Safety first!
Before you start block paving, make sure you are wearing appropriate safety protection throughout the entire process.
STEP 1: Preparation
Mark out the area of the driveway or patio with spray paint or string.
Locate any gas pipes, electricity cables or broadband cables etc. using a CAT and Genny scanner. Avoid these areas when excavating!
STEP 2: Lower Geo-Membrane
A permeable geo-membrane is laid over the sub-grade to prevent the sub-base sinking into the sub-grade. A geo-grid is laid on top of the geo-membrane which will hold the sub-base in place. The geo-membrane should come up to the point of the edgings or kerbs.
STEP 3: Sub-Base
The sub-base for permeable driveways is a very specific material. The sub-base must be fine-free. This allows the stone to absorb water better. The sub-base is made up of two layers on a permeable block driveway, separated by a Geo-Membrane.
The lower layer is 250mm deep and made up of material where the individual stones are 10-63mm depending on the job.
Lay a second Geo-Membrane between the Lower Sub-Base and the Upper Sub-Base to prevent the smaller stones of the upper base sinking down. The upper layer (100mm) consists of stones with individual dimensions of 5-20mm depending on the job.
STEP 4: Bedding
Unlike on standard block driveways, the bedding for permeable driveways is a specific fine-free material with individual stones 2-6mm in size.
The bedding is spread and screeded. The screeding process can be trickier due to the coarse nature of the bedding so a screeding tool is recommended.
Do not allow any debris such as leaves to get on top of the bedding before the blocks are laid.
Step 4: Video showing the screeding tool in action
STEP 5: Laying of Permeable Blocks
Lay the blocks by hand in the same way as a conventional block driveway.
Blocks can be 60mm or 80mm thick.
The way the permeable blocks are constructed allows water to run between the blocks into the bedding and sub-base beneath.
STEP 6: Cutting In
Blocks are cut in the same way as a conventional block driveway.
Step 5: Laying permeable blocks
STEP 7: Jointing
Jointing grit is used in place of sharp sand on a permeable block driveway. Sharp sand must never be used, as any fine materials will make it harder for the driveway to absorb water. Brush the grit in. There should be enough jointing grit over the whole drive so that it comes up to the level of the blocks.
STEP 8: Compaction
Use a wacker plate to compress the blocks and jointing together.
BLOCK DRIVEWAYS AND DELIGHTED CLIENTS
Block Paving Driveway and Dropped Kerb Installation, Oxford
“We are very pleased with the work and the finished driveway the team have done an excellent job.”
Gravel Driveway and Landscaping, Chalfont St Giles
“We love it! We have a nice feeling coming into the driveway now… people always comment on it, how transformative its been and how much nicer an entrance into the house it is.”
Block Driveway, St John’s Wood, London
“The end result exceeded all expectations. 5 out of 5 stars. 10 out of 10. Extremely good value. I highly recommend the New Driveway Company.””
Permeable Block Driveway, Watlington, Oxford
“Their professionalism and punctuality were superb — truly impressive from start to finish. This has turned into a perfect project, elevating the property’s appearance and functionality.”
Block Paved Driveway, Guildford
Max and Shannon’s contemporary home now features an attractive courtyard surface that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but is also able to endure the rigours of country life.
Driveway and Patio Newbury
“Extremely happy with the final job. The New Driveway Company Team were very friendly and helpful.”
Driveway, Patio and Path, Boars Hill, Oxford
“They did the work efficiently and professionally and completed it in a sensible timescale. The New Driveway Company Ops team were polite and considerate of other works going on around our property. The final result looks very good.”
Callum Shinkwin’s Best Drive, Buckland, Near Aylesbury
Callum Shinkwin is no stranger to a great drive – as a professional golfer he’s currently 119th in the PGA rankings and has won two European Tour competitions since 2020. Take a look at the drive we made for him…
New Permeable Block Driveway, Mark and Felicity Lynagh, Fulham, London
New permeable block driveway and installation of artificial grass.
New Block Driveway & Walls, Henley-On-Thames, Berkshire
“Would I recommend the New Driveway Company? I already have!”
New Permeable Block Driveway, Newbury, Berkshire
New Permeable Block Driveway for this full house refurbishment in Newbury, Berkshire.
New Rumbled Block Driveway and Picket Fence, Simon Thomas, Reading
Simon is a Sky Sports presenter. We do our best work for everyone, but if anything goes wrong for somebody this high profile, a lot of people would hear about it very quickly.
New Block Driveway, Compton, Newbury
Tony called The New Driveway Company because he wanted his tarmac driveway replaced with one that complements and adds aesthetic value to his beautiful home.
Non-slip Gravel Driveway & Paths, Wallingford
This elegant, classic period home was worthy of an impressive driveway that would enhance its historical roots.
Permeable Block Paved Driveway, Headington, Oxford
David wanted to give his house the introduction it deserved with this beautiful, natural stone driveway.
FREE SITE VISIT & DESIGN - NO COMMITMENT!
Get your FREE estimate or call us on 01865 341000 - our phone lines are open Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm.
BETTER LANDSCAPING, BY DESIGN
We take time to fully understand what you want from your space before presenting you with professionally designed options for your landscaping design project. You get to see what your outside space could look like before making any decisions.
"The service from beginning to end was faultless. The expertly drawn-up plans fulfilled the brief and the end result was exactly as we expected. I wholeheartedly recommend the New Driveway Company."
Tony C - March 2023
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