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myBlock Paving Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of installing block paving is around £5,750.
- The job will usually take about 4 days.
- NEW! Check out our block paving driveway cost calculator to find out how much it costs to install block paving.
- A breakdown of new driveway costs, including different types of block paving materials, from concrete, brick, stone, and composite.
- How long a block paved driveway takes to construct, and the steps involved.
- How to find and hire a specialist to lay block paving using MyJobQuote.
Trying to find out how much driveway block paving costs?
In this complete guide, you'll find a full list of prices for different types of block paving bricks as well as costs for labour. This makes it simple and easy for anyone to calculate the cost of brick paving.
On average, you're looking at an overall cost of anywhere between £3,000 to £7,000 in the UK.
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We have a range of paving installers across the UK who are ready to give you a free, no-obligation quote!
Want to know more about block paving driveway costs first?
Read on for more information!
£5,750
Table of Contents
- How Much Does Block Paving Cost?
- Blocks Only Cost
- Block Paving Labour Costs and Timescales
- Additional Block Paving Costs
- What Impacts Block Paving Costs?
- Block Paving Buying Guide
- Can I Install Block Paving Myself?
- Block Paving Maintenance Costs
- Block Paving Alternatives
- Cost of Block Paving Removal
- Checklist: Hiring a Block Paving Specialist in the UK
- FAQs
- Sources
Block Paving Cost Calculator
How Much Does Block Paving Cost?
How much does block paving cost?
The cost of paving begins at around £3,000 for a small to average-sized driveway, and will increase up to £7,000 for a large driveway with a complex design.
The complexity of the design will increase the final cost of the project. A simple pattern will often take around 3 days, costing £5,000, and a more complex herringbone design can take up to 5 days, costing £5,750 for the same small to average-sized driveway.
And it's not just the complexity of the pattern that can increase prices. Another factor is your driveway's current condition. The prep work before laying the block paving is one of the most time-consuming aspects of the job and naturally comes with a high labour cost.
First seen in the 1980s, block paving has slowly increased in popularity over the years. Originally constructed from coloured cement or concrete blocks, it is common to lay the blocks into an intricate pattern, such as a herringbone design.
Specialist manufacturers now offer a wide range of materials, from concrete, stone, and cement to composite, resin, and stone. These various materials are often available in a wide range of colours and textures.
Block paving technology and methods have advanced over the years. However, the cost is still a major factor when deciding if you wish to undertake such a project. Compared to tarmac or simple concrete, block paving is still one of the most expensive options.
What is the most expensive material cost between resin bond, block paving, or imprinted concrete?
"Resin bond is the dearest, then imprinted concrete, close behind block paving with not much difference."
Block Paving Prices
For easy comparison, the table below outlines the cost of various types of block paving options that are available.
| Job Description | Duration | Material costs | Labour costs | Total costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Driveway 20m² — Concrete Blocks | 3 – 4 days | £2,000 | £2,000 | £4,000 |
| Small Driveway 20m² — Brick Blocks | 3 – 4 days | £2,500 | £2,000 | £4,500 |
| Small Driveway 20m² — Composite Blocks | 3 – 4 days | £3,000 | £2,000 | £5,000 |
| Average driveway 50m² — Concrete Blocks | 4 days | £3,000 | £2,250 | £5250 |
| Average driveway 50m² — Brick Blocks | 4 days | £3,500 | £2,250 | £5,750 |
| Average driveway 50m² — Composite Blocks | 4 days | £4,000 | £2,250 | £6,250 |
| Large driveway 100m² — Concrete Blocks | 5 days | £6,000 | £2,800 | £8,800 |
| Large driveway 100m² — Brick Blocks | 5 days | £7,000 | £2,800 | £9,800 |
| Large driveway 100m² — Composite | 5 days | £8,000 | £2,800 | £10,800 |
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Blocks Only Cost
Concrete Block Costs
The basic paving prices for concrete blocks begin at around £19 per m². Concrete block paving driveway costs can increase to around £48 per m² for more elaborate colours and designs.
Brick Block Costs
A standard brick driveway cost begins at around £32 per m², and increase to around £65 per m². The cost of block paving bricks is not as cost-effective as concrete - however, it will provide a more aesthetic design appeal with the wider range of styles available.
