Darlaston Builders Merchants

Block Paving Driveway Sub-Base Calculator

Enter your driveway size and we'll work out the sub-base, sand, blocks and edging you need to lay it properly, ready to order from DBM.

Your driveway

150mm for a car driveway.
5% covers cuts, a bit more for herringbone.
The run of edging that holds the blocks in. Leave blank and we'll assume all four sides.

Your shopping list

You'll needOrder from DBM
Planning note: a new solid (non-permeable) driveway over 5 m² that drains onto the road usually needs planning permission. Permeable block paving normally does not, so it's worth considering for a driveway.
How the driveway goes together

1. Dig out and lay the sub-base

Dig out around 250mm, then lay and compact your MOT Type 1 hardcore to about 150mm with a plate compactor.

2. Lay the sand course

Screed a 40mm laying course of sharp sand over the compacted sub-base.

3. Lay the blocks

Lay the blocks in your pattern (herringbone is strongest for a drive) with a couple of millimetres between them, and set the edging in concrete to hold it all in.

4. Compact and joint

Run a plate compactor over the blocks, brush kiln-dried sand into the joints, then give it one more pass.

Quantities are a guide based on standard coverages and include your chosen wastage. Ground conditions and levels change how much sub-base you need, so order a little over. Pop into any DBM branch and we'll help you finalise the order.

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