As part of Bradstone’s how-to guides, today we look at how to lay a driveway block paving, including preparing the ground, what tools are required to complete the job effectively and some tips for great success.
Bradstone Monksbridge Paving Blocks: www.bradstone.com/monksbridge/
Before you start, ensure you’re aware of and follow the planning and water draining regulations which relate to driveways and residential properties in England and Wales.
Excavation
The first step before you can begin laying your new driveway paving is the preparation work. You’ll need to calculate what depth to dig down to, considering the following:
- Thickness of the paving slabs
- Laying course of sand
- A sub-base between 100mm and 150mm
- Everything above needs to be 150mm below the damp proof course which calculates you need to dig around 350mm - 400mm below the damp proof course.
Edge Restraints
Edge restraints hold a block paved driveway in place, keeping everything together and making the driveway strong enough to take the weight of cars and vans. A very important step. Mix your concrete in a 6-1 mix in favour of all-in-one ballast and set up a line to act as a guide for the alignment and level of the edging. Set this line at the finished level of the paving.
Spread out a base of concrete approximately 25mm down from the line, place the curb onto the concrete and gently but firmly tap it into place. As you lay the curb blocks, use a spirit level to maintain a consistent level. Once all edging had been laid on the concrete, you need to lay more concrete to the outside edge of the block to hold them in place. Leave the edging overnight to harden.
Sub-base
The sub-base needs to follow the same level as the final paving and will need to be 80mm - 100mm below the line. Rake it level and compact it to ensure the levels are accurate. Be aware that this step is vital and it will take at least 8 passes to fully compact the stone.
Screeding
Lay the paving blocks onto a bed of sharp gritty sand - it’s important to ensure the sand is the right type as sand used for mortars can be squeezed up between blocks and cause low spots in your driveway. Sand also needs to be damp.
Rough up the sand so it’s halfway up the blocks of the edge course and partially compact the sand with one pass of the vibrating plate. Once flat, scrape off the excess sand to create an even bed. To do this, you can use the edge blocks as a level guide or set screed rails into the sand bed so they’re at the level you require. Finish this process by using an edge block or timber board to scrape off excess sand. You must have a level bed to ensure the blocks are level.
Laying the Blocks
Before laying the paving blocks, it’s best to choose a baseline/edge to act as an alignment guide. Refrain from standing on the level bed we’ve just prepared and think about where you want to place the driveway paving blocks by working out how you’re going to get the first courses laid. Each block is to be laid hand tight against the next one, whilst checking your levels and alignment every couple of courses. Repeat this process until most of the blocks have been laid and only the blocks that need to be cut remain.
Block Cutting
Three common tools are used when cutting blocks, a hammer & chisel, a block splitter and a power saw. Unless you’re a professional, we’d recommend using a chisel or block splitter. Take your time by measuring your block and marking the cut required using some chalk.
Jointing
You’re nearly finished, 3 more tasks to do before you can rest! Sweep the driveway to remove building debris. Follow this up by filling in the gaps with a kiln dry jointing sand which can be done using a soft brush. Use plenty of sand, leaving excess for the compacting process.
Compaction
The final step is to compact the blocks using a vibrating plate to give a firm and stable block paved driveway. You’ll notice the sand sink into the joints and will need to complete 3 or 4 passes to ensure this step is effective. Finally, Sweep away any surplus sand.
For more information on how to lay driveway paving, you can read our dedicated blog post:
🔶 How to Lay Driveway Block Paving: www.bradstone.com/blog/post/h...
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