Stone Block Costs
Stone is often the most expensive option when choosing a block paving style. The cost of stone blocks begins at around £65 per m² and increases to around £95 per m².
Composite Block Costs
Due to the new technology used in their construction, composite blocks are on the more expensive end of block paving supplies. Starting at around £90 per m² and increasing to £125 per m², composite resin blocks are available in nearly limitless colours, and a variety of textures, however, are considerably higher than concrete block paving costs.
| Materials | Cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete | £19 – £48 |
| Brick | £32 – £65 |
| Stone | £65 – £95 |
| Composite Resin | £90 – £125 |
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Block Paving Labour Costs and Timescales
When hiring any tradesperson for building work, you need to consider what specific jobs actually need doing, as not all tradesmen can handle the same types of work. A block paving specialist will usually be hired when constructing a block paving driveway, but a general builder may also be used.
Whether you choose a block paving specialist or a general builder, it will depend on what style of block paving you have chosen, the complexity of the design and the materials to be used.
Below is a list of various trades you may require and the jobs they will be undertaking.
Tradespeople Costs
Here are the average costs of different tradespeople:
Block Paving Specialist
When planning a block paving driveway, it is usually best to hire a specialist in the field in order to make sure the correct materials for your chosen style are used to make sure you get the results you're hoping for. Block paving specialists are able to design, plan, and recommend the materials to be used.
After planning, block pavers are able to undertake the plan and construct your desired driveway. The cost to hire a block paving specialist will usually be around £200 per day, with the standard-sized driveway taking 3 to 4 days to complete, costing around £600 to £800.
General Builder
A general builder is often used to lead the entire project, and they can hire and control subcontractors in order to complete the work.
If you're constructing a driveway with a basic design, a general builder is often the better choice than a specialist due to the robust nature of their experience and lower labour prices.
A general builder will usually cost around £100 to £150 per day to hire, depending on the level of job required, the skills they possess, and the amount of experience.
Labourers
The most inexpensive form of tradesman, a labourer, should not be overlooked when costing the job. Usually, a specialist will provide their own personal labourer, but you should be mindful of the costs to hire them.
The day rate of a simple labourer will usually be £50 to £60 per day. They are used for all the heavy lifting work, moving materials, and jobs that do not require a specific skill.
| Tradesman | Duration | Daily Cost | Total costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block Paving Specialist | 3 – 4 days | £200 | £800 |
| General Builder | 3 – 4 days | £100 | £400 |
| Labourer | 3 – 4 days | £60 | £240 |
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Block Paving Timescales
One of the most important factors when considering any building work is obviously timescale. The longer a project takes to complete, the larger the final costs will become.
Timescales of a project decide on the final cost of labour, as the longer a job takes, the longer you will be required to pay your selected tradesmen.
There are multiple factors that affect a project's timescale. The most obvious being the complexity of the project, the size of the build, and the final quality of the blockwork.
For example, choosing to construct a complex design such as a herringbone will take almost twice as long as a simple chequered pattern, at around 3 to 4 days compared to 2 days. However, these factors will also depend on the level of complexity in the plan, the skills the tradesmen possess, and the number of tradesmen needed to be hired for the project.
Additional Block Paving Costs
The final aesthetics of a driveway is another factor to consider when figuring out the cost price of your project. As with most building projects, there are different options for how the final design will look.
Weed Membrane
To keep the driveway weed-free and reduce the amount of maintenance required to keep it looking clean and new, a weed membrane is often required. These will begin at around £12 per m² for a quality, long-lasting, and resilient variety. However, more cost-effective versions are available, beginning at around £5 per m².
These membranes are laid below the initial blocks and are usually the second action performed after the space is dug out.
Driveway Gate
Once you've had your new block paving driveway installed, you may want to spruce up the entranceway to your property with a gate. New driveway gates cost as little as £50 for a simple metal gate, while a bespoke custom-made gate can have costs in excess of £250, with a variety of options to suit different budgets.
