What is the best paving for driveways?

This is a question that we’re very frequently asked. Simply Paving would always recommend that you use the correct paving on your driveway. Block paving is specifically designed for vehicle overrun and is very durable. We also believe it’s the most attractive option to give your home kerb appeal.

What are block pavers?

Block paving is a method of creating an area of hardstanding using individual “bricks” or blocks.

Due to the nature of the product and the actual method of construction, they are particularly suited for heavily trafficked areas, such as those with regular vehicle overrun.

The blocks can be used anywhere though, it looks just as good when used on a patio or pathway as it does on a driveway. Some of the tumbled products that Bradstone manufacture would be perfect for use in a courtyard or stable yard!

Driveway paving styles

There are many paving styles available ranging from the traditional tumbled Bradstone Woburn Rumbled Block Paving echoing the cobbled roads and pathways of yesteryear, through to the ultra-contemporary Bradstone StoneMaster Block Paving with the clean line appearance of precision cut stone.

There are choices available if you prefer the more uniform styling of a single size product such as Bradstone Driveway Block Paving and also options if you are looking for the cobble stone effect with a product like the popular Bradstone Monksbridge Block Paving.

Block paver colours

Bradstone manufacture their block pavers in a wide range of colours including single shades like grey and buff, two-tone variations such as brindle and the blended hues of Monksbridge Croft or Royale.

• Grey shades are currently very fashionable and work well against houses with white rendered walls and those with contemporary features.
• Two-tone and blended shades of reds and orange are often suited for use against red brick homes.
• The lighter blended shades of a colour like Croft are perfectly suited against more traditional, possibly stone-built properties.

This means that no matter what style of house you live in, you will be able to find the perfect style and colour to suit.

What are permeable block pavers?

You may also have been advised about driveway regulations and permeable solutions for driveways - there are a number of permeable block paving products that Bradstone have introduced to ensure that you can have all the style whilst complying with sustainable drainage regulations.

The construction method for a driveway using permeable block pavers is different to that of a standard driveway. You can find more information on the construction of a permeable driveway in our Advice Centre.

Heavy duty block pavers

If the area you are paving is likely to be subject to heavier vehicular overrun, then Simply Paving can also supply heavy duty block paving options manufactured by Bradstone’s sister company Charcon.

These products have been manufactured in thicknesses of 60mm and 80mm to ensure that they can handle the weight of heavier vehicles without losing out on any of the aesthetic qualities of the Bradstone range.

Do I need 50mm, 60mm or 80mm block pavers?

Generally speaking, 50mm is perfectly suitable for a domestic driveway, although some customers and their contractors do prefer to use 60mm, particularly if they own a heavier vehicle such as a 4x4.

80mm blocks are only really required for areas of very frequent or heavy vehicle overrun, for example, access roads and carparks.

Most of our 50mm products are listed under the Bradstone brand, whilst 60mm and 80mm commercial products are listed under the Charcon brand.

Can you use paving slabs or Indian stone for driveways?

We wouldn’t recommend it. The range of paving slabs and Indian stone that we supply is designed and quarried specifically for use on patios and footpaths in thicknesses suited to foot traffic rather than your family car. We wouldn’t want you to lay a product that is not suited to the area and sustain damage over time.

Paving block samples

We understand how important it is for our customers to be able to see and even touch the products that we supply prior to purchase. As such, Simply Paving provide a free of charge sample service, whereby you can order up to three samples for delivery straight to your door.

These samples can be ordered directly through our website but if you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to give our friendly customer service team a call on 0800 032 6306 or start a live chat.