Driveway Paving FAQs

What is driveway paving?

A driveway could be described as the small private road in front of a house or garage. Cars may be packed on the driveway if there is no street parking in the area. When a surface is used to cover the driveway it is regarded as paving. There are different materials that could be used for paving include bricks, blocks, concrete, gravel, resins and asphalt amongst others.
 
What are driveway paving options?
There are various driveway paving options. Some of the common options are block paving driveways, gravel driveways, asphalt driveways, tarmac driveways, concrete driveways and brick driveway.
 
Does paving driveway increase property value?
The simple answer is Yes. Usually the first thing a visitor sees on approaching your property or home is the driveway. The driveway sets the tone for the rest of your home. The driveway boosts your home’s kerb appeal. It could give an idea of what inside the home would look like as well as the homeowners taste and character. Chances are if you see a property with a well maintained driveway, the home is likely well maintained and organised.
 
Does paving driveway increase taxes?
Any investment in home improvement could increase the value of the property and therefore lead to more taxes. If you purchase a run down property and renovate it then the value would go up which means the taxes will increase. It is not clear if improving your driveway directly leads to more taxes as there are other variables like the size of the property (e.g. 3 bedroom or 4 bedroom), the location of the property and the social-economic status of the residents living in the area.
 
How long does driveway paving take?
There are many factors to consider to get a straight answer. The time for driveway paving may vary based on the material used, the thickness of the surface, the weather condition and the nature of the project. Block paving driveways can be completed in a week. Asphalt driveways can take a little bit longer as they take more time to dry and cure. The average would be between 2 to 4 week.
  
How to clean driveway paving stones?
Paving stones are also called Pavers. Pavers are used to decorate a driveway, walkway or a patio. Pavers need to be cleaned and maintained as they may change over time due to wear and tear. The steps are:

1. Remove all items, furniture or plant pots that may be on the paving stones to get a clear surface free of obstacles. Cover any items you don’t want to affected by cleaning products or water.
2. Use a brush or brush broom to clear moss and weed growth
3. Spray water all over the paving stones using a hose. The pavers merely need to be wet before cleaning starts.
4. Prepare a mild cleaning solution. These can be found in local shops, markets or DIY stores. Use a mixture of a mild degreaser detergent and warm water.
5. Use a stiff brush to apply the cleaning solution to the pavers scrubbing the paving surface.
6. Use water to rinse down the area and take out the cleaning solution. Usually this should leave the surface through the drainage channel.
7. If unsatisfied or the detergent does not do the job they use stronger treatments. These again available in local shops and DIY stores. Please read the instructions and apply with care.
8. After cleaning, if the sand between the pavers is low or needs to be touched up then pour small quantities between the pavers. Polymeric sand locks the pavers together more firmly.
9. Once the sand is spread out use a mist setting on your hose to spray water over the pavers. This will allow the sand to settle in between the paver joints. Don’t use a lot of water otherwise it will wash away the new sand added in between the paver joints.

 
How thick should driveway paving slabs be?
As your driveway takes on more load compared to a garden or walkway, the recommended thickness for your driveway paving slabs is 50 mm thick. This is perfect and will withstand a lot of weight. Any paving slabs less than 50 mm could crumble under the weight of vehicle movement.
 
How to lay driveway paving slabs?
Top tip please get a professional to lay your driveway paving slabs as just like anything there is a wrong and right way to do it. However if you decide to lay the driveway paving slabs, here is the process

1. Get enough stock of the slabs. Make sure you have at least 5% more than you need to cover any damage or mistakes
2. Add a flexible laying method unless the gradient is very steep or the area is prone to frequent flooding.  Flexible paving implies that the bedding layer is a soft material, usually sand.
3. Add a base layer which should be a granular aggregate concrete or hardcore. You can also use existing concrete or tarmac if they are in good condition.
4. Spread a bedding layer of 3-4cm grit sand (concrete sand or sharp sand). Make the bedding layer nice and level.
5. Lay the kerb or edging first. Then lay the slabs starting from the end furthest from the road. Lay the slabs down from above without putting them too close. Use the already laid slabs to continue the process. Be careful of any damages.
6. Finally once the slabs have been laid, fill the joints with jointing sand after you have checked that it is all in order. Make sure all the joints are full and compact.  

 
How to lay driveway paving bricks?
Top tip please get a professional to lay your driveway paving bricks as just like anything there is a wrong and right way to do it. However if you decide to lay the driveway paving bricks, here is the process

1. Get enough stock of the bricks. Make sure you have at least 5% more than you need to cover any damage or mistakes
2. Add a flexible laying method unless the gradient is very steep or the area is prone to frequent flooding.  Flexible paving implies that the bedding layer is a soft material, usually sand.
3. Add a base layer which should be a granular aggregate concrete or hardcore. You can also use existing concrete or tarmac if they are in good condition.
4. Spread a bedding layer of 3-4cm grit sand (concrete sand or sharp sand). Make the bedding layer nice and level.
5. Lay the kerb or edging first. Then lay the bricks starting from the end furthest from the road. Lay the bricks down from above without putting them too close. Use the already laid bricks to continue the process. Be careful of any damages.
6. Finally once the bricks have been laid, fill the joints with jointing sand after you have checked that it is all in order. Make sure all the joints are full and compact.  

  
What is driveway paving blocks?
Top tip please get a professional to lay your driveway paving blocks as just like anything there is a wrong and right way to do it. However if you decide to lay the driveway paving blocks, here is the process

1. Get enough stock of the blocks. Make sure you have at least 5% more than you need to cover any damage or mistakes
2. Add a flexible laying method unless the gradient is very steep or the area is prone to frequent flooding.  Flexible paving implies that the bedding layer is a soft material, usually sand.
3. Add a base layer which should be a granular aggregate concrete or hardcore. You can also use existing concrete or tarmac if they are in good condition.
4. Spread a bedding layer of 3-4cm grit sand (concrete sand or sharp sand). Make the bedding layer nice and level.
5. Lay the kerb or edging first. Then lay the blocks starting from the end furthest from the road. Lay the blocks down from above without putting them too close. Use the already laid blocks to continue the process. Be careful of any damages.
6. Finally once the blocks have been laid, fill the joints with jointing sand after you have checked that it is all in order. Make sure all the joints are full and compact.  

​Driveway paving average cost
Your typical driveway or patio of 50 sqm will cost between £4,000 to £8,000 depending on the type and quality of material to be used, the condition of the area and the design or outcomes that are expected. Labour cost may be higher in some regions like London but would be cheaper in other less affluent areas. It may be a good idea to research and talk to a few experts.