Driveway paving

A paved driveway can give a house a real lift. There are a variety of colours and styles to choose from with pavers, and they can be laid in several patterns. Segmental paving is laid on roadbase and sand, rigid on a concrete base.

Segmental driveways consist of a 150mm compacted base and a paving sand layer followed by the paver. We always recommend a 80mm thick paver for segmental driveways, as the thickness increases the area of the side of the paver, allowing the pavers to lock in and not move, which increases the durability and life span of the paving and is ideal for vehicle access. There are two types of driveway paving, segmental and rigid.

The most durable pattern for pavers for a driveway is the herringbone pattern. For visual looks this can be laid at 90 degrees for straight lines or 45 degrees which is similar to a W effect across the driveway hiding any imperfections in the lines if the drive is not parallel to the house or road. The paver is laid in a pattern, with a paved border around the edge. A finish of gapsand is swept over the pavers to fill gaps and haunched with concrete for stability. A solid preparation is essential when laying a paved driveway and will ensure the driveway longevity. A quality investment that will last for years avoiding the need for driveway repair.

Rigid paved driveways differ a little in that they are laid on a reinforced concrete base and joints between the pavers or stones are grouted. These are by far the most expensive, durable and aesthetic driveways available. An example of this is a cobblestone driveway. The final pattern of the paver or stone that is laid has no effect on the final cost of constructing the driveway. This type of design and construction for paving is used around swimming pools as its so aesthetically pleasing as you are not as limited with your choice of paver as the concrete base is the support. It also weathers well with excessive amounts of water so the paving doesn’t deteriorate.

With rigid paving design in driveway construction if services or piping needs to be accessed underneath, a section of the pavers can be removed and re used with little visual change to the final appearance from before and after. A section of the concrete substrate can be removed and replaced for access, and replace the existing pavers and re grout over the top.