A standard double driveway of 40 to 50 square metres typically takes three to five working days, including excavation, sub-base installation, and block laying. Smaller single-car drives can be completed in two days. Complex designs, larger areas, or sites with difficult access may take up to a week. We confirm the timeline in your quote.

Tarmac is cheaper to install and quicker to lay, but it has a shorter lifespan (10 to 15 years), it can’t be repaired in sections, and it offers no design flexibility. Block paving costs more up front but lasts 20 to 25 years, can be lifted and relaid if needed, and gives you a wide range of colour and pattern choices. For most homeowners, block paving offers better value over the life of the driveway.

Sometimes. If the existing concrete is in good condition — level, stable, and draining adequately — blocks can be laid on a sand screed directly over the top. But if the concrete is cracked, uneven, or poorly drained, it’s better to remove it and start with a proper sub-base. We assess this during the site survey and will always recommend the approach that gives the best long-term result.

Herringbone at 45 degrees. It’s the strongest pattern for areas with vehicle traffic because the interlock prevents blocks from shifting under load. Stretcher bond and basket weave are fine for patios and paths, but for a driveway that’s going to have cars driving and turning on it daily, herringbone is the right choice.

Weeds don’t grow up through the blocks — the weed membrane beneath the sub-base prevents that. What does happen over time is that wind-blown seeds settle in the sand joints and germinate. Regular sweeping, occasional weed treatment, and keeping the joints topped up with sand keeps this under control. It’s a minor maintenance task, not a structural problem.

Estate agents consistently cite front-of-house improvements as one of the strongest ways to influence buyer perception. A well-laid driveway in good condition signals that a property has been looked after. It won’t add tens of thousands, but it can meaningfully influence how quickly a house sells and at what price.

In most cases, no. Since October 2008, if you’re paving over more than five square metres of front garden with a non-permeable surface and the rainwater runs off onto the public highway, you’ll need planning permission. Using permeable block paving or directing runoff into a soakaway keeps you within permitted development rights. We assess drainage and planning requirements at the site survey stage.

Dropped kerb costs vary by council but typically range from £800 to £2,000 including the application fee and physical works. It’s a separate process from the driveway installation itself, carried out by or on behalf of the local highway authority. We can advise on the process and help coordinate timing so the crossover is ready when we need it.