You may want to add some extra security to your home with an electric gate. The cost of installing an electric gate ranges based on the intricacy of the gate design and the size, but generally costs around £830 for a simple metal gate.
If you're adding an electric gate to your driveway where there hasn't been one before, you may need to have a kerb dropped to enable you to use your new driveway. Kerb dropping prices range from £1,000, including a non-refundable application fee of between £70 to £100.
Do you think it's worth my while to have my driveway gate measured by myself or by someone who has experience with installing gates?
"If you're unsure, it’s always best to get a professional or someone competent and knowledgeable enough to measure the gate correctly to save the chance of any issues occurring when it comes to the installation."
Landscaping
If your garden has seen better days, it might be time for rejuvenation with the help of a local landscaper. Landscaper costs vary depending on the job you're having done, with turf laying costing between £20 to £75 for a 20m² space, and daily landscaper rates ranging from £125 to £150 per day.
Powerwashing a Driveway
To keep your driveway in the best condition possible, it's wise to carry out routine maintenance and cleaning to avoid debris build-up. Ensuring your driveway type is suitable for power washing is important, as gravel will simply be blown away with force.
For example, the cost of power washing a driveway is around £800, taking between 1 to 8 hours to complete depending on the size of your driveway.
| Additional Materials | Material costs |
|---|---|
| Weed Membrane | £5 – £12 per m² |
| Driveway Gates | £50 – £250 |
| Electric Gates | £830 |
| Kerb Dropping | £1,000 |
| Landscaping | £125 – £150 per day |
| Powerwashing Driveway | £800 |
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What Impacts Block Paving Costs?
There are a few main considerations when costing the price of constructing a new driveway, from the type of blocks, scale and size of the project to the complexity of your design.
Each factor can either increase or reduce the project's overall cost. Therefore, planning for these is essential when deciding on how to proceed with the build.
Type of Blocks
When planning to construct a driveway, the type of material, texture, and colour of your chosen blocks will affect the final costs. You should carefully assess your desired finished result, along with the advice of your hired specialist to select the right block type for you.
From concrete and brick to stone or composite, the price will vary from block types, colours chosen, and availability. Standard colours such as red, black, and grey will be more budget-friendly than custom colours such as yellows, greens, and blues.
Scale
The chosen scale will help determine your driveway installation's overall cost. Scale means the length and width of the finished area. This is all decided during the design phase of the construction and will have a large effect on the cost of the project.
Complexity
The complexity of a driveway pattern can vary depending on the desired final design, materials chosen, and even the skills of the tradesmen hired to build it. The more complex a driveway design is, the greater the time, skill, and money it will take to finish.
For example, a simple chequered pattern will take less time to construct than a diagonal or herringbone design. In addition, spiral pattern designs will take more time and skill than a simple straight design.
Landscaping
Once the driveway has been built, it will often require some form of landscaping to be carried out. Choosing to perform landscaping in the surrounding areas, such as grass and flowerbeds, can increase the final build time considerably. This, in turn, will increase the labour costs.
Often, when a driveway is constructed close to a wall, a border may also be needed for drainage.
Block Paving Buying Guide
Not all block paving blocks are created equally - there are pros and cons for each style. Materials used, aesthetic appeal, and availability all factor into which block would be best for the construction of your driveway.
Some blocks have obvious advantages over others, and yet some may have subtle differences you may not consider from the beginning. It is always best to compare your needs before planning which driveway you will construct.
I need to have a drive built with permeable regulations. What are the best materials allowed?
"So long as you install a soakaway for surface water directed into a natural drainage area, such as grass or gravel, then your drive will be SuDS compliant. You could also install resin or permeable block paving."
Concrete Block Paving Cost
The simplest and most cost-effective type of block material is basic concrete. These are pre-made in a factory, available in multiple colours, and are very hardwearing. The major advantages of this kind of blockwork would be the price point, the easy availability, and the hardwearing nature of the materials.
The base cost of concrete paving blocks begins at around £19 per m² and can increase to around £48 per m² for more elaborate colours and designs.
The downside of concrete style blocks is the low quality of construction when compared to brick and other styles. In addition, the availability of concrete while cost-effective can become a disadvantage, as colours can be limited.
