Block Paving Driveways in Gloucester & Gloucestershire
Stylish, Durable Block Paving Installed Across Gloucestershire
Block Paving in Gloucester & Gloucestershire
Premium Block Paving Driveways Built to Last
A block paving driveway is one of the smartest and most versatile ways to upgrade the front of your home. With a wide choice of colours, patterns and styles, it’s easy to create a driveway that suits your property perfectly while adding kerb appeal and long-lasting durability. At SJS Landscaping & Gardening, we install high-quality block paved driveways across Gloucester and the wider Gloucestershire area, using strong foundations and precise workmanship so your driveway stays looking great for years to come.
We don’t do rushed jobs or take shortcuts – every driveway is properly excavated, levelled, compacted and laid to industry standards. That means less movement, fewer dips and a finish that stands up to everyday use. Whether you want a simple, classic block pattern or something more decorative, we can help you choose the right design for your home and budget.
Block paving is available in a wide range of materials including concrete, clay and natural stone, with popular laying patterns such as herringbone, basketweave and stretcher bond. A properly installed block paved driveway can last 25 to 30 years and, unlike tarmac or concrete, individual blocks can be lifted and replaced if they become damaged — making future repairs straightforward and cost-effective. We also offer permeable block paving options that comply with current SuDS drainage regulations, meaning you won’t need planning permission for your new front driveway in most cases.
Get a Free Block Paving Driveway Quote
If you’re thinking about a new block paving driveway in Gloucester or anywhere in Gloucestershire, we’d be happy to help.
Call us on 0800 656 9671, 01452 899 402 or 07593 952 715 to arrange a free visit and quote.
Block Paving Driveway Services
Full Driveway Installation
We install block paving driveways from start to finish, including full excavation to a minimum depth of 200mm, a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base, sharp sand screeding layer, edge restraints, block laying and kiln-dried sand jointing. Every stage follows industry-standard methods so your driveway stays flat, stable and free-draining for decades.
Choice of Styles & Patterns
We offer a wide range of block colours, sizes and finishes from leading manufacturers. Popular laying patterns include herringbone (the strongest for driveways, ideal for vehicle traffic), basketweave (a classic look suited to pathways and patios), and stretcher bond (a modern linear style). We'll bring samples so you can see exactly how the blocks will look against your property.
Edging & Border Details
Contrasting edge blocks or decorative borders create a defined frame around your driveway and add a premium, polished finish. We can use a different colour, size or material for the border — charcoal edges around a buff driveway is one of the most popular combinations — giving your driveway a bespoke look without a significant cost increase.
Repairs & Re-Levelling
If your existing block paving has sunk, shifted or developed uneven patches, we can lift the affected blocks, re-excavate and re-compact the sub-base, then relay the blocks to the correct level. Unlike tarmac or concrete, block paving is one of the few driveway surfaces where localised repairs are possible without replacing the entire driveway — individual blocks can be swapped out if cracked or stained.
Drainage & Water Management
Proper drainage is essential for any driveway — and a legal requirement for front driveways under current SuDS regulations. We install linear drainage channels, ACO drains and soakaways where needed to manage surface water correctly. We can also fit permeable block paving, which allows rainwater to drain directly through the joints into the sub-base below, eliminating the need for separate drainage in most cases and avoiding the requirement for planning permission.
Why Choose Us for Block Paving?
Professional Block Paved Driveway Specialists in Gloucester
Strong, Proper Ground Preparation
A driveway is only as good as the base underneath it. We excavate to a minimum depth of 200mm, lay a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base and finish with a screeded sharp sand layer before any blocks go down. This proper groundwork is what prevents sinking, movement and uneven surfaces — the most common problems caused by rushed installations that skip these steps.
Skilled, Friendly Local Team
Our team works across Gloucester and Gloucestershire every day, so we're quick to visit and easy to reach. We've laid driveways on everything from tight terraced fronts to large detached properties, and we always leave the site clean and tidy at the end of each working day — your neighbours won't have any complaints.
Custom Designs to Suit Your Home
We bring samples to your property so you can see how different block colours and patterns look against your brickwork, front door and surroundings. Whether it's a classic herringbone in grey and charcoal, a warm buff basketweave or a bold contemporary design with contrasting borders, we'll help you create a driveway that genuinely suits your home — not a one-size-fits-all layout.
Competitive, Clear Pricing
We provide a detailed written quote that covers everything — excavation, sub-base, materials, blocks, edging, drainage and waste removal. No hidden extras, no surprise costs halfway through the job. We're always happy to talk through the quote line by line so you know exactly what you're paying for before any work starts.
How We Install a Block Paving Driveway
Every block paving driveway we install follows a structured process designed to create a finish that lasts for decades.
Step 1 — Site Visit & Design
We visit your property, measure the area and discuss your preferred block style, colour and pattern. We'll advise on drainage requirements and provide a detailed, fixed quote.
Step 2 — Excavation
The existing surface is stripped and the ground is excavated to a minimum depth of 200mm. All spoil and waste is removed from site.
Step 3 — Sub-Base
A layer of MOT Type 1 aggregate is spread evenly and compacted using a plate compactor. This creates the solid, load-bearing foundation that prevents the driveway from sinking or shifting under vehicle weight.
Step 4 — Edge Restraints
Concrete or steel edge restraints are installed around the perimeter to hold the blocks firmly in position and prevent them from creeping outward over time.
