choice for multiple areas around your property. It seamlessly enhances both traditional and modern architectural styles
How Much Does a Block Paved Driveway Cost?
It is difficult to provide an exact fixed price without assessing your site's unique requirements. However, for a complete, ground-up installation—including full site excavation, sub-base preparation, structural edging, and precision block laying—prices typically range between £180 and £280 per square metre (m²).
What Factors Affect the Total Cost?
The overall investment required to install a premium block paved driveway depends heavily on your property’s layout and your choice of materials. The core cost variables include:
- Total Surface Area The overall square meterage (m²) of the area being paved.
- Choice of Paving Blocks: Whether you select standard concrete blocks, weathered clay pavers, premium Tegula sets, or large-format contemporary paving.
- Excavation & Waste Removal: The volume of old tarmac, concrete, or turf that must be mechanically dug out and safely carted away from the site.
- Site Layout & Complexity: The stability of the subgrade and whether significant ground leveling, grading, or retaining brickwork is needed.
- Custom Edging Details: Laying robust structural perimeter boundaries in concrete to securely lock the interlocking blocks in place.
- Boundary Features & Upgrades: Integrating extra structural brickwork, security gates, Brick walls, or perimeter fencing.
Project Estimates & Real-World Pricing Examples
Block Paving in Abridge
Style… Detailed
Brick work, Railings, Sliding Security gate with letter box, Fencing, lighting
- Size 160m2
- Duration 3 weeks
- Cost £65000 (2026 Prices)
Block Paving in Chingford
Style… Detailed
Granite sett border with Marshalls Tegula (Pennant Grey) driveway, front wall, channel to soakaway, tiled front step.
- Size 40m2
- Duration 5 days
- Cost £16000 (2026/27 Prices)
Block Paving in Bukhurst Hill
Style… Detailed
Kerb edging Brett alpha antiques blocks, new lawn.
- Size 80m2
- Duration 5 days
- Cost £18000 (2026/27 Prices)
Block Paving in Loughton
Style… Detailed
Flower bed, front wall and marshalls argent blocks
- Size 50m2
- Duration 5 days
- Cost £16000 (2026/27 Prices)
Block Paving in Brentwood
Style… Detailed
Block paved driveway in loughton, Essex Design, Brink Wall, Kerb edging, Tegula Traditional.
- Size 100m2
- Cost £18500 (2026 Prices)
Block paving in Wanstead
Style… Detailed
Block paved driveway in loughton, essex design, Brick Wall, Kerb edging, Tegula P Grey.
- Size 70m2
- Cost £16000 (2026/27 Prices)
Block paving in Buckhurst Hill
Style… Detailed
Design, Kerb edging, Drivesys Cobble.
- Size 80m2
- Cost £22000 (2026 Prices)
How is a block paving driveway constructed ?
1
Remove Old Driveways
- Check for cables, gas, electricity and water
- Excavate to a depth to favourable ground conditions
2
Lay Subbase
- Lay a geotextile membrane to stabilise the ground
- Lay and compact MOT type 1 subbase
3
Set out
- Lay concrete footings for walls, planters and steps
- Build walls, steps and kerbs
- Lay edgings on full concrete base
- Lay drainage
4
Lay sand screed
5
Lay blocks
6
Cut blocks
7
Compact blocks
8
Brush in kiln dried sand to fix the blocks in place
