How much does block paving cost per m²?

As a rough guide, £100–£120 per m² supplied and fitted as a rough guide, depending on block range, pattern complexity, existing surface and drainage. You'll get a fixed written quote after your site visit.

How long does a block paved drive last?

Properly installed on a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base with concreted edge restraints, expect 20+ years of service. Individual blocks can be swapped if damaged, you'll never need to resurface the whole drive.

Do I need to seal my block paving?

It's optional but strongly recommended. Sealing locks in the joint sand, resists oil and organic staining, cuts weed growth and enhances the colour. It's a small cost that saves you significant maintenance.

Can you match an existing paving pattern?

In most cases yes, we can source matching blocks from Marshalls, Brett, Bradstone and Tobermore, and match pattern and colour where the range is still current.

How long does installation take?

A typical 60m² block driveway takes 5–7 working days. Larger jobs and complex borders take longer, we give you a written timeline before we start.

Do you need planning permission?

Not for permeable block paving or drives with proper drainage. If you're paving over 5m² with a non-permeable finish and no soakaway, planning permission is required, we design around that.

What about weeds growing through the joints?

Fresh kiln-dried sand plus a joint-stabilising sealer virtually eliminates weeds. Where they do appear, a treatment and re-sanding keeps things tight.

Which is better, resin or block paving?

Both are excellent. Resin is smoother, more contemporary and lower maintenance. Block is more traditional, individually repairable and often better for character properties. Charlie will talk you through which suits your home during the site visit.

What guarantee do you provide?

Up to 10-year workmanship guarantee in writing, plus the manufacturer's product warranty on the blocks. Backed by £1M public liability insurance.

Which areas do you cover?

Basingstoke, Hook, Fleet, Farnborough, Camberley, Frimley, Andover, Reading, Winchester and surrounding Hampshire villages.

Service · Hampshire

Block Paving Driveways & PatiosBuilt to Marshalls Standards

Name: Direct Paving Group UK
Address: Hook, Hampshire, GB
Telephone: 07554 952489
Price range: ££
Rating: 4.8

Marshalls, Brett, Bradstone and Tobermore block paving installed on a properly engineered sub-base, laid in the pattern you want, joint-swept and sealed to stay tight. Free written quote in 24–48 hours, backed by a 10-year workmanship guarantee.

Get My Free Quote 07554 952489

Rated 4.8★ on Google · £1M insured · Up to 10-year workmanship guarantee

Large red block paved driveway with soldier course border in Hampshire

4.8★

Google Rating

10 Yrs

Guarantee

£1M

Public Liability

24–48h

Quote Turnaround

Charlie

Owner-Led

Overview

Everything you need to know before you commit

What it is

Block paving is a modular hard surface built from small clay or concrete blocks laid onto a compacted sub-base and bedding layer, then jointed with kiln-dried sand. Done properly, it delivers a timeless, individually replaceable surface that suits period cottages and new-builds alike.

Who it's for

Homeowners who want a classic finish with pattern options, colour options and the practical benefit that damaged blocks can be swapped out individually rather than resurfacing the whole drive. Ideal for driveways, footpaths, patios, courtyards and commercial frontages across Hampshire.

When you need it

When your existing drive is unbonded gravel, cracked concrete or worn tarmac and you want a decorative permanent finish. Also the right answer where you want defined edging, patterned borders or a design that mixes multiple block sizes.

Why get it done properly

Block paving that sinks, spreads or grows weeds is almost always a base problem, not a block problem. A quality Marshalls block will last decades, but only if it's laid on a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base, screeded bedding sand, and concreted edge restraints. That's non-negotiable for us.

The cost of leaving it

What happens if you delay, or hire the wrong crew

Block paving failures are rarely dramatic, they're a slow, expensive erosion. A dip forms, water pools, blocks rock, edges spread, weeds root, and by year three you're pressure-washing every weekend and considering a full rebuild.

