Getting a straight answer on block paving costs is harder than it should be. Most guides either give you a range so wide it’s useless, or they bury the real figures in caveats. This article cuts through that. It covers what block paving actually costs in 2026, what drives the price up or down, and what you can realistically expect to pay for a standard driveway in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Crewe.
All prices here are based on real installation costs. They are guides, not fixed quotes. Every project is different, and the only way to get an accurate figure is to have someone look at your specific property.
What does block paving cost per square metre?
The going rate in 2026
Block paving typically costs between £70 and £120 per square metre for a standard residential driveway, depending on the block type, pattern complexity and groundwork required. At Maughan Construction, block paving installations start from £70 per square metre, which positions the team at the competitive end of the market without cutting corners on materials or sub-base preparation.
For most homeowners, the finished project cost sits somewhere between £2,500 and £6,000. A small single driveway at 20 to 25 square metres comes in at the lower end. A larger double driveway at 50 to 60 square metres sits at the higher end, particularly if the existing surface needs removing and the ground requires significant preparation.
A rough size guide
| Driveway size | Approx. square metres | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small single | 15-20 sqm | £1,050 – £1,600 |
| Standard single | 25-30 sqm | £1,750 – £2,400 |
| Large single | 35-40 sqm | £2,450 – £3,200 |
| Standard double | 45-55 sqm | £3,150 – £4,400 |
| Large double | 60+ sqm | £4,200+ |
These figures are based on standard block types and straightforward groundwork. More intricate designs, multiple colours or difficult access will affect the final cost.
What affects the price of block paving?
Block type and quality
The blocks themselves make up a significant part of the overall cost. Standard concrete blocks are the most affordable option. Clay pavers cost more but offer better colour retention over time. Tumbled or textured finishes add to the per-unit price. Premium ranges from manufacturers like Marshalls or Tobermore sit at the top end, and if you want a specific product by name, expect to pay for it.
The block size also plays a role. Smaller blocks take more time to lay and require more precise cutting at edges, which adds to labour costs even if the materials are similar in price.
Pattern and design
A simple running bond or stack bond pattern is the quickest to lay. Herringbone is more time-consuming but is widely recommended for driveways because it distributes load more effectively, which matters if you have heavier vehicles. Basket weave and more complex multi-directional designs take longer still. The more cuts required, the more time the job takes.
Adding a contrasting border is popular and does add some cost, but it’s rarely a significant addition to the overall price. It tends to be worth it for the finished look.
Groundwork and existing surface
Groundwork is where costs can vary most significantly, and it’s the part that’s hardest to estimate without looking at the site. If the existing surface is concrete or tarmac that needs breaking out and disposing of, that adds time and skip costs. If the ground is particularly soft or uneven, the sub-base specification will need to be adjusted.
A proper block paving installation requires a compacted stone sub-base, edging to contain the blocks, and kiln-dried sand swept into the joints once the blocks are laid. These aren’t optional extras. They’re what separates a driveway that lasts 20 years from one that starts rocking and sinking within five.
Access and location
Narrow side access, steps, or driveways that require hand-laying rather than mechanical compaction will affect the price. Properties in Stoke-on-Trent town centre, for example, often have tighter access than those in more suburban parts of Staffordshire or Cheshire. It doesn’t make the job impossible, but it does affect how long it takes.
Drainage requirements
If your driveway drains onto a public road and the surface is not permeable, you may need planning permission or a drainage solution built into the design. Permeable block paving, which allows water to drain through the joints into a sub-base designed to absorb it, can add to the cost but avoids planning complications. Our guide on do you need planning permission for a tarmac driveway covers the rules in detail, and the same principles apply to block paving.
How does block paving compare to other surfaces on cost?
Block paving vs tarmac
Tarmac is generally cheaper to install per square metre and is quicker to lay. At Maughan Construction, tarmac driveways are priced at £100 per square metre, which reflects the quality of installation and materials used, though tarmac as a surface type is usually less labour-intensive than block paving at comparable project sizes. The key difference comes down to longevity and repairability. A block paved driveway can have individual blocks lifted and replaced if a section is damaged. With tarmac, repairs tend to be more visible. Our block paving vs tarmac cost comparison goes through this in more detail if you’re weighing up both options.
Block paving vs tegula
Tegula paving is a premium block product with a distinctive textured finish. It costs more than standard block paving but delivers a higher-end look that holds its appearance well over time. For homeowners in Staffordshire and Cheshire who want something that stands out from a standard grey block driveway, it’s worth considering. More detail is on the tegula paving service page.
For a full comparison across all surfaces including resin, gravel and Indian stone, the complete driveway cost guide covers everything in one place.
Ongoing costs: what to budget for after installation
Maintenance
Block paving is low maintenance, but it does need some attention to stay looking its best. Weeds can establish in the joints over time, particularly in shaded areas. A jet wash once a year and an application of polymeric jointing sand every few years keeps this under control. Our complete guide to cleaning block paving covers the process in detail.
Re-sanding the joints every four to five years is the other regular task. As kiln-dried sand works loose through traffic and weather, the blocks can start to shift slightly. Re-sanding and re-compacting keeps the surface stable. It’s a straightforward job and inexpensive if caught before the blocks have moved significantly.
Repairs
One of the genuine advantages of block paving over poured surfaces is that individual blocks can be lifted and replaced. If a patch is damaged by a fuel spill or a section sinks due to sub-base movement, you don’t need to resurface the whole driveway. A localised repair is usually all that’s required, provided the surrounding blocks are still in good condition.
The long-term lifespan of a well-installed block paved driveway is 20 to 30 years. Over that period, the cost per year compares favourably with cheaper surfaces that need replacing sooner or require more frequent maintenance.
Maughan Construction covers Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford, Crewe, Congleton and the surrounding areas of Staffordshire and Cheshire. Every installation comes with a full workmanship guarantee and no deposit required until you’re satisfied with the finished result.
Get a free no-obligation quote
Ted and the team at Maughan Construction are happy to visit and give you an accurate price for your specific property. No pressure, no deposit, just a straight answer on what it will cost and how long it will take.
Request a free quote here or call 07500 042119.
How much does block paving cost per square metre in the UK?
Block paving typically costs between £70 and £120 per square metre for a standard residential installation. The final figure depends on the block type, pattern, and groundwork required. Maughan Construction’s installations start from £70 per square metre across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
How much does a full block paving driveway cost?
Most standard single driveways come in between £1,750 and £2,400. A larger double driveway typically runs from £3,000 to £5,000 or more, depending on size, block choice and the condition of the existing surface. Getting a site visit and a tailored quote is the only way to get an accurate figure.
Is block paving more expensive than tarmac?
It depends on the project, but block paving is generally more expensive per square metre because it takes longer to lay. The trade-off is a longer lifespan and the ability to repair individual sections rather than the whole surface. Our block paving vs tarmac guide compares the two in detail.
How long does block paving last?
A properly installed block paving driveway should last 20 to 30 years with basic maintenance. Re-sanding the joints every few years and an annual jet wash is usually all that’s needed to keep it in good condition over that period.
Does block paving need planning permission?
In most cases, no. Standard block paving on a front driveway does not require planning permission provided the surface is permeable or drains away from the public highway. If you are in a conservation area or using an impermeable surface, restrictions may apply. Maughan Construction can advise during your free quote visit.
What is the cheapest type of block paving?
Standard concrete blocks in a simple pattern are the most affordable option. Choosing a single colour, a straightforward laying pattern such as running bond, and minimising edging features will keep costs down without compromising on durability.
