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A two-story house with a mix of brick and white exterior, featuring large black-framed windows. It has a paved driveway, a garage on the left, and is surrounded by well-maintained shrubs and greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

Block Paving in Bristol, Thornbury, Gloucester and the Surrounding Areas

Block paving is popular for creating driveways, patios and pavements. This technique involves laying small rectangular or square blocks, or pavers, made from concrete, clay or natural stone in various patterns to form a durable and aesthetically pleasing surface. The individual blocks are laid on a bed of sand and secured in place, creating a flexible and robust pavement.

It’s a simple process perfected by our team at Acorn Surfacing for clients in Bristol, Thornbury, Gloucester, and the surrounding areas. If you want a unique installation that will set your home apart from your neighbours, we can help design a custom surface in various colours. 

We offer free surveys and quotations, so why not get in touch?

A brick pathway curves past a vibrant flowerbed filled with red blooms. The garden is lush with green foliage and neatly trimmed grass, bathed in warm sunlight.
A modern two-story house with a mix of brick and white exterior, featuring large black-framed windows. It has a paved driveway, garage, and is surrounded by neatly trimmed shrubs and a cloudy blue sky above.

Installing block paving involves several crucial steps to ensure a long-lasting and stable surface. As established surface contractors, our team is happy to explain our work in advance so you can remain informed of our progress.

  • Planning and Design: First, we will determine the area to be paved and choose the type of blocks and pattern. This area will be accurately measured to calculate the number of blocks needed and avoid waste. 
  • Excavation: Our contractors will then remove the existing surface, excavating the area to approximately 200-250mm depth and removing all roots and debris to create a clean, stable base.
  • Sub-base Installation: A sub-base layer is positioned using crushed stone or hardcore material, compacted to around 100-150mm thickness, evenly spread, and well-compacted to provide a solid foundation.
  • Edge Restraints: Restraints are installed using kerbstones or concrete edging to maintain the integrity of the newly paved area. We secure the edges with concrete to prevent movement.
  • Sand Bedding: A layer of sharp sand (50-60mm thick) will then spread over the sub-base, and our team will level it out using a screed board to create a smooth and even surface.
  • Laying the Blocks: Once the above has been completed, we will start laying the blocks from one corner, following your chosen pattern. A gap is left between each firmly placed block (typically 2-5mm).
  • Cutting and Adjusting: Using a block splitter, blocks are cut to fit around edges and obstacles. We painstakingly ensure they are level and aligned correctly to provide drainage and overall aesthetics. 
  • Compacting and Jointing: Once the paving is in place, a plate compactor settles it, and sand is swept into the joints between the blocks to lock them in place. This process is repeated twice. 

Is Block Paving the Right Choice For You? 

This driveway and car park surfacing solution from Acorn Surfacing is highly regarded by many due to the many benefits it offers, such as:

  • Durability: Block paving is highly durable and can withstand heavy loads and frequent use, making it ideal for driveways and commercial areas
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Available in a selection of colours, shapes and patterns, it allows for creative and attractive designs that will enhance your property’s kerb appeal
  • Versatility: It’s suitable for various applications, including Bristol driveways, Thornbury patios, and Gloucester pavements
  • Low Maintenance: The paving is very easy to maintain as individual blocks are replaceable in case of damage without disturbing the surrounding area
  • Resilience: The surface is resistant to harsh weather conditions, and it doesn’t fade or deteriorate quickly when exposed to sunlight, rain or frost
  • Environmentally Friendly: Many blocks are made from sustainable materials, which contribute to better environmental management

Call our tarmac contractors on 07768 858246 for block paving services in Bristol, Thornbury, Gloucester and the surrounding areas.

A person is laying gray rectangular paving stones in a pattern on a sandy surface. A rubber mallet rests nearby. The stones are tightly fitted together, forming a neat interlocking design.

Get in touch

01179 098 709

9 Sullivan Close
Bristol
BS4 1 XJ