Risks of putting it off

Blocks sinking in the wheel tracks where the sub-base was skimped
Edge blocks kicking out because restraints weren't concreted properly
Weed growth through failing joints when kiln-dried sand isn't topped up
Standing water and ice where the drive falls the wrong way
Discolouration from oil and tyre marks that were never sealed against

Common mistakes homeowners make

Choosing a fitter based on Facebook photos alone with no base-build detail
Skipping the sealer to save £300 and paying £3,000 for cleaning later
Believing the sub-base can be 'the existing driveway' without excavation
Picking the cheapest block colour blend without seeing a real sample
Not asking who handles the drainage, planning permission still applies over 5m²

Our process

Owner-led, from first visit to final sweep

01
Site visit and design consultation
Charlie visits, measures, and walks you through pattern options, herringbone, stretcher bond, basket-weave, plus colour ranges from Marshalls, Brett, Bradstone and Tobermore.
02
Written fixed quote in 24–48 hours
You get a detailed quote covering block choice, pattern, sub-base spec, edging, drainage and cleanup, no hidden extras once we start.
03
Excavation and sub-base
We excavate to the correct depth, remove all spoil, and lay a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base, 150mm minimum for driveways, more where the ground demands it.
04
Bedding, laying and cutting
A screeded sharp sand bedding layer is laid, then the blocks are placed in your chosen pattern with cuts made cleanly to your borders and manhole covers.
05
Edge restraints and compaction
Perimeter blocks are haunched in concrete so nothing walks. The finished surface is plate-compacted, joints swept with kiln-dried sand, then re-compacted to lock everything solid.
06
Optional seal and sign-off
For an additional cost we can apply a joint-stabilising sealer to stop weeds, resist oil and enhance colour. Then we walk the drive with you and issue your written guarantee.

Why homeowners choose us

The measurable benefits you get

Individually replaceable

Damaged blocks can be lifted and swapped one-by-one, you'll never have to resurface the whole drive because of one oil stain or a cracked corner.

Marshalls & Brett quality

We install premium ranges installed to industry standards, backed by our up to 10-year workmanship guarantee.

Pattern and colour flexibility

Herringbone, stretcher bond, basket-weave, plus multi-block borders, contrast edging and rumbled 'aged' finishes for period homes.

Genuinely long-lived

A properly built block paved drive routinely lasts 20+ years. The sub-base is what buys you those years, and that's what we spend our time on.

Cleanable and re-sealable

Blocks respond well to jet-washing, re-sanding and re-sealing every 3–5 years, a small maintenance investment for decades of finish.

SUDS-friendly options

Permeable block paving ranges are available where drainage or planning demands it, installed with the correct open-graded aggregate base.

In detail

Materials, methods and specification

The block is the smallest part of the job. Get the base, edges and jointing wrong and even a Marshalls block will fail. Here's how we build block paving to last.

Block ranges we install

Marshalls Drivesys, Tegula, Argent and Standard concrete; Brett Alpha, Omega and Beta ranges; Bradstone Woburn and Monksbridge; Tobermore Historic and Sienna. We help you pick the range that suits the property age and budget, not the one with the best rep visit.

Pattern choice

45° herringbone is the strongest bond and best for driveways under vehicle load. 90° herringbone reads more contemporary. Stretcher bond suits paths and patios. Basket-weave sits well against period cottages. We show you real photos of Hampshire jobs, not stock renders.

Sub-base and bedding

150mm compacted MOT Type 1 minimum, with a 30–40mm screeded sharp sand bedding layer. Over made ground or clay, we increase depth and may specify a geotextile membrane to prevent migration.

Edge restraints and drainage

All perimeter blocks are haunched in concrete on both sides, the single most-skipped step by cheap fitters. Falls are set to gullies, linear drains, soakaways or permeable stone strips as the site demands.

Jointing and sealing

Joints are swept with kiln-dried sand and re-compacted. We recommend sealing with a joint-stabilising sealer after 8–12 weeks of use, it locks the sand, resists oil and enhances colour.

Residential vs commercial

Commercial block paving uses a thicker paving unit, deeper sub-base and often a bound-jointing system to handle heavier traffic. Same standards apply, just designed to the loading.

We cover Hook, Basingstoke, Camberley, Fleet, Farnborough, Frimley, Andover, Reading, Winchester and surrounding Hampshire.

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