Block paving is a popular choice in the UK for driveways, patios, walkways and other outdoor surfaces. It offers durability, aesthetic flexibility, and often adds kerb appeal to a home. But one of the first questions homeowners ask is, how much does block paving cost? The answer depends on many factors: size, materials, labour, ground preparation, design complexity and location. In this article we break down how much does block paving cost, explore what pushes them up or down, and share tips to get a good deal and avoid hidden expenses.
What is Block Paving?
Before getting into costs, it’s useful to understand what block paving entails.
Blocks/materials: Typically concrete or clay blocks, though more premium options include natural stone, permeable blocks, or composite/resin-based products.
Base and sub‑base preparation: For driveways and heavily trafficked surfaces, a strong, well‑prepared base is essential. That includes excavation, laying sub‑base (e.g. Type 1 MOT or similar), drainage, edge restraints, etc.
Labour / laying pattern / jointing: How blocks are laid (simple stretcher bond, herringbone, basket weave etc.), jointing material (sand, resin), compaction and finishing all affect labour time and cost.
Removal / waste: If replacing existing paving, removal and disposal are additional costs.
Average Costs in the UK (2025)
Here are ballpark figures fo how much does block paving cost based on recent market data. Actual costs can vary widely depending on region, contractor, and specific project.
| Item | Range (low) | Range (high) | Typical/average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per square metre (materials + labour) | £90‑£110/m² for mid‑range block paving. | Premium materials or complex work may push costs above this. | Roughly £100/m² for a standard driveway paving job. |
| Preparing / excavating base, groundworks | ~ £30‑£50/m² depending on soil, depth, disposal. | More complex terrain or removal of existing hard surfaces can | Around £40‑£45/m² typical. |
| Labour cost (laying blocks, jointing, finishing) | ~ £40‑£60/m² depending on pattern complexity and contractor. | More for intricate patterns, site access issues, or extra features. | Approx £50/m² for standard work. |
Typical Overall Job Costs
To put those figures into perspective:
For a small driveway (e.g. ~20 m²): expect somewhere between £1,000 to £2,500+, depending on material and prep work.
For a standard driveway (~50 m²): around £4,500‑£6,500 is common for mid‑range materials and typical site conditions.
For a large driveway or premium materials/designs (100 m²+ or with natural stone / fancy layout / extra drainage etc.), costs can easily go much higher: £8,000‑£10,000+
What Affects the Cost Most
Understanding what drives the cost helps you plan better and avoid surprises.
Material Type
Concrete blocks are some of the most affordable.
Clay/block bricks cost more, often for colour retention, aesthetics.
Natural stone blocks are premium priced.
Composite or resin blocks tend to be at the higher end.
Permeable paving options (allowing water through) often cost more for both material and installation.
Ground Prep & Sub‑Base
The condition of your existing surface, soil type, drainage, gradient, depth of excavation all impact cost. Removing old surfacing, levelling, ensuring proper drainage can add significantly. If the ground is soft, you may need deeper sub‑bases and better edge restraints. Labour Rates / Region
Labour costs in London and the South East tend to be higher than in the North. Also, contractors’ reputation, demand, and season can influence how much you pay.
Design & Complexity
Laying patterns like herringbone, basket weave, diagonal layouts cost more labour.
Curved edges, cutting blocks, doing bespoke borders or combining colours add time and cost.
Access to site matters: easy access = less labour; tight access or tricky logistics = more.
Drainage, Edging, Additional Features
To comply with regulations (e.g. Sustainable Drainage Systems, SuDS), you may need adequate drainage channels, soakaways, permeable surfaces. Edging stones, decorative borders, lighting, gates all add on.
- Removal & Waste Disposal
If there’s existing hardstanding, paving, tarmac, concrete, it has to be removed and disposed of responsibly. That adds to labour, transport, skip or disposal costs.
Recent Trends & What to Expect in 2025
Prices have crept up due to inflation in raw material costs, transportation, fuel and labour.
Environmental considerations such as permeable paving systems, SuDS compliance, and regulations influencing runoff are becoming more important ‒ these often add cost.
There is growing demand for aesthetic value: contrasting colours, patterns, decorative elements ‒ which pushes up the labour portion.
Shortage of skilled landscaping contractors in some regions can lead to longer wait times and higher quotes.
Case Studies / Examples
Here are some real‑world examples to help illustrate:
Standard driveway (50 m²; mid‑range concrete blocks; typical site): approx £5,500 including materials and labour, for a double driveway.
Premium driveway (50 m²; brick blocks or composite; good drainage; decorative border): could be £5,750‑£6,250 or more.
Smaller job (20 m²; concrete block; minimal prep): possibly £2,000‑£4,000 depending on location.
Tips to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
If you’re planning on block paving but want reasonable cost, consider:
Get several quotes from reputable contractors; comparison helps.
Choose simpler patterns: straight or stretcher bond are less labour‑intensive than herringbone or curves.
Minimise removal waste: if existing surface is usable or can be re‑used.
Specify and agree the sub‑base work up front; don’t let contractors under‑spec this ‒ cheaper base now often causes issues (settling, puddling) later.
Be mindful of materials: concrete blocks are cheaper, clay is mid‑priced, stone/composite higher. Choose based on how much visibility / wear you expect.
Do some prep work yourself if feasible (clearing, marking out, minor ground clearing), though skilled laying is best left to pros.
Plan for drainage and legal requirements from the start; adding these late often inflates costs considerably.
Common Pitfalls and Hidden Costs
To avoid shocks, be aware of what sometimes gets overlooked:
Underground services: cables, pipes that need moving or protecting.
Planning permission / council regulations, especially if changing surface impermeability significantly or altering driveways that affect roadside or public pathways.
Edging and borders: children, grass edges, neighbours’ boundaries often need edging stones or curbs.
Waste and skips: disposal of old material can cost more than anticipated.
Future maintenance: joint sand wash‑out, block staining, cleaning, resealing if needed.
Access issues: if drive or site access is limited, extra labour or machinery might be needed.
Summary
In short:
Expect £90‑£110 per m² for a good quality block paving job (materials + labour) for typical driveways.
A standard 50 m² driveway will often run to around £5,500 for mid‑range materials.
Costs can be much lower (for simple, small jobs, basic materials) or much higher (premium stone, decorative work, complex site).
The biggest levers on cost are material choice, ground preparation, design complexity, and labour rates.
If you’re planning a block paving project, start with accurate measurements, get quotes from multiple contractors, be clear about what’s included (materials, base work, drainage, edging, removals), and budget for about 10‑15% more than your lowest quote to cover unforeseen issues. That way, you can avoid nasty surprises and get the finish you want.
