Why block paving fails
When block drives go wrong, it is rarely the blocks. The usual causes are:
- A thin sub-base, so the surface dips where cars park.
- Edges not set in concrete, so the blocks creep outwards and open up.
- Too little jointing sand, so blocks rock and wear.
- No fall, so water sits on the surface and finds its way down.
A good quote spells out the sub-base depth, the edging and the drainage.
Patterns for drives
| Pattern | Strength under cars | Look |
|---|---|---|
| 45° herringbone | Best | Busy, traditional |
| 90° herringbone | Very good | Neater on small frontages |
| Stretcher bond | Fair | Clean lines; better for paths |
Small terraced frontages
Where a Thornaby terrace has just enough depth for a car, block paving can be cut neatly to the walls and around the bay. A single border course in a contrasting colour frames the space and makes it look deliberate rather than squeezed in.
Costs
| Item | Typical UK cost |
|---|---|
| Block paving drive | about £100 per m² |
| 30m² drive | about £3,000 |
Source: Checkatrade, April 2026.
Permeable blocks
Permeable block paving has wider joints filled with grit and sits on an open-graded stone base. Water drains through the joints into the base and soaks away, so no separate channel is needed and the drive stays within the front-garden drainage rules.
Relaying an old drive
If an older block drive has sunk in places, the blocks can often be lifted, the base rebuilt and the same blocks relaid. This is usually cheaper than new paving and avoids the colour mismatch that new blocks next to faded ones would give.
Common questions
How long should a block drive last?
Twenty years or more on a good base, and the blocks can often be reused after that.
Why are weeds coming through?
Seeds settle in the jointing sand. Re-sanding and a joint stabiliser help.
Can block paving go over concrete?
Not usually. Old concrete should be broken out and a proper sub-base laid.
Do I need planning permission?
Not if the blocks are permeable or water drains into the garden.