Brick Block Paving Cost
Brick is also a very common type of block chosen for block paving projects. The advantages of this style of blockwork are the variety of styles, different sizes, and custom colours available.
The most common size variety begins at around £32 per m², increasing to around £65 per m².
This type of block is not as cost-effective as concrete, and the overall increase in price and reduced durability when compared to concrete are the main negative factors with this style.
Stone Block Paving Cost
The disadvantage of choosing a stone for block paving is that it does have limited availability of colours, textures, and types. This is second to the increased price of the materials when compared to brick or concrete options.
The cost of stone blocks begins at around £65 per m², and increase to around £95 per m².
The main advantage of choosing stone over other types of blockwork is it will often provide the most aesthetically appealing final design. It can also be considered more resilient to various weather patterns, erosion, and damage.
Composite Block Paving Cost
A modern, newly available block type is the composite resin block. Cast out of polymer-based resins, the advantages of these blocks are they are extremely hardwearing and versatile.
These start at around £90 per m², and increase to £125 per m² depending on their colour and style.
Specialist varieties of composite resin blocks are often constructed from recycled materials, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to the standard stone or brick options commonly used. A disadvantage of these styles of blockwork is the new technology used in their construction, which makes composite blocks more expensive when compared to other styles on the market.
| Type of Block | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete |
- Most cost-effective
- Available in multiple colours - Very hardwearing - Easy availability |
- Low quality of construction
- Colours can be limited - Final Aesthetics |
| Brick |
- Very common type of block
- Factory-made - Variety of styles - Different sizes - Custom colours available |
- Not as cost-effective
- Reduced durability compared to concrete |
| Stone |
- Aesthetically appealing
- More resilient to weather, erosion, and damage |
- Limited colours & textures
- Higher price |
| Composite |
- Extremely hardwearing
- Versatile - Often made from recycled materials - Environmentally friendly alternative |
- Only recently on the market
- Low availability - Most expensive option |
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Can I Install Block Paving Myself?
Block paving is extremely difficult to get right. If you do not possess extensive experience of how to lay block paving, bricklaying, or general building, it is always the better option to choose to hire a block-paving specialist.
If, however, you still wish to try your hand at DIY block paving, then it would be best to start small. A small area, or path, in your garden would be an ideal place to attempt block paving before you try your hand at a larger project such as a driveway.
The cost of just the materials for creating a driveway will begin at around £2,000 for a small driveway, and increase to around £4,000 for a larger area. If you decide to attempt this yourself it may save you around £2,000 for the specialist block-paver.
However, you should bear in mind that to fix potential mistakes, you may end up hiring the specialist after all.
You will require blocks, sand, cement, and water if you decide to undertake the project alone. The simplest tools required for the project are a bucket (or cement mixer), a paddle for mixing cement, a trowel, a spirit level, a spade, and a stiff broom.
| Materials | Cost |
|---|---|
| Blocks | £19 – £125 per m² |
| Sand | £40 per ton |
| Cement | £5 per bag |
| Total Material | £63 – £170 per m² |
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| Equipment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bucket or Cement Mixer | £5 or £125 per day rental of a cement mixer |
| Paddle or Mixer | £5 |
| Trowel | £15 |
| Spirit Level | £5 |
| Spade | £10 |
| Broom | £5 |
| Total costs | £45 or £160 with a cement mixer |
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Block Paving Maintenance Costs
After you've fit your new driveway, the cleaning and maintenance is now an important consideration. Depending on how much work you would like to perform, there are various options for maintenance routines.
From sealing, cleaning, and general maintenance to specialist finishes, dying, and cleaning machinery, there are many options to keep your new driveway in tip-top condition.
I had block paving installed in my driveway six years ago, but it appears to have sunk by now. Do you know why this has happened, and what can be done about it? Should I hire a professional?
"It needs that area lifting to check the sub base to see what has sunk dig out to make sure you haven't got a broken pipe in that place, then reinstate with new type one sharp sand, then blocks."
Cost of Sealing Block Paving
Whether you would like to reduce the amount of cleaning required, or just wish to prolong the life of your driveway, sealing the finished blockwork is a recommended option.
