Block Paving Driveway: Stoke-on-Trent

Front garden transformation featuring premium Tobermore Shannon Slate block paving with charcoal borders and landscaped curved bed in Stoke-on-Trent

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Stoke-on-Trent Location

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64m² (8m x 8m) Project Size

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2 Days Duration

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Block Paving Installation Service Type

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November 2024 Completed

Project Overview

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

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400+ 5-Star Reviews

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30+ Years Experience

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1000+ Projects Completed

Project Timeline

How we completed this transformation

1

We began by carefully removing all existing vegetation, lawn, and topsoil from the front garden area. The team excavated down to 250mm below the proposed finished level, ensuring adequate depth for a solid sub-base. All waste material was loaded and removed from site. We established proper drainage falls (1:40 gradient away from the house) and continued excavation work. The curved garden bed area was marked out and excavated to the appropriate depth. By the end of Day 1, the site was fully excavated, leveled, and ready for sub-base installation.

2

MOT Type 1 hardcore was delivered and spread across the entire excavated area. Our team compacted this in 75mm layers using vibrating plate compactors to create an incredibly solid foundation. Additional hardcore layers were added and compacted to the required depth. Concrete edge restraints were installed around the perimeter and along the curved bed edge. These are essential to prevent the block paving from spreading over time. The sub-base was meticulously leveled and checked to ensure perfect falls for drainage.

3

A 40mm bedding course of sharp sand was screeded to a smooth, level finish over the compacted sub-base. Block laying commenced, working from the house outward. The Shannon Slate blocks were laid in a random pattern to create natural-looking variation, while the charcoal borders were positioned with precision. Block laying continued methodically across the driveway area. Special attention was paid to the areas around the garage door and front entrance, ensuring tight, professional joints. The curved garden bed edging was installed with block-on-edge kerbs, creating a beautiful flowing line. By day's end, approximately 80% of the paving was complete.

4

The remaining blocks were laid, including intricate cutting around drain covers to ensure they sat flush with the new surface. Every block was checked for level and alignment. The curved bed was backfilled with topsoil and prepared for planting. Kiln-dried jointing sand was spread across the entire surface and swept into all joints between blocks. The driveway was compacted using a vibrating plate with rubber sole to lock all blocks together without surface damage. More jointing sand was added and the process repeated to ensure completely filled joints. Finally, a thorough cleanup was completed - all equipment removed, pavements and road washed down, and the site left spotless. The driveway was immediately ready for use.

Project Gallery

Additional images from this installation

The Result

The transformation is stunning. What was once an underused lawn is now a beautiful, practical driveway providing parking for two vehicles. The Tobermore Shannon Slate brings a contemporary elegance while the charcoal borders add definition and contrast. The curved garden bed softens the hard landscaping and provides visual interest, while the precision installation around existing features demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship our team delivers on every project. The homeowner gained valuable off-street parking, eliminated lawn maintenance, and dramatically enhanced their property's kerb appeal with a driveway that will look fantastic for 30+ years. The attention to detail - from the perfectly integrated drain covers to the flowing curved edge - showcases the quality workmanship Maughan Construction is known for across Stoke-on-Trent.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ted from Maughan Construction visited my property to give a detailed explanation of what and how best to proceed with the installation. I was given a quote and booked him in for the following week. Ted and his team worked hard and were diligent and methodical in their work. Ted stayed behind after the two day installation to ensure the work met his high standards. The second day the sand and blocks were installed and the rest of the team did an amazing job installing the block kerb edgings and made an impressive curved bed which was later dressed with top soil. The drain cover details were perfect and all the finishing touches and minute detail made the finished job look amazing. The team worked in a very clean and tidy manner and any mess was cleared and washed down including pavements and roads. The team respected my wishes and anything I asked to be altered was dealt with instantly. I would 100% recommend the company and their work.

Verified Customer - Stoke-on-Trent

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Quality & attention to detail

Our Driveway Services

Maughan Construction only use top quality materials and have a dedicated team of experts who will transform your driveway in a few days.

Tegula Paving

Distinctive 3D appearance
Premium kerb appeal
Excellent grip
Contemporary or traditional

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Tarmac Driveway

Fast installation
Cost-effective solution
Smooth, clean appearance
Low initial maintenance

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Block Paving

Unmatched design flexibility
Individual block replacement
20-30 year lifespan
Permeable options available

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Patios

Extends living space
Increases property value
Low maintenance outdoor area
Year-round usability

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We have hundreds of happy customers

5* Rated Driveway Company

We have the most 5* reviews of any driveway company in Stoke-on-Trent and we are very proud of this fact!

Ted and his team just finished my new tarmac driveway and wall at my house in Fenton - really pleased with the results. Professional job from start to finish, turned up when they said they would, and the quality of work is spot on. The driveway looks great and the wall is solid. Would definitely recommend them to anyone in the area looking for similar work. Cheers Ted!

