How many block paving bricks do I need for a driveway?

Standard block paving (200x100mm) requires approximately 50 blocks per square metre for a herringbone pattern. A typical single driveway (3m x 6m = 18m²) needs about 900 blocks plus 5-10% for cutting wastage, so order 990-1,000 blocks.

How much does a block paving driveway cost in the UK?

In 2026, a block paving driveway costs £50-120 per m² installed, or £25-50 per m² for materials only (DIY). A standard single driveway (18m²) costs £450-900 for materials or £900-2,160 fully installed. Premium blocks and complex patterns increase the cost.

Driveway Calculator — Block Paving, Gravel & Tarmac (UK)

Q: Do I need planning permission to pave my driveway?

If your driveway is over 5m² and uses impermeable materials (standard block paving, tarmac, concrete), you need planning permission UNLESS the water drains to a permeable area within your property. Permeable paving, gravel, or paving with drainage to a soakaway does not need planning permission. This rule was introduced in 2008 to reduce flooding.

Q: How thick should a driveway sub-base be?

For a domestic driveway, the sub-base (MOT Type 1) should be at least 100mm deep after compaction, ideally 150mm. On soft or clay soils, increase to 200mm. The sub-base is the most critical layer — it distributes vehicle weight and prevents the surface from sinking.

Complete Guide to Driveway Materials (UK)

Choosing the right driveway material depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance tolerance. Each material has distinct advantages, costs, and installation requirements. Here is a comprehensive comparison for UK homeowners.

Driveway Types Compared

Material	Cost per m² (installed)	DIY Friendly?	Lifespan	Maintenance	Planning Permission?
Block paving	£50-£120	Yes (moderate)	25-50 years	Low-Medium	Permeable type: No. Standard: Yes if >5m²
Gravel	£20-£50	Yes (easy)	10-20 years	Medium	No (permeable)
Tarmac / Asphalt	£40-£80	No (specialist)	15-25 years	Low	Yes if >5m² (impermeable)
Concrete	£50-£100	Moderate	30-50 years	Very Low	Yes if >5m² (impermeable)
Resin bound	£60-£150	No (specialist)	15-25 years	Very Low	No (permeable)

Block Paving

Block paving is the most popular driveway choice in the UK. Standard blocks (200x100x50mm or 60mm) are laid in patterns such as herringbone (strongest for driveways), stretcher bond, or basket weave. A typical installation comprises:

Sub-base: 150mm compacted MOT Type 1
Laying course: 30-50mm sharp sand
Blocks: ~50 per m² (200x100mm, herringbone)
Edging: Concrete kerbs or edge restraints on all open sides
Jointing sand: Kiln-dried sand brushed into gaps

For maximum durability, use 60mm blocks (rather than 50mm) and lay in a herringbone pattern at 45 or 90 degrees. Herringbone interlocks the blocks so they cannot shift under vehicle tyres.

Gravel Driveways

Gravel is the most affordable option and the easiest to install. A 50-75mm layer of 20mm angular gravel (not rounded pea gravel, which rolls under tyres) on a compacted sub-base creates a functional driveway. Using a cellular grid (such as GravelGrid or Nidagravel) prevents gravel migration and creates a stable surface for vehicles.

UK Planning Permission for Driveways

Since October 2008: If you are paving over more than 5 square metres of your front garden with impermeable materials, you need planning permission from your local authority. This applies to standard block paving, tarmac, and concrete. You do NOT need permission if:

You use permeable block paving (gaps filled with permeable jointing compound)
You use gravel or resin-bound gravel
Rainwater drains onto a permeable area within your property (lawn, flower bed)
You install a soakaway or drain to manage surface water

Cost Comparison for a Standard Single Driveway (18m²)

Material	Materials Only	Fully Installed
Block paving	£450-£900	£900-£2,160
Gravel	£200-£450	£360-£900
Tarmac	N/A (specialist)	£720-£1,440
Concrete	£350-£700	£900-£1,800
Resin bound	N/A (specialist)	£1,080-£2,700

Frequently Asked Questions

How many block paving bricks do I need?

Standard 200x100mm blocks require approximately 50 per m². Add 5-10% for cutting wastage. A herringbone pattern wastes slightly more at the edges than a stretcher bond.

Do I need planning permission to pave my driveway?

Yes, if paving over 5m² with impermeable materials (standard block paving, tarmac, concrete). No permission needed for permeable paving, gravel, or if drainage goes to a permeable area within your property.

How much does block paving cost per m²?

In 2026, block paving costs £25-50/m² for materials only (DIY) or £50-120/m² fully installed. Premium blocks and complex patterns increase the cost.

How thick should a driveway sub-base be?

At least 100mm after compaction, ideally 150mm. On soft or clay soils, increase to 200mm. Always use MOT Type 1 crushed stone, compacted with a plate compactor.

Driveway Calculator — Block Paving, Gravel & Tarmac