Depending on the style of blockwork chosen, you may not need to have it sealed. However, if concrete blocks were used, in order to reduce the wear and any growth of unwanted moss, sealing kits can be purchased from as little as £15 per 5m² and will increase to around £45 for more extensive larger area kits.
Driveway sealing is often very similar to applying paint. The sealers will come as a clear liquid that can be either brushed or sprayed onto your new driveway.
This is a very simple process and can be performed by the homeowner, with little to no experience. All sealers will provide instructions on the bottle/tin, and often will not require specialist equipment.
Cost of Cleaning Block Paving
If you have chosen to seal your driveway, you will find it easier to clean the area - this will also reduce how often cleaning would be required.
In general, cleaning can be done with a broom and hosepipe. Simply wetting the driveway and scrubbing the area with a stiff broom will usually be sufficient to clean most driveways.
However, if more thorough cleaning is required, a pressure wash can be used to remove more stubborn dirt. The price to purchase a pressure washer will usually begin at around £40 for a basic model, and for just a hosepipe and brush it will cost around £15.
Dyes and Cleaning Fluids
When you decide to seal your driveway, you can choose to purchase a dye at the same time. These dyes would allow you to colour your driveway if you weren't able to get the colour blockwork you originally desired. Blockwork (or concrete) dye will usually begin at around £10 for a litre bottle and can increase to around £30 for a larger, specialist-branded bottle.
Cleaning fluids can also be purchased to reduce the amount of work it takes to clean a driveway. However, most of these are the same as using a normal soap-based product, such as washing up liquid.
Before purchasing any form of cleaning fluid, it is always best to research reviews for the product online and make sure the fluid is environmentally friendly and not chemically harmful or possibly damaging to your garden or driveway.
Block Paving Alternatives
Block paving is not the only option for driveways. There are different routes a homeowner can take when choosing the type of driveway to install.
There are various advantages and disadvantages to each, from cost, durability, availability, and fitting requirements, meaning that not all driveways are equal.
Let's take a look at some of the key alternatives to block paving:
Resin Driveways
Resin driveways are gaining popularity in the UK thanks to their permeable properties, helping to reduce water pooling and flooding risks. Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, they're a good choice for homeowners seeking a mix of aesthetics and function.
Resin driveways cost between £1,600 to £2,000 for a small 20m² driveway. These costs can rise based on the size of aggregate chosen and the overall size of your driveway - the larger the space, the longer the job is, and the higher the labour and material fees.
Concrete Driveways
Concrete driveways are not only available in block form but also can be laid in a slab. You'll need a concrete specialist to lay the materials, and if it is installed correctly, it can be one of the longest-lasting driveway options on the market.
The cost to install a concrete driveway is between £3,400 to £3,600 for a 6m x 3.5m space, including the cost of materials and labour.
Imprinted Concrete Driveways
An alternative to standard concrete driveways is imprinted concrete driveways, offering a range of decorative patterns and colours. Similar to the strength of normal concrete driveways, imprinted concrete requires more maintenance over the years and is more expensive than the original.
A 40m² coloured imprinted concrete driveway costs around £3,750. The higher price reflects the long installation time, with a standard driveway taking anywhere from 5 to 7 days to complete.
Are imprinted concrete or block paving driveways more affordable?
"Block paving is more affordable and looks great if you lay a mix of three sizes of blocks."
Gravel Driveways
A gravel driveway is the simplest and most cost-effective driveway option available for those on a fixed budget. Installing a gravel driveway is as simple as digging the area out, laying a weed membrane, and then spreading gravel over the membrane to cover it completely.
The cost of a gravel driveway is around £1,700 for a small 20m² driveway. This includes the cost of materials - £1,200 - and labour at £500.
Tarmac Driveways
The most common form of driveway - after block paving or gravel - is tarmac. Tarmac driveways cost more than gravel driveways, and aren't a low-priced option, ranging from £1,400 to £2,400 for a 20m² driveway.
Much like a concrete driveway, the area will need to be dug out and then a layer of sand to level the area. After the sand is compacted, the tarmac will have to be laid over the top.
