Block paving has become synonymous with driveways, and aside from stark tarmac or burdensome gravel, is the only real option.

One of the key strengths of block paving for driveways is indeed just that: its strength. The blocks simply float on a dense bed of sharp sand, but because they aren’t strictly fixed, can absorb the weight of a vehicle multiple times without ever cracking. There’s also the sheer thickness (usually 50mm+) of the pavers, coupled with their relatively small size, which helps them shoulder the burden with ease.

Another positive aspect of block paving is the ease in which it can be laid, due to there being no ‘wet’ substances (such as mortar or cement) used to bed it. This fact also means block paving is easy to take up again at a later date for underground maintenance such as drainage or cabling, and seamlessly be relaid.

And finally — and perhaps most importantly for many — is the price. Block paving is one of the best value surface coverings for driveways (and in general is by far the cheapest paving format). Gravel or tarmac might seem cheaper in the short-term, but gravel is very labour intensive to weed and sweep up, and tarmac is dull by anyone standards, while also being expensive and unsightly to repair if underground work needs to be carried out.

However block paving’s popularity has also lead to it becoming a boringly generic surface covering, with barely any variations in shape, colour or texture between our driveways and public areas. For a long time since its rