🧱 Try Our Free Block Paving Calculator

For a solid and long-lasting block paving installation, you’ll need more than just paving blocks.

Here’s what to include:

• Sharp sand – Used for bedding and jointing the blocks

• MOT Type 1 sub-base (crushed stone) – Forms a stable foundation layer

• Gravel or hardcore – May be used below the sub-base for drainage

• Edging restraints – Bricks or kerbs that keep blocks from shifting over time

• Weed membrane – Prevents vegetation from growing up through the paving

🧱 Tip: Don’t forget to calculate edging based on the perimeter — not just the surface area.

Missing any of these materials can compromise the structure, leading to sinking, movement, or drainage issues.

To estimate the full cost of a block paving project, you need to calculate both material costs and labour charges.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Materials:
  Expect to pay £20–£125+ per m², depending on the type of block used (budget concrete vs premium stone).

• Labour:
  Most professional installers charge between £50–£85 per m² for standard driveway projects.

• Example:
  A 30m² double driveway might cost:
  • Materials: £2,100 – £3,750
  • Labour: £1,500 – £2,550
  • Total: £3,600 – £6,300

📌 Prices vary by location, slope, access, and design complexity — always get a quote for accuracy.

To calculate the cost of paving your driveway or patio in 2025, follow these steps:

1. Measure the Area
   Multiply the length × width in meters to get the total square meters (m²).

2. Choose Your Paving Material
   Select a block type and note the cost per m². Prices in 2025 range from:

   • Budget options: £20–£45/m²

   • Mid-range: £70–£85/m²

   • Premium/natural stone: £100–£125+/m²

3. Add Labour Costs
   Typical labour ranges from £50–£85 per m² depending on location, slope, and complexity.

4. Include Wastage (Optional)
   Add 10% extra for off-cuts and breakage, especially with angled designs or curves.

5. Calculate Total
   Use the formula:
   (Total Area × Cost per m²) + Labour + Wastage = Estimated Total

Or skip the maths and use our Block Paving Cost Calculator to get an instant estimate.

👉 Want to avoid underestimating?
Hiring a local monoblock paving expert in Glasgow helps ensure accurate quotes and avoids costly mistakes with materials or labour.

To calculate the correct excavation depth, you need to account for all the layers beneath the paving blocks.

🔍 Typical excavation depth breakdown:

• 50–100mm – Paving blocks (depending on type)

• 30–50mm – Sharp sand bedding layer

• 100–150mm – MOT Type 1 sub-base

• 50–100mm – Optional hardcore or gravel (for poor soil or drainage)

➡️ Total recommended depth: 200–300mm (8–12 inches)

📏 Use this depth to determine how much sub-base material to order.

Skipping this calculation can lead to weak foundations — resulting in sinking, shifting blocks, or water pooling.

To install block paving properly, you’ll need a mix of measuring, cutting, digging, and compacting tools.

🛠️ Essential tools include:

• Tape measure – For accurate area planning

• String line & pegs – To mark out straight edges

• Spade or mini digger – For excavation

• Rake & shovel – To level sub-base and sand

• Plate compactor (wacker plate) – For compressing the sub-base and blocks

• Rubber mallet – For adjusting block positions

• Block splitter or angle grinder – To cut blocks to size

• Brush & kiln-dried sand – To fill joints and lock blocks in place

✅ Having the right tools ensures a smoother, safer, and more professional result — while reducing costly mistakes or delays.

Proper drainage is critical to prevent water buildup and structural issues in your paving.

🌧️ Here’s how to design for drainage:

• Slope your paving at a gradient of 1:60 to 1:80 (about 12–16mm per meter) away from buildings or toward a drainage channel.

• Adjust excavation depth on sloped sites to maintain a level base layer thickness throughout.

• Use permeable blocks or soakaways in areas with poor natural drainage.

• Install edge restraints and channels to direct runoff and prevent erosion.

⚠️ Neglecting slope and drainage planning can lead to puddles, surface cracks, or block movement — especially in heavy rain areas.

To secure block paving and prevent shifting, you’ll need to fill the joints with kiln-dried sand (for standard blocks) or a resin-based jointing compound (for permeable or decorative paving).

📐 Kiln-Dried Sand Estimation:

• Average usage: 4–6kg per m²

• For a 30m² driveway: 120–180kg total

• Sold in 25kg bags → You’ll need 5–7 bags

🧱 Resin Jointing Compound:

• Usage varies by block width and gap size

• Typically 1 tub covers 5–10m²

• Always check the product coverage guide

✅ Proper joint filling locks blocks together, prevents weed growth, and keeps the surface even.

Yes — the calculator is designed to accept custom block dimensions in millimeters.

📏 Simply enter:

• Block length (mm)

• Block width (mm)

The tool will convert these into square meters and calculate:

• Total area covered per block

• Number of blocks needed (including optional 10% wastage)

🔄 This flexibility lets you estimate accurately whether you’re using standard monoblock, clay pavers, or decorative stone — ensuring you order the right amount for any design.

Yes — the calculator works for any rectangular or square paving area, including patios, walkways, and garden paths. Just enter the dimensions of your project.

In most UK cases, planning permission is not required for driveways using permeable materials or where runoff drains naturally. For non-permeable surfaces, check with your local council.

A typical single driveway (15–20m²) takes 2–4 days with a professional crew, depending on ground conditions and complexity. DIY may take longer.