Block Paving FAQs

How much does a block paving driveway cost in Milton Keynes?

A typical two-car block paving driveway in Milton Keynes, about 50 m², costs between £4,000 and £6,500 for a full new installation. That covers dig-out, sub-base, edging and standard concrete block. New drives usually work out at £80 to £130 per m². The biggest factors are how much excavation is needed, the block you choose and whether drainage is required. Your exact price is confirmed in writing after a free site visit. See the full cost guide

What are the disadvantages of block paving?

Block paving has three main downsides. Weeds and moss can grow in the joints if the sand washes out. Oil and rust can stain the blocks. And a drive laid on a thin or poorly compacted base will sink and rut over time. The first two are kept under control with an occasional brush, a top-up of jointing sand and a prompt clean of any spills. The third is avoided altogether by building the base properly in the first place. Unlike tarmac or resin, sunken block paving can be lifted and relaid with the same blocks.

Is it cheaper to tarmac or block pave a drive?

Tarmac is usually cheaper per square metre and quicker to lay. Block paving costs more upfront but tends to last as long or longer. It offers far more choice of colour and pattern, and it's easier to repair invisibly, because damaged areas can be lifted and relaid rather than patched.

How long does block paving last?

On a properly dug, compacted base with solid edge restraints, a block paving driveway typically lasts 20 to 25 years or more. Concrete blocks very rarely wear out. When a drive fails early, it's almost always because of the base underneath, not the blocks.

Do I need planning permission for a block paved front garden?

In England, you need planning permission to lay more than 5 m² of hard surface in a front garden, unless it's permeable or the water drains onto a lawn or border within your property. Permeable block paving, or standard block paving laid to fall towards a soakaway or border, avoids the need for permission. Rules can differ for listed buildings and in conservation areas, so check with Milton Keynes City Council or your local council if that applies to you. This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Do I need a dropped kerb, and can you do it?

If you're creating a new drive and will drive across the pavement to reach it, you'll usually need a dropped kerb. You apply to Milton Keynes City Council or your local council, and the pavement works are carried out by the council or a contractor it approves. We don't carry out highway works ourselves, but we'll plan your drive so it lines up with the crossing.

What are the downsides of sealing block paving?

Sealing isn't permanent, and most sealers need reapplying every few years. Some leave a glossy finish that not everyone likes. If a drive isn't cleaned and fully dried first, sealing can trap dirt and turn cloudy. And it won't fix a drive that's sinking or rocking. Sealing can help hold the jointing sand in and make spills easier to clean, so we treat it as an optional extra once the base and joints are sorted.

Is block paving better than resin?

Neither is better for every home. Block paving is easier to repair, offers more patterns and colours, and doesn't need a perfect existing base to overlay. Resin gives a smooth, seamless finish with no joints for weeds, but it usually costs more and is harder to patch invisibly. If you'd like a repairable, traditional-looking drive, block paving is a strong choice.

Which block paving brands do you use?

We lay blocks from the well-known UK manufacturers, in concrete, tumbled and clay ranges, and we'll recommend a block that suits your house and budget. We bring samples to your site visit so you can see the real colours in daylight against your brickwork.

How long does it take to lay a block paving driveway?

A typical two-car drive takes three to five days. A small drive or a path can take one or two days. A large drive with drainage, walls or steps can take a week or more. Groundwork can pause in heavy rain, so we'll keep you updated on progress.