Bristol and Gloucester Paving

Block Paving Across the South West & South Wales

Free no-obligation site visit · Fixed written price · No deposit · Fully insured · 20+ years experience

Get Free Quote 07578 180526
Block Paving Specialists

Professional Block Paving Installation

Block paving is the UK's most popular driveway surface — and it's easy to see why. Individual concrete or clay blocks are laid in a herringbone pattern, stretcher bond or basketweave onto a sharp sand bedding layer over a fully compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base, creating a surface that's both beautiful and structurally sound. Haunching is applied along all edges to lock the blocks permanently in place, and kiln-dried sand is brushed into the joints to bind the surface. The result is a driveway that handles daily use for 25–40 years, can be repaired block-by-block without redoing the whole drive, and adds real kerb appeal and resale value to your home. We're fully insured, provide a written guarantee on all our work, and offer free no-obligation site surveys across South West England and South Wales.

Fully Insured

£5M public liability

20+ Years

Trade experience

5-Star Rated

23 verified reviews

Fixed Price

No hidden extras

What's Included

Everything in Your Block Paving Quote

  • Full excavation to correct depth & all spoil removed from site
  • 100–150mm compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base (BS 7533 standard)
  • 50mm sharp sand bedding layer, hand-screeded to falls
  • Block laying in your chosen pattern — herringbone, stretcher bond or basketweave
  • Haunching along all edge restraints to lock the perimeter
  • Kiln-dried sand brushed into all joints and vibrated in
  • Full site clean-down and pressure wash on completion
Why Choose Us

The Benefits

  • Individual blocks are replaceable — no need to redo the whole drive if one block cracks
  • Hundreds of colours, sizes and laying patterns — charcoal, brindle, buff, tumbled, smooth
  • Permeable block paving available — fully SuDS compliant, no planning permission needed
  • Adds measurable kerb appeal and resale value to your property
  • Low maintenance — occasional re-sanding and pressure washing is all it needs
  • 20+ years experience, fully insured, written guarantee on all installations

Typical Lifespan

How long it lasts

25–40 years with correct sub-base and periodic re-sanding

Planning Permission

Do you need it?

Permeable block paving — laid with open joints filled with kiln-dried sand or fine gravel — does not require planning permission under Permitted Development Rights. This means surface water drains through the joints into the sub-base rather than running off. We always advise on the correct specification for your property and local drainage conditions during your free site visit.

Our Work

Recent Block Paving Installations

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Where We Install

Block Paving in 29 Locations

Serving South West England, South Wales and the Midlands fringe. Find your town or city below for a dedicated local page.

Block Paving BristolBlock Paving GloucesterBlock Paving CardiffBlock Paving NewportBlock Paving CheltenhamBlock Paving BathBlock Paving SwindonBlock Paving Weston-super-MareBlock Paving ChippenhamBlock Paving StroudBlock Paving TewkesburyBlock Paving YateBlock Paving ThornburyBlock Paving KeynshamBlock Paving TrowbridgeBlock Paving CalneBlock Paving CorshamBlock Paving CwmbranBlock Paving BridgendBlock Paving BarryBlock Paving CaerphillyBlock Paving PenarthBlock Paving PontypriddBlock Paving MonmouthBlock Paving EveshamBlock Paving ColefordBlock Paving CinderfordBlock Paving LydneyBlock Paving Newent
FAQs

Block Paving — Questions Answered

How much does block paving cost in the UK?
Block paving cost depends on the size of the area, the block type and laying pattern chosen, depth of excavation required and site access. Every job is individually measured and quoted — the only reliable figure is one based on a site visit. We provide a fully itemised fixed written quote after every free site survey, with no obligation.
What is the most popular block paving pattern?
Herringbone is the most popular and structurally strongest pattern — the interlocking 45° layout resists lateral movement under vehicle loads. Stretcher bond (running bond) is popular for a cleaner, contemporary look. Basketweave suits cottage-style properties. We recommend herringbone for driveways and stretcher bond for paths and patios.
How long does block paving last?
A professionally installed block paving driveway on a correctly compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base should last 25–40 years. The key is the foundation — poor sub-base preparation is the number one cause of block paving settling and rocking. Individual blocks can be lifted and replaced if ever cracked or stained, making it extremely cost-effective over its lifetime.
Does block paving need planning permission?
In most cases, no. Permeable block paving with sand joints is allowed under Permitted Development Rights without planning permission — it meets the Government's SuDS drainage requirements. Standard impermeable block paving may need a drainage solution if it drains onto a highway. We assess this during your free site survey.
Block paving vs resin driveway — which is better?
Block paving offers individual block replaceability, a traditional British aesthetic and a huge range of colours and patterns — it suits most UK property styles beautifully. Resin bound gives a smoother, seamless contemporary look with zero loose stones and slightly easier maintenance. Both are permeable and planning-compliant. We install both — we'll help you choose the right surface for your property at your free site visit.
How long does block paving installation take?
Most block paving driveways take 3–5 days to complete depending on size and complexity. Day 1 is excavation and sub-base; days 2–4 are block laying; day 5 is finishing, jointing and clean-down. You can usually drive on it immediately after completion.
Can block paving be laid over existing concrete?
Sometimes yes — if the existing concrete is sound, level and at the correct height below the finished driveway level, it can occasionally serve as a sub-base. We always assess carefully during your free quote. In most cases, full excavation gives a better, longer-lasting result because we can engineer the correct drainage falls.
What are the best block paving colours?
Charcoal gives a sharp modern look that suits new-build and contemporary homes. Brindle (a mix of brown and charcoal) is the classic British driveway choice and suits most property styles. Natural buff suits red-brick traditional homes. Tumbled blocks give an aged, rustic character. We bring sample boards to every site visit so you can see colours against your property before committing.

Ready for your block paving quote?

We'll visit, measure up, and give you a fixed-price written quote with no obligation. No deposit required to book the work.

Book a Free Site Visit 07578 180526
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