How Much Material Do I Need for a Block Paved Driveway?

Planning a new block paved driveway involves more than simply working out how many paving blocks you need.

A typical driveway build requires several different materials, and getting the quantities wrong can mean extra deliveries, delays and unnecessary costs.

What Materials Do You Need for a Block Paved Driveway?

Although every project is different, the main materials usually include:

• Block paving
• MOT Type 1 sub-base
• Sharp sand
• Kiln-dried jointing sand
• Weed control or separation membrane
• Cement and ballast where required for edge restraints
• Additional paving to allow for cuts and wastage

The amount required depends primarily on the size of the driveway, but ground conditions, excavation depth, layout and paving pattern can also affect the quantities.

How Do You Calculate the Size of Your Driveway?

Start by measuring the length and width of the area in metres.

For a simple rectangular driveway:

Length × Width = total area in square metres

For example, a driveway measuring 5 metres wide by 5.5 metres long would have an area of approximately 27.5m².

It is also sensible to allow additional paving for cuts, breakages and wastage rather than ordering exactly the measured area.

Don’t Forget the Sub-Base

The paving itself is only one part of the driveway.

A properly constructed block paved driveway normally requires a substantial compacted sub-base beneath the laying course. This is one of the areas where DIY customers can easily underestimate the amount of material required.

Sharp sand is then used to create the laying course for the blocks, with kiln-dried sand brushed into the joints once the paving has been laid and compacted.

1-Car Complete Driveway Pack

Make Ordering a Complete Driveway Easier

If you would rather avoid calculating and ordering every material separately, UK Building Supplies offers Complete Driveway Packs for 1-car, 2-car and 3-car driveways.

The main materials are brought together in one package, making it much easier to plan your project and reducing the risk of forgetting something important.

Our packs are available in a choice of block colours and are suitable for both DIY projects and professional installers.

FREE standard delivery is included.

If your driveway does not match one of our standard pack sizes, simply send us your measurements and we can help you work out what you need.

Shop Complete Driveway Packs at UK Building Supplies.