Block paving is something that you can lay yourself, however, it can be quite daunting and unless you have the right machinery and have some previous experience, you are much better off choosing a paving contractor to help you install it in Dublin.
For example, when you choose paving Dublin it is commonly available now as a 50mm paving block but previously the most common was 60mm for paving. This was lowered after it became obvious that for a standard driveway, 50mm will withstand much of the traffic.
On driveway areas that are going to have HGV vehicles on it, the most common type of block paving is the 60mm style. It can easily withstand the traffic from an HGV and other vehicles without any worry about your block paving in Dublin becoming damaged by it.
On roadways, the average type of block paving is 80mm. This is not because 60mm can’t withstand the traffic, it’s the constant traffic and shifting that creates problems. The 80mm block pavior due to its extra weight will not shift like the others.
When you opt for block paving your own driveway, you should try to first narrow down the purpose of it. If it’s a standard Dublin driveway, you can save a little money and go with a 50mm block. If you have lorries that will be delivering oil or goods to your home, go with a 60mm. The 80mm block is simply not needed for a driveway.
The next choice is to choose the style of block paving, you can opt for the Corrib paving style from Kilsaran, which is generally laid in 3 sizes. It is laid in staggered lines to offset the joints. This is important as it will allow better interlocking of your block paving.
The most common type of block paving is still the standard herringbone pattern in a style like Pedesta paving from Tobermore. It is cost effective (slightly cheaper than other variants) and when laid correctly, will interlock very strong to ensure a durable, solid driveway paving.
The other option which is becoming more popular is the permeable paving range. This is for driveways or patios that are going to suffer from flooding. You can read more about driveway drainage here. Permeable is laid like standard paving but has a much more rippled side to allow a bigger joint.
It is laid on a permeable base to ensure water can flow through fast and quickly and be drained away. It is the most expensive option when you include the base preparation required for it work correctly.
Choosing an edging for your driveway can make a huge difference to the overall look of your driveway as it can make the paving stand out and make it more defined.
Edging kerbs are available which are the standard grey, cement colour. The paving range is called block paving kerbs and are available in the most common colours of Charcoal, Brindle and Grey. With block paving kerbs, you can have a rounded front, an angled front or a square look to your paving. You can read more about the types of driveway edges here.
On your driveway or patio are you might have an inspection chamber (manhole cover), which if you are block paving, you really should replace with a recessed inspection chamber. They allow you to sit the block paving into the cover which stops the inspection chamber standing out on your driveway.
Another factor to consider when you are having block paving laid at your home in Dublin, is what type of border and any paving features you want to insert on your driveway. A border is required on every block paving job to allow the paving to be cut cleanly. Without a border there is no edge to cut the block paving into.
Generally, you should use a different colour for your border as it will make the paving stand out and enhance the pattern of it. It is normally laid in a stretcher bond around the entire area. Any paving patterns you are inserting on the driveway should be done with a matching colour so it has come colour coordination.
Now all of the above options you can go through with a builder’s yard or supplier, however, most of the time do not have the experience to give you an exact breakdown of what will suit you. This is why when you are choosing to have Dublin paving installed, we recommend finding a local paving contractor in Dublin who can give you a proper estimate by visiting your property and assessing it.
They should go through with your options on the types and styles of paving including the required preparation and provide you with samples and examples of previous work that they completed using the same type of paving they have installed on driveways in Dublin.
Always get a few quotes but above all, make sure you choose your paving company by reputation, quality of work and how long its in business. Just because you get a cheaper quote from another company doesn’t mean you will get the same job done.
An adequately installed block paved driveway or patio should easily last you the average guarantee period of 5 years before you have any problems. We recommend yearly maintenance on your block paving to ensure it stays in good condition.
During your maintenance of it, if you have power washed it, make sure to top up your block paving joints with fresh Kiln Dried Sand which you can purchase from a builder’s yard in County Dublin.
If you would like to know more, you can view the different types of paving with standard concrete, clay pavers and natural stone.