Step 5 — Sand Layer
A sharp sand screeding layer is added on top of the compacted sub-base and levelled to create a smooth, even surface for the blocks.
Step 6 — Block Laying
The blocks are laid by hand in your chosen pattern — herringbone, basketweave, stretcher bond or a custom design — and cut precisely around curves, edges and any features such as drainage gullies or manhole covers.
Step 7 — Jointing & Compaction
Kiln-dried sand is swept into the joints between the blocks. The entire surface is then compacted with a plate compactor to settle the blocks firmly into the sand bed and lock them in place. The whole process typically takes 3 to 5 days for a standard driveway. We leave the site clean and tidy, with all waste removed.
Get a Free Block Paving Driveway Quote in Gloucester
Whether you’re replacing an old, cracked driveway or laying block paving for the first time, we’re happy to visit your property, measure up and provide a clear, fixed quote. We’ll discuss block styles, patterns, drainage requirements and timescales — everything you need to make an informed decision.
Freephone
Office
Mobile
All information shared with SJS Landscaping & Gardening is kept safe and secure.
Block Paving Driveways Across Gloucester & Gloucestershire
We install block paving driveways for homeowners across Gloucester and the wider Gloucestershire area — from city centre terraces to large rural properties. Our team travels across the county daily, so wherever you're based, you'll get a prompt visit, a detailed quote and a professional installation. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, just give us a call.
- Gloucester
- Cheltenham
- Stroud
- Cirencester
- Tewkesbury
- Dursley
- Cinderford
- Cam
- Churchdown
- Stonehouse
- Quedgeley
- Bishops Cleeve
- Winchcombe
- Nailsworth
- Coleford
- Brockworth
- Longlevens
- Abbeydale
Frequently Asked Questions About Block Paving Driveways in Gloucester
If you’ve got questions about our services, the process or what to expect, the FAQs below should help – and if you need anything else, just give us a call.
Most single driveways (around 30–50m²) take 3 to 5 days from excavation to completion, depending on ground conditions and the complexity of the design. Larger driveways or projects with extensive groundwork may take up to a week. We'll give you a clear timescale during the quoting stage so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes - we take care of the full excavation and remove all waste before installing your new driveway.
Not if the base is prepared correctly. We excavate to the correct depth and lay a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base followed by a sharp sand screeding layer before any blocks go down. This gives the driveway a solid, stable foundation that resists movement and sinking. If any individual blocks do shift over time — which is rare with proper preparation — they can be lifted and relaid without replacing the whole driveway.
Yes — block paving comes in a wide range of colours (from charcoal and grey to buff, red and brindle), sizes and textures. Popular laying patterns include herringbone (the strongest option for driveways), basketweave and stretcher bond. You can also add contrasting borders or feature circles for a more decorative finish. We'll bring samples to your property so you can see exactly how different options look against your home.
The cost depends on the size of the area, the type of blocks, the complexity of the pattern and the amount of groundwork needed. As a general guide, a fully installed block paving driveway — including excavation, sub-base, blocks, edging and waste removal — typically costs between £90 and £120 per square metre. A standard 50m² driveway usually falls between £4,500 and £6,000. We provide a detailed, fixed quote after visiting your property so there are no surprises.
In most cases, no — as long as you use permeable block paving or direct rainwater to a permeable area within your property (such as a lawn or flower bed). Under current UK regulations, any new or replacement driveway at the front of a property that uses impermeable surfacing over 5 square metres requires planning permission. Permeable block paving — which allows water to drain through the joints — is exempt. We can advise on the best option for your property during the quoting stage.
A properly installed block paving driveway can last 25 to 30 years or more with regular maintenance. The blocks themselves are extremely durable, and because they're individually laid, any damaged or stained blocks can be replaced without disturbing the rest of the driveway.
Herringbone is the most popular and strongest pattern for driveways because the interlocking layout distributes weight evenly and resists movement under vehicle traffic. Basketweave gives a more traditional look and works well for patios and pathways, while stretcher bond offers a clean, modern linear finish. We'll recommend the best pattern based on how your driveway will be used and the style of your home.
Permeable block paving uses blocks with slightly wider joints that allow rainwater to drain through the surface into a specially designed sub-base below, rather than running off into drains or the road. It's an effective way to manage surface water and is fully compliant with current SuDS regulations — meaning you won't need planning permission for your front driveway in most cases.
Regular sweeping to remove leaves and debris is the most important step — this prevents weeds from taking hold in the joints. We recommend re-applying kiln-dried sand to the joints every 1 to 2 years to keep the blocks stable. For a deeper clean, pressure washing once a year will remove dirt and algae build-up. You can also have the driveway sealed to protect the block colour and make ongoing cleaning easier.
Yes — block paving is a versatile material that works for driveways, patios, garden paths, courtyards and front entrances. Using the same blocks across your driveway and patio can create a cohesive, unified look across your whole outdoor space.
Yes. A well-installed driveway significantly improves kerb appeal and is one of the most visible upgrades you can make to the front of your home. Estate agents commonly estimate that a quality driveway can add 5 to 10 per cent to a property's value — and block paving in particular is seen as a premium, desirable finish by buyers.
Just give us a call on 0800 656 9671, 01452 899 402 or 07593 952 715 and we’ll arrange a quick visit.