Hard Landscaping

Driveway Installation

Driveways that combine kerb appeal with durability — properly built to last decades.

About this service

A driveway has to cope with the weight of vehicles, oil spills, winter frost and constant traffic — making the quality of the sub-base absolutely critical. We install block paving, resin-bound gravel, tarmac, gravel and permeable paving systems, all starting from a correctly engineered sub-base designed for the anticipated vehicle loads.

Block Paving Driveways

Concrete or clay block paving is the most popular Hampshire driveway surface — durable, repairable and available in a wide range of colours and patterns including herringbone, basketweave and stretcher bond.

Resin-Bound Gravel

A UV-stable polyurethane resin binds natural aggregate into a smooth, permeable surface — attractive, SUDS-compliant and maintenance-free apart from occasional jet washing.

Permeable Block Paving

Open-jointed permeable blocks allow water to drain through — meeting the SuDS requirement for front garden paving over 5 m² without planning permission.

Tarmac & Macadam

A hot-rolled asphalt surface on a properly prepared base provides a long-lasting, cost-effective driveway. We offer both plain black and coloured dressing options.

Edging & Kerbing

A solid, haunched concrete kerb or block edging prevents the driveway surface from spreading at the edges — essential for all flexible-surface driveways.

Dropped Kerb Coordination

We liaise with Hampshire County Council for dropped kerb applications where needed and can manage the footway reinstatement if required.

Our process

A clear, professional approach on every project — so you know what to expect at every stage.

Survey & Planning

We measure the driveway, assess the existing surface, discuss drainage requirements and surface options, and advise on any dropped kerb application needed.

Excavation

Existing surface and topsoil are removed to the required depth — typically 200–250 mm for a block paved domestic driveway. All spoil is removed from site.

Sub-base Compaction

Type 1 MOT granular sub-base is laid and compacted in 100 mm layers using a vibrating plate compactor — this is the most critical stage of the entire job.

Edge Restraints

Concrete haunched kerbs or edging blocks are laid on all free edges to contain the driveway surface and prevent lateral spread.

Surface Installation & Compaction

Block paving is laid to pattern, cut at edges, and compacted with a plate compactor over a rubber mat. Jointing sand is brushed in and the surface compacted again.

Common questions

Practical answers to the questions we hear most often about driveway installation.

Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?

Driveways using permeable materials (permeable block paving, gravel, resin-bound) need no planning permission regardless of size. Impermeable surfaces over 5 m² in front gardens require planning permission unless drainage to a lawn or border is provided.

How thick does the sub-base need to be for a car?

A minimum of 150 mm compacted Type 1 is standard for cars. For vans or commercial vehicles we increase this to 200 mm or more depending on axle loads.

How long does a block paved driveway last?

A properly installed block paved driveway should last 20–30 years before needing significant maintenance. Individual damaged blocks can be lifted and replaced without disturbing the rest of the surface — a major advantage over tarmac.

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