Stuart Cookney

20:34 01 Feb 26

Thank you to everyone from this company for doing our driveway we are thrilled with the finished result,

Roseanne Maughan

19:24 06 Jan 26

Excellent job and lovely workers! Highly recommend Maughan Construction

Amelia McVeigh

21:07 30 Dec 25

💥Maughan Construction has only gone and done it again 💥Wow ! what an Incredibly worthwhile Experience.What you get from Ted and his Crew is total Dedication and Synergy from Beginning to End.Not only do they Excel in what they do but they go far Beyond Expectation in Delivering a Seamless Process.We all know, and often get told, that Ground Preparation is Key but to be able to see exactly what that entails is a sight to behold. When Ted says that he ensures that all his work has a Rock-Solid Base using only Quality Materials, he really does mean it. As for the Time spent on the Job you cannot Fault one bit, he’s first on-site and the last to leave-site and only does once he’s absolutely satisfied that his High Standards of Preparation have been achieved. On this, you simply cannot fault Ted and his Groundworks Team at all.With the Preparation all set, the Speed and Efficiency witnessed regarding the laying of the Driveway is nothing but truly Exceptional, not to mention being absolutely Mesmerising.The Result of their Hard Graft will leave you Completely Blown Away and you will be left in Sheer Astonishment that so much can be Achieved to such a High Standard in such short length of time.I have such Admiration, Respect and Trust in Ted, and All of his Groundworkers, such that I would never Hesitate in recommending Maughan Construction at all.The best thing I did was to make the Decision to get my Driveway done by this Amazing Company and want to take this opportunity to Thank them All for doing an Ace Job in such a Clean, Professional and Respectful Manner.It’s certainly true when they say that 'Seeing is Believing'. They sure are the Best in the Business so Don’t Delay and Contact Maughan Construction Today. You will not regret it.To sum up in one word, ‘Exemplary’.

Simon Reilly

16:41 12 Nov 25

Maughan Construction recently completed a full driveway and patio project for us, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the result. Ted and his team were punctual, efficient, and incredibly hard-working — the entire job was completed in just two days, and the level of organisation was second to none.The attention to detail throughout the project was impressive. Ted regularly checked in with me to make sure I was happy with every stage of the work, and you could tell he takes real pride in getting everything just right. The finish is superb — neat, clean lines, perfectly level blocks, and a fantastic overall look that’s completely transformed the front of the house.The team kept the site tidy at all times, clearing up rubble and mess quickly and leaving everything spotless at the end of each day. It’s rare to find tradesmen who combine real craftsmanship with such professionalism and respect for your property, but that’s exactly what you get with Maughan Construction.If you’re thinking about having your driveway or patio done, don’t hesitate — these guys are the real deal. The quality of their work speaks for itself, and I can’t recommend them highly enough.

Mark Consterdine

17:08 05 Nov 25

Ted from Maughan construction based in Stoke on Trent installed my new driveway using Tobermore Shannon slate with a double charcoal border.Ted visited my property to give a detailed explanation of what and how best to proceed with the installation.I was given a quote and booked him in for the following week. Ted and his team worked hard and were diligent and methodical in their work, Ted stayed behind after for the two day installation to ensure the work met his high standards.The second day the sand and blocks were installed and the rest of the team did an amazing job installing the block kerb edgings and made an impressive curved bed which was later dressed with top soil.The drain cover-details were perfect and all the finishing touches and minute detail made the finished job look amazingThe team worked in a very clean and tidy manner and any mess was cleared and washed down including pavements and roads.The team respected my wishes and anything I asked to be altered was dealt with instantly.I would 100% recommend the company and their work.

Paul Jewell

17:39 22 Oct 25

Ted and the lads did an amazing job on our path.Went above and beyond what was expected of them.Very thorough job and tidied/cleaned up after themselvesThanks!!

debbie docherty

14:33 14 Oct 25

Very very very pleased with our new driveway. Couldn’t rate Ted and his team highly enough, thanks guys!Day 1 – Ted turned up with 4 very pleasant guys at 7.30am as promised and by 6pm, dug out and spoil removed, hardcore down and compacted.Day 2 – Again turned up at 7.30am and by 11.30am, sand down and compacted level and Tegula paving all laid. Weather wasn’t on his side, so had to come back at 4.30pm to sand it all in once it had dried out.I would highly recommend Maughan Construction to anybody who wants quality work done fast!

Chris Hughes

09:25 05 Sep 25

Absolutely incredible standard of work from Ted and the team, that has transformed our home. From the initial consultation, we were treated respectfully and professionally and given a realistic timescale and cost for the work.The team worked diligently during the whole project, and even when there were complications due to existing issues with the previous driveway, Ted was completely transparent with the solutions, which were included into the project at an incredibly reasonable rate. The whole project was completed in a very time efficient manner, and we were consulted throughout and given regular progress updates.There is no other firm that I would consider using for a project of this magnitude in future, and I am more than happy with the service that I have received and the standard of the work delivered.I would happily recommend Maughan Construction to anyone. The standard of work and customer service are simply first class.

Ben Cartlidge

15:03 02 Sep 25

Ted came around and gave us a quote. We agreed on a price, a date, and a time. He and his time came promptly as agreed. They did a fantastic job over two days. He explained everything each step of the way. They cleaned up after themselves and went over and above. I will definitely recommend Maughan Construction. Five star

Charlesworth Benedict

13:14 27 Aug 25

Where We Work

We work in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire & Cheshire

We are able to work across all ST postcodes, as well as Crewe and the surrounding areas.

Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme Stone Alsager Congleton Crewe Leek Biddulph Kidsgrove Cheadle Stafford Longton Hanley Fenton Burslem Tunstall & All Surrounding Areas

30+

Years Experience

1000+

Driveways Installed

400+

Five Star Reviews

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