Block Paving

Block Paving Nottingham

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Block Paving Contractors

We know there are many block paving contractors operating in Nottingham - so why choose SG Paving to carry out your project using block paving in Nottingham?

Well we know our stuff and our focus is on perfection. Not just on the top layer which you can see but also in the setting up, getting the foundations to your block paving right. We are continuing to develop a reputation or trust and quality and we know all to well that there are many companies who will be here one day and gone tomorrow and once your pathway or block paving driveway starts to move or sink what will you be able to do then?

Block paving as described in its name involves the placing of many small blocks close to each other to form your patio or driveway and that the blocks are set on a base of a mix of sharp sand and screed which is set over a compacted aggregate base.

Block the gaps between the blocks are finally filled in by brushing in kiln dried sand. Block paving continues to be popular and there are some good practical reasons for this. Since smaller block are used rather than large paving stones block paving is an ideal option for gardens or driveways that have a slope. Smaller blocks can be laid to follow the slope. The other big advantage is that it is a permeable surface finish which means that rainwater will naturally soak through and you will not be left with puddles no require special drainage to be installed which many councils will require for non permeable driveways such as tarmac.

Block Paving Installation

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Block Paving


When it comes to block paving even once you've decided that this is the surface finish for you there will be a number of choices to be made specifically surrounding the blocks themselves. Don't worry though - even though we will provide some background information here we can sort out the paving blocks for you once we know the visual effect you want to achieve.

Most paving blocks are man made using either concrete or kiln dried clay. Granted most people will chose a particular paving brick based on how it looks, and it's price rather than worrying about how it was made. Clay blocks will be slightly more permeable than concrete and not quite as strong so are ideal for patios, although they will be a little more prone to attract moss growth. Concrete blocks are ideal for driveways as they will be a little more resistant to spills but both are still great for either, so looks and price should be you main decision drivers. Clay is a little harder to cut and work with an is a little more expensive so combined this will end up being a slightly more expensive option to concrete.

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Brick Paving Driveway Nottingham


Since concrete block paving is made by applying wet concrete into mould there are alternatives to a simple brick shape. Block options with names such as Dumbbell, Zigzag, Triangular, Hexagon, Clover and Keyston are just some of the options. Block sets can also be bought which will have a number of blocks pre-connected so that when spread out they are already placed in the ideal position. This is more common when creating circular or special patterns which will have a variety of different sized and shaped bricks cut to form that particular shape.

Blocks can also be formed to look more like traditional cobbles which are less angular having softer edges. These blocks are often made using a slightly different technique. natural stone such as granite or sandstone quartz will be crushed and then reformed in a mould bound together using an appropriate resin as a result they will be less permeable but will look very traditional. For concrete blocks dies can also be added to the cement mix which leads to more colour options for cement block paving too. This does mean that you can be quite creative in using different colours mingled throughout or for certain sections or simply to provide a different boarder.

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Block Paving in Nottingham

Block Paving Installers Nottingham


We've mentioned that their are many block paving options to consider but like most things there will be popular options or ones which are on trend at the moment. Is selecting traditional brick block paving many people will choose a combination or red with a darker red/black brick. This particular style is often referred to as Brindle block paving. Grey seems to be on trend for most thins at the moment and driveways, pathways and patios are no exception to this either. Combining two or even three different shades of grey has also been a popular block paving option in recent years especially when using a bolder shade to frame the area in question.

Whilst having a number of different bricks to place may seem like a big hassle when it comes to fitting any block paving installer in Nottingham should not be adding much in terms of additional installation costs. This is common practice when installing block paving and in actual fact does take some of the monotony out of the job. If you would like to have a distinctly different bold border to your driveway or patio that is absolutely fine, we want to showcase our work so different is good. A great looking driveway can help your property's kerb appeal, so this can make a financial difference to you in the long term too if you perhaps spend a little more on a good visual design.

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Block Paving near me

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Block Paving Block Sizes


As already eluded to there are many shapes and also sizes for block paving. Whilst most concrete block paving blocks will be a standard size other design will vary in size but typically when installing some of the more cobbled designs these will be a combination or rectangle and squares. Squarer or shorter paving blocks are quite common for a number of different block paving designs as this allows for a little more variety and less uniformity - ideal for a more traditional style.

As well as bricks coming in connected sets some blocks will provide other sized and shaped blocks to allow these to be laid to create a feature are such as a circle or semi circle. There's much flexibility with block paving so feel free to be creative with your designs. You can even include sections of gravel to keep cost down and provide a distinctly different look an texture to you driveway.

