Brick Driveway UK: The Complete 2024 Guide

A brick driveway or paving brick exudes timeless charm and durability, enhancing the curb appeal of any home with its classic aesthetic and robust construction. 

Brick driveways have been popular since the early 20th century due to their unmatched durability. Offering a wide range of design possibilities, from traditional herringbone patterns to contemporary sleek layouts, they are the preferred choice for homeowners seeking functionality and style.

In this article, we will confidently explore the many benefits of brick driveways, the installation process, maintenance tips, and the various design options available to help you transform your driveway into a stunning, long-lasting property feature.

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In the UK market, the best block brick pavers are renowned for their exceptional quality, durability, and timeless appeal. 

Block paving bricks, or brick pavers, differ from other bricks used in landscaping designs such as garden walls or houses. 

It's essential to look for brick pavers rather than bricks. Brick pavers are solid and smooth without any holes, contributing to the sturdiness and durability of your driveway.

Clay brick pavers have a limited range of colours, but you can choose from such colours as;

The colours you choose depend on personal preference. However, the best block paving bricks prioritise quality, size, and thickness. 

The best block paving bricks are at least 60mm thick; any thinner and the weight of your vehicle may cause the clay bricks to crack. If your new driveway is exposed to heavy traffic, opt for a thickness of around 70mm.

The standard size of a block paving brick is 100-105 x 200-215 x 60mm. However, other types, such as setts, cobblestones, and squares, are available. Setts have a standard size of 300mm x 300mm, cobbles 60mm x 60mm, and squares 150mm x 150mm.

These sizes allow for various design options for your block-paving brick driveway. The size will affect the cost and the number of bricks required, so factor this in when planning. 

A brick weave refers to how you lay out the bricks of your driveway. The best brick weave for your driveway depends on several factors, including aesthetic preference, durability, and ease of installation. There are different types of brick weaves:

1. Herringbone pattern: This durable weave is excellent for driveways because it provides strong interlocking strength. The bricks are laid at a 45—or 90-degree angle to the borders, creating a zigzag pattern that can withstand heavy traffic and prevent shifting.

2. Basket weave pattern: This classic design features pairs of bricks laid horizontally and vertically in alternating patterns. It's visually appealing and adds a traditional touch to driveways. However, it may be weaker than the herringbone pattern for withstanding heavy loads.

3. Stretcher bond pattern: This pattern involves laying bricks in rows, with each brick offset by half the brick's width in the row above. It's simple to install and creates a clean, linear look, though it might not be as interlock-strong as the herringbone pattern.

The herringbone pattern is often considered the best for most driveways due to its exceptional strength and resistance to shifting under heavy loads. However, the final choice should balance functional needs and personal aesthetic preferences.

The cost of brick paving in the UK can vary significantly based on factors such as the bricks' quality, the design's complexity, the driveway's size, and your location.

According to BuildIFY Ltd, brick paving costs between £4,000 to £5,000 for a 20m² driveway. This type of paved driveway is more expensive than concrete pavers, as clay bricks are much harder to cut and heavier, requiring more experienced specialists.

Clay bricks are naturally sourced, unlike concrete or tarmac. This means they are more environmentally friendly, but the extraction costs increase as they are more challenging to obtain than artificial ingredients like concrete.

While clay bricks may have a higher upfront cost, their durability, aesthetic appeal, and environmental benefits can make them a preferred choice.

Brick paving costs between £60 and £108 per m². According to PavingExpert, you will typically get around 50 bricks per square meter, but this is dependent on the size of brick you choose. 

The cost of clay bricks is influenced by the quality of the brick, the size and shape as well as the accessibility and location of your home.

If your home is located remote, transportation costs for clay materials will increase. To reduce prices, try sourcing your clay bricks locally. Because of the higher cost of living, premier prices of clay bricks are put on homes in and around London.

We have created the table below to show the cost per m² based on the range for standard driveway sizes. This will give you a better idea of what costs to expect.

It's important to note that the table above shows only the cost of materials. Other factors will also contribute to the cost of block paving bricks. Labour and groundwork costs significantly affect the overall price of block paving bricks.

Driveway installers usually charge a daily rate of £150-£200 per person. Around 70% of your expenses will go towards labour when installing a block paving brick driveway. 

Driveway landscaping installation will depend on the experience of the driveway specialist and the time it takes to install it, which is influenced by the shape, size, and complexity of the block brick paving design.

When calculating the labour cost of installing brick pavers, it's essential to consider the time it will take. Driveway specialists typically charge a daily rate, so understanding the estimated time for installation is crucial. Below is a table showing the average time required based on the size of the driveway:

Extensive excavation and removing an old damaged driveway will lengthen the completion time for the new driveway and increase labour costs. 

Additionally, lowering a kerb outside your home will require planning permission, which will increase the cost of the brick paver and labour. 

Any additional features you want to add, such as lighting or gates, will also extend the time needed to finish the brick driveway and increase labour costs.

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On average, it will take around 1,000 bricks for you to install a driveway of around 20m2. Various suppliers offer a range of brick pavers at different prices depending on the brand, quality, colour, and thickness. Many suppliers offer brick packs and provide the cost per pack as well as the cost per square meter. 

We have listed some types of bricks available on supplier sites and their costs per square meter to give you an idea of what is available.

Many suppliers offer bricks in packs. For example, the Monksbridge Royale Block Paving comes in a pack of 360 bricks for a total cost of £404 at B&Q. While the average cost per pack is around £400, it's crucial to note the number of bricks included.

For instance, Woburn Rumbled Brindle Block Paving might initially seem more expensive at £431 per pack. However, each pack contains 672 bricks. For a 20m² driveway, you would likely spend around £862 on Woburn Rumbled Brindle Block Paving, compared to approximately £1,212 for 1,000 Monksbridge brick.

Creating a brick driveway on your own is possible. Still, paving stones requires thorough planning, the right tools, and significant physical labour. Below is a step-by-step guide to DIY a brick driveway:

While a DIY brick driveway can save on installation costs, it demands significant time and effort, and any mistakes can lead to future issues with uneven surfaces or drainage. Therefore, consulting a professional is advisable.

Brick pavers are a popular choice for driveway surfaces, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits but also drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons:

Brick pavers offer a durable, attractive, and environmentally friendly option for driveways but come with higher costs and potential maintenance challenges. Homeowners should weigh these factors based on their priorities and budget when choosing materials for their driveways.