Every pattern, border and finish we lay, shown on a typical Bristol driveway. Pick the ones you like and we'll talk them through at your free survey.
The pattern decides how the blocks lock together as much as how the drive looks. Interlocking patterns cope best with cars turning and braking. Each diagram shows the pattern on its own, with an edging course along the bottom.
Blocks laid in pairs at right angles, forming a zig-zag that runs parallel to the edge course.
Blocks lock together in both directions, so it is widely recommended for driveways.
The same right-angled pairs, with the whole pattern turned to 45° against the edge.
The same strong interlock as 90°, with a more dynamic diagonal look. Needs more cut blocks at the edges.
Parallel rows of blocks, with each row offset by half a block.
A classic, tidy look. On driveways it is usually laid with the rows running across the direction of travel.
Stretcher bond turned so the rows run the length of the area, which makes a narrow path or drive look longer.
Half-offset rows of blocks running diagonally across the paved area.
Blocks aligned directly above one another, with continuous straight joints in both directions.
A clean, modern grid. The continuous joints suit paths and patios better than busy driveways.
The same aligned grid, turned to 45° so the continuous joints run diagonally.
Pairs of blocks alternate direction to create a traditional woven effect.
A decorative pattern that works well on paths, patios and feature areas.
Basketweave in two colours, so the alternating pairs read as a checkerboard.
A contrasting header course frames the drive and gives the edge a crisp finish. A band across the middle breaks up a large area.
Stretcher bond framed top and bottom by a contrasting header course laid across the edge.
Contrasting headers at each edge with a matching band across the middle.
Diagonal herringbone finished with a wide contrasting header course along the edge.
Diagonal herringbone split by a narrow contrasting band.
A diagonal stack bond grid crossed by a straight contrasting band.
A contrasting band runs corner to corner, following the line of the diagonal grid.
Inlays, curves and circles turn a plain drive into a centrepiece. They can be combined with most of the patterns above.
A single contrasting diamond outline adds a focal point within the paving.
Two nested contrasting diamond outlines form a feature within the paving.
Contrasting triangles set along the edge, with an outer header course.
Small blocks follow a curve to form a rounded contrasting edge around the main paving.
Concentric rings of buff and grey blocks create a circular feature within the main paving.
Tumbled blocks give an aged, traditional look; smooth and aggregate faces suit modern homes. Permeable blocks let rainwater drain through the joints.
Aged grey concrete blocks with softly distressed edges and a traditional mixed-size layout.
A warm blend of buff, beige and honey tones, with gently aged concrete edges.
Muted copper, red, buff and earthy grey tones combine in an aged concrete block finish.
Earthy brown and charcoal tones give mixed-size concrete blocks a traditional finish.
Light silver concrete blocks with a fine granite aggregate face and dark edging.
Dark graphite concrete blocks with fine visible aggregate and contrasting silver edging.
Red and charcoal concrete blocks with aggregate-filled joints, illustrating a permeable paving finish.
We are approved installers for Marshalls, Tobermore and Brett. These are three popular ranges; each comes in its own block sizes and colours.
Tumbled blocks with an aged, traditional finish. Colours include Traditional, Pennant Grey, Harvest, Charcoal, Autumn and Hazelnut.
Shown in Harvest.
Photo and details: Marshalls
Blocks with a granite aggregate face for a crisp, modern look. Colours: Graphite, Mid Grey and Silver.
Shown in Graphite.
Photo and details: Tobermore
Tumbled permeable blocks with spacer nibs that keep the joints open, so rainwater drains straight through. Colours: Autumn Gold, Brindle and Charcoal.
Shown in Brindle.
Photo and details: Brett
Both look alike from above. The difference is where the rain goes, and that decides what sits underneath.
| Standard block paving | Permeable block paving | |
|---|---|---|
| Where rain goes | Runs off the surface to a channel drain or soakaway | Drains through open joints into the stone below |
| Joints | Kiln-dried sand, brushed in tight | Small stone chippings, kept open |
| Underneath | Sand laying course on a compacted stone sub-base | Stone bedding on an open-graded stone sub-base |
| Front gardens | Over 5 m², the water must run to a permeable area or a soakaway | Drains on-site, which keeps it inside permitted development |
| Upkeep | Top up the jointing sand every few years | Keep the joints clear and top up the chippings |
The layers under the surface matter as much as the finish. Depths, drainage and reinforcement are set for each site at the survey.
The blocks are bedded and jointed with sand, and the surface is laid to fall towards a channel drain. The channel outlet, the falls and the edge restraint are designed for each site.
Stone-filled joints let rain straight through into an open-graded stone foundation, where it soaks away. How well it drains depends on the ground, so we check it at the survey.
Illustrations, not to scale. Layer depths and drainage are designed for each site.
A few things we talk through at every survey.
Herringbone locks together best under turning cars. Stretcher bond and basketweave suit paths, patios and lighter use.
Brindles and reds sit well with brick; buffs and greys suit render and Bath stone. Look at samples next to your walls, not on a screen.
A contrasting header course gives the edge a crisp line and hides the cut blocks along it.
On a front garden, decide between permeable blocks and a channel drain early, because it changes what goes underneath.
FAQ
Herringbone, at 90° or 45°, is the usual choice for driveways because the blocks lock together in both directions and resist movement from turning and braking cars. Stretcher bond also works when the rows run across the direction of travel.
Yes. Borders, bands and inlays can be added to most patterns, and contrasting colours can be mixed. We go through the options with you at the free survey.
No. The patterns are drawn as diagrams and the finishes are illustrations, made to show each option clearly. The block range photos come from the manufacturers. Photos of real driveways we have laid are in our recent work.
Yes. A stained or broken block can be lifted out and replaced without disturbing the rest of the drive, which is one of the main advantages of block paving.
Free site visit, free written quote, no obligation. Smart Paving Bristol covers driveways, patios and paving across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Booking your free survey takes under a minute.