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Block Paving Patterns


Even with standard brick of the same size they can be configured in different ways too. Here are some examples to consider:

  • Herringbone Block Paving

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    45 degree Herringbone Block Paving

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  • Herringbone Block Paving

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    45 degree Herringbone Block Paving

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  • Stretcher Bond Block Paving configuration

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    Stretcher Bond Block Paving configuration

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  • Stretcher Bond Block Paving

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    Stretcher Bond Paving

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  • Basket Weave Block Paving

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    Basket Weave Block Paving being fitted

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  • Brindle Block Paving

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    Example of Brindle block paving

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Block Paving Maintenance


As with all driveways and patios the general outdoors will inevitably bring with it a gradual build up of dirt and debris and the best way to keep block paving clean is to do a little often rather than waiting for one cleaning blitz. That said most people do wait for the latter.

Once you have had a new block paving drive or patio laid down there will be some settlement so it is good practise to brush in a little bit more jointing sand which we can schedule for you if you wish.

When it does come to cleaning or rather keeping your block paving looking as good as possible then firstly being on top with brushing debris before it has time to settle in any gaps and allow weeds or moss to take root is good practice. If they have, simply apply weed killer - this is better done with the full weed rather than trying to pull it up with the top breaking off as the leaves will provide more area for the weed killer to penetrate into the weed and kill the roots.

If after a year or two you haven't kept on top of things and some patio cleaners will work reasonable well to kill and minimise regrowth of algae which should b applied after a jet wash.  Whilst block pavers are quite robust the jointing compound is less robust and will be flushed out even if you are careful to avoid the joints. Therefore after a jet wash you should brush in some additional Kiln-dried jointing sand. Block paving should last your for twenty plus years if maintained.

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Frequently Asked Block Paving Questions

  • Should you paint block paving?

    The answer to this comes down to personal choice. You can paint block paving although the counter question would be why would you want to? Using a premium acrylic base paint will priovide you with a hard wearing painted surface but do you want your outdoor area to look like a factory floor?

    Whilst  old block paving may have its top surface chipped away revealing a difference colour beneath - then be the time to replace your patio rather than painting it.

    When selecting a replacement clearly budget will be a consideration but we can discuss a staged approach to replacing your block paving if that will enable you to get a brand block paving driveway or patio in place.

  • Do you block paving straight onto grass?

    Definately not. It is not something we'd do. We do know many DIY approaches will simply lay paving slabs on the existing surface with little or no effort made to create a proper sub base but for smaller block paving bricks they will not bed down well and be wobbling constantly. 

    We will alsways favour setting down an appropriate aggregate base follwed by a smooth sand layer to ensure each block is flat and will not move when weight is applied on any part of it.

  • Is a block paving patio better than decking?

    Whilst we will install decking as part of our landscaping services most people would prefer to have a solid patio and matching pathway where possible. 

    A block paved patio is much more durable and hard wearing and requires little maintenance other than a quick powerwash and sealing every few years. Whilst composite decking can compete in maintenance it does provide a different character and appeal to that of a patio.

    Patios are much more subte and natural, which will depend to a large degree on the choice of block paving . However, depending on budget and in particular for a garden which is on a steep slope decking can provide a much cheaper installation option as it can be errected on stilts to provide a flat entertaining area with moving much ground. As patios need to be fitted onto flat ground you make need to remove a lot of earth before you have a suitable flat area to start building a patio and this will add a significant amount to yout total install costs.

  • Can the same block paving bricks be used for a driveway and patio?

    Yes, almost all block paving bricks will be suitable for both and are a great way to have a consistent drive, pathway and patio across the front and back of your property.

  • What do you recommend for cleaning block paving?

    Any recommendation will depend on the level of dirt and the material of the patio. Whilst most people will turn to a pressure washer in the first instance this can cause damage to the joints if not used carefully.

    The best approach is prevention rather than using a pressure cleaner as this normally a very messy cleaning process. 

    By applying a patio cleaner on a regular basis following sweeping with a stiff brush you should be able to prevent the build up of moss and agae. Sealing evey few years will provide further protection and should negate the need to pressure wash cleaning.

  • Can you mix different block paving bricks together?

    Yes - absolutely. In fact we would encourage it for block paving. Whilst it sis quite common for different block paving bricks to provide the edging to a patio or driveway mixing throughout will bring a lot more character to the area.

Block Paving Areas covered in Nottingham:

Block Paving West Bridgford, Block Paving Hucknall, Block Paving Arnold, Block Paving Carlton, Block Paving Mapperley, Block Paving Bulwell,

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