Block Paving Driveway: Stoke-on-Trent

This homeowner approached us wanting to transform their underutilized front garden and small lawn area into a practical, low-maintenance driveway that would provide valuable off-street parking while dramatically improving their property’s kerb appeal.

The existing lawn was difficult to maintain and served little purpose for the family. They wanted a modern, stylish solution that would add parking space for two vehicles and create a stunning first impression for visitors.

The Challenge

The project presented several key considerations:

• Remove existing lawn and garden area completely
• Create proper drainage falls away from the property
• Design an aesthetically pleasing layout that complemented the traditional brick home
• Incorporate the existing garden area with a curved feature bed
• Ensure precision installation around garage door and entrance step
• Match drain covers seamlessly with the new surface

Our Solution

After our initial consultation, we recommended Tobermore Shannon Slate block paving in a multi-tonal grey palette. This premium paving offers:

• Contemporary appearance that suits both modern and traditional properties
• Natural weathered stone aesthetic with three complementary shades
• Excellent durability rated for heavy vehicle use
• Low maintenance requirements
• Permeable joints for effective drainage

To define the space and add visual interest, we incorporated a double charcoal border running along key edges. This creates clean lines and provides a striking contrast against the lighter Shannon Slate.

The existing garden area was transformed into a beautifully curved planted bed with block paving kerb edging. This preserved some greenery while reducing maintenance and creating an attractive landscaped feature.

Materials Used

• Main Paving: Tobermore Shannon Slate (approximately 64m²)
• Border: Charcoal Double Border Blocks
• Edging: Block-on-Edge Kerbs (Charcoal)
• Sub-Base: MOT Type 1 Hardcore (12-15 tonnes)
• Bedding: Sharp Sand (4-5 tonnes)
• Jointing: Kiln-Dried Sand
• Edge Restraints: Concrete Haunching

Special Features

• Curved Garden Bed: Professionally designed curved edge with block kerbing, creating an elegant landscaping feature
• Seamless Drain Integration: Existing drain covers expertly cut around and integrated into the paving pattern
• Double Charcoal Borders: Clean, defined edges that frame the driveway beautifully
• Random Laying Pattern: Shannon Slate’s three shades laid in a random pattern for natural stone appearance
• Precision Cutting: Expert cuts around garage, doorstep, and boundaries for perfect fit