A beautifully paved driveway can enhance the curb appeal of your home while providing a functional and durable surface for parking vehicles. If you’re considering tackling this project yourself, understanding how to lay driveway block paving is crucial. With the right preparation, tools, and materials, laying block paving can be an achievable DIY project.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you know exactly what to do from start to finish.
Why Choose Block Paving?
Before diving into the steps, let’s quickly explore why block paving is a popular choice for driveways. Block paving offers:
- Aesthetic Appeal: With a variety of colors, shapes, and patterns, block paving allows for creativity in design.
- Durability: Blocks are strong and can withstand heavy loads, making them ideal for driveways.
- Easy Maintenance: Individual blocks can be replaced if damaged, unlike poured concrete or asphalt.
Tools and Materials You Will Need
Before starting, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Tools:
- Shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- Spirit level
- String line and pegs
- Plate compactor
- Rubber mallet
- Block splitter or angle grinder
- Stiff broom
Materials:
- Block pavers of your choice
- MOT type 1 sub-base (crushed stone or gravel)
- Sharp sand
- Edge restraints (kerbs or edging blocks)
- Jointing sand
Step 1: Planning and Measuring the Area
The first step is to plan and measure the area where you’ll be laying your block paving. Accurately measuring the space ensures you purchase the right amount of materials and avoid running out mid-project.
1.1 Draw Your Layout
- Use a string line to mark the boundaries of the driveway. Drive pegs into the ground and run the string around the edges to outline the area.
- Determine if you want any special patterns or borders for a decorative touch.
1.2 Measure the Area
- Calculate the square footage of the space to know how many blocks, sub-base material, and sand you’ll need. The average block size is 200 x 100 mm, but this can vary depending on the brand and style.
Step 2: Excavating the Ground
2.1 Dig the Foundation
- Dig out the driveway area to a depth of around 200-250mm. This depth includes space for the sub-base, sand layer, and block pavers. Make sure the area is flat and level using a spirit level.
- Keep in mind that a slight slope (around 1:60) should be factored in for proper water drainage.
Pro Tip: If the soil is clay-heavy or the driveway will bear heavy vehicles, consider digging deeper to accommodate a thicker sub-base.
Step 3: Laying the Sub-Base
The sub-base is essential for ensuring your driveway can handle the weight of vehicles without sinking or cracking.
3.1 Spread the Sub-Base
- Use MOT type 1 crushed stone or gravel for the sub-base. Spread the material across the excavated area to a depth of around 150mm.
3.2 Compact the Sub-Base
- Use a plate compactor to compact the sub-base, making sure it is firm and even. Compaction is critical to prevent future subsidence.
3.3 Add Sharp Sand
- Once the sub-base is compacted, spread a 50mm layer of sharp sand on top. This layer provides a smooth surface for the block pavers to sit on.
- Use the plate compactor again to compact the sand, and then use a spirit level to check for any dips or uneven surfaces.
Step 4: Installing Edge Restraints
To keep your block paving in place and prevent shifting over time, it’s essential to install edge restraints. These are usually made from kerbs or edging blocks.
4.1 Set the Edges
- Lay your edging blocks along the perimeter of the driveway using concrete as a bedding material. Make sure the edges are level and aligned with the string line.
- These edge blocks act as a retaining wall, ensuring your paving doesn’t spread out under pressure from cars.
Step 5: Laying the Block Paving
Now that the base is ready and edge restraints are installed, it’s time to lay the block pavers.
5.1 Start from the Edge
- Begin by laying the pavers from one corner or edge, working your way across the area. Make sure the blocks are laid tightly together with minimal gaps.
- Use a rubber mallet to gently tap each block into place, ensuring it sits level.
5.2 Cut Blocks Where Necessary
- If you reach the edge of the driveway or an obstacle, you’ll need to cut the blocks to fit. Use a block splitter or angle grinder for precise cuts.
Pattern Tips: Herringbone is a popular pattern for driveways because it provides extra strength and interlocking stability. Other patterns include stretcher bond and basket weave, which are visually appealing but offer less interlocking strength.
Step 6: Compacting the Block Paving
Once all the blocks are laid, compact the surface to ensure everything is firmly set.
6.1 Compact the Blocks
- Use the plate compactor to run over the entire driveway, compacting the blocks into the sand layer. This helps lock everything in place.
Step 7: Apply Jointing Sand
Jointing sand fills the gaps between the pavers, ensuring they stay in place and preventing weed growth.
7.1 Spread the Sand
- Spread jointing sand over the surface and use a stiff broom to sweep the sand into the joints between the blocks.
- Repeat the process of compacting and sweeping more sand until all the joints are filled.
Step 8: Final Touches and Sealing
8.1 Clean the Surface
- Sweep away any excess sand and debris from the surface, ensuring the pavers look clean and polished.
8.2 Optional Sealing
- Some homeowners choose to apply a sealer to protect the blocks from stains and weather damage. Sealing can also enhance the color of the blocks, giving your driveway a fresh, polished look.
Conclusion: How to Lay Driveway Block Paving can be a rewarding DIY project that enhances the value and curb appeal of your home. While the process requires careful preparation and attention to detail, following these steps will help ensure a successful, long-lasting driveway. Remember that investing in quality materials, proper drainage, and the right tools will make all the difference in the final result. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this project will leave you with a durable, attractive driveway you can be proud of.