Adding a driveway is one of the most practical home improvements you can make as most of us own at least one car and on-street parking can be a nightmare. Plus, it’s thought that installing a driveway can boost your home’s value between 5% and 10%.
Block paving is a popular choice for creating a driveway as it’s versatile, durable and low maintenance. But with installations typically costing upwards of £3,000, you really want to make sure you get a good finish. Here’s a few ways you can enhance the look and functionality of a block-paved driveway.
Think about the size
Block paving can be used to make a driveway of practically any size and shape. And the size and shape of your driveway does matter.
If you have the space, it’s worth thinking about making it big enough to fit two or three cars, even if you only own the one. This means that if your family get another car in the future, there’s still plenty of room on your driveway. It also provides a handy space for visiting friends and family to park.
In terms of driveway width, don’t simply measure the width of your car to calculate the space you’ll need. Ideally, you want extra space each side to make it easy to get in and out of the car. You also want your driveway to be deep enough, so that you can fit your cars in and close the gates. You should also factor in space for accessing the boot to unload things like shopping and pushchairs easily.
And the shape
A simple rectangular driveway is ideal when space is limitedand placing this to the side of your house means your front windows can look out onto the garden rather than the car. But if your driveway is sloping, you may fancy adding a curve to your driveway as this can help to soften the gradient, making it easier to drive in and out. Making the driveway wider at the gate end can also improve access.
Take your block paving beyond the driveway
If you are thinking about using block paving on yourdriveway, you needn’t stop there. Why not continue your pavers around the garden, creating coordinating paths and seating areas? This will help to link your outside areas together, creating a cohesive landscape design. And in turn, this should boost the kerb appeal of your home.
Use colour and pattern
Pavers come in different colours, meaning you can match them to your homes brickwork or create an attractive contrast. You could also edge the driveway with contrasting stones, perhaps using red pavers for the drive area and blue kerb stones.
How you lay the pavers can also enhance the design of your driveway. Popular patterns include stretcher bond, herringbone and basketweave, but you could also incorporate a diamond inlay or similar design. And if you want to make more of your edging stones you could use a different pattern along the border.
Another good use of colour and pattern is to zone your hardscaping, drawing a clear line between vehicle and pedestrian areas.
Pick the right materials
Block paving can be made out of stone, brick, concrete and even composite materials. Each material has its pros and cons, so you should compare each to make sure you get a driveway you’re happy with.
With composite, brick and concrete blocks, you may find there’s a greater range of colours to choose from than natural stone. But aesthetically, you may find stone paving gives you the best finish. With concrete pavers, you can choose between smooth and uniform blocks or blocks that are tumbled or riven for a more natural, rustic look. So, there’s plenty of style choice. If budget is an issue, you can reduce your block paving cost by going for a concrete rather than a stone paver.
For those tackling the installation themselves, or looking to make maintenance more manageable, consider aftermarket bobcat parts for any equipment used in the process. This can also be beneficial in terms of cost and availability.
Make it low maintenance
There are a few ways to make sure your driveway and garden paths are low maintenance. The first is to add a weed membrane to your base. You may also decide to go for a bound rather than unbound driveway. This uses mortar instead of sand in the joints to give you a durable and low maintenance finish. Depending on the type of paver, you may also find sealing the blocks will protect the surface, cutting down on cleaning. So, it’s important to look at all the installation options.
Get a good finish with garden landscaping
The final way to ensure your block paved driveway has a good finish is to landscape the rest of your front garden. Creating flower-filled borders or adding in box hedging can soften your hardscaping while rejuvenating your garden walls, fences and gates will ensure the whole of your exterior looks as fab as your new driveway.