Though tarmac is an expensive option when compared to gravel, it is one of the most durable choices. It will also require the least amount of maintenance to keep in good condition.
Cost of Block Paving Removal
When you no longer require a block paving driveway, you will need to remove it. In addition, if you have an old, dilapidated block work or driveway, you may wish to replace it with a newer, nicer-looking construction.
Removal of a block paving driveway can be a complex process. Regardless of the style of blocks you choose, it would require a few basic elements, such as a skip or waste removal, labour, and basic cleaning supplies.
Skip hire costs around £200 for a single week-long skip hire with pick up and disposal. However, this may not be big enough for a large driveway, and you may need to either hire a second skip or have it emptied when filled.
Usually, when removing the blocks from a driveway, you are best served in hiring a tradesman such as a general builder for ease of removal. They can provide all the tools needed and even dispose of the waste produced.
An average builder can complete a block paving driveway removal within a week. This means it would cost you an average of £600, including the skip hire costs and labour.
Checklist: Hiring a Block Paving Specialist in the UK
- Depending on the tradesman hired, these can be in the form of CSCS certification, City and Guild levels, or even college-gained qualifications such as HNCs.
- The most important consideration when hiring any tradesman is insurance. Make sure they have third-party liability, which covers building work. At best, you want to find a tradesman with personal injury, property damage, and work guarantee cover.
- Evidence of previous work is also a good consideration when hiring any tradesman. If they have references from previous clients, photos, or a portfolio of their work, it will prove they are proud of the level of skill they can provide.
- Be sure to ask if the tradesman offers any form of guarantee for the work they are going to undertake. Most will provide in some form to ensure you are happy with the job before they finish. However, it can be worth looking for a tradesman offering a five-year or greater guarantee. Then, if any problems arise in the future, due to any faults in the building process, you are covered, and they will fix their mistakes at no expense to you.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Block Pave a Small Driveway?
This will depend largely on the style of the pattern chosen. For a simple, straightforward chequered pattern, you would be looking at around 3 days for the work to be completed by a trained block paver. However, for more complex designs such as herringbone with dual colours, it can often take from 4 to 5 days to complete the block work.
Regardless of style, once the blockwork has been completed, if you have chosen to seal the finished driveway, it will take a day to seal and up to 2 days to dry, depending on the weather.
Regardless of style, once the blockwork has been completed, if you have chosen to seal the finished driveway, it will take a day to seal and up to 2 days to dry, depending on the weather.
Are There Any Showrooms Where I Could See What the Different Styles of Block Paving Look Like?
Yes, there are many block paving manufacturers, which do have showrooms in various national locations. Most are open during standard business hours during the week, however, to visit them at a weekend an appointment is often required.
How Do I Know Whether My Driveway Plans Will Comply with Building Regulations?
It is always best practice to contact the local building inspector if there is any doubt about the regulations, as they will be able to inform you about the requirements in your area. This can usually be done over the phone, but it may also require a visit to your property.
How Long Will My New Block Paving Driveway Last?
A block paving driveway will usually last around 15 to 20 years if installed correctly, kept clean, and maintained correctly. This will obviously depend on the frequency it is used, the types of vehicles that use it, and the local weather.
However, even the heaviest of used driveways will last around 10 years if good quality block paving work is undertaken and maintained.
However, even the heaviest of used driveways will last around 10 years if good quality block paving work is undertaken and maintained.
Is It Possible to Get a Guarantee from My Tradesman Who Installed My Driveway?
This will depend on the tradesman you decide to hire to perform the job. It is always best to consider this factor when getting quotes from contractors. Some, if not most tradesmen, will provide a five to ten-year guarantee on their work if they are confident in their skills and qualifications.
If a tradesman refuses to offer a guarantee, this could be a sign they are not able to perform the work to a reasonable standard, and should probably be avoided, as if there are any problems in the future you will be required to spend more money to fix the faults from their mistakes.
If a tradesman refuses to offer a guarantee, this could be a sign they are not able to perform the work to a reasonable standard, and should probably be avoided, as if there are any problems in the future you will be required to spend more money to fix the faults from their mistakes.
Sources
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/patio-and-driveway/building-regulations
https://www.tobermore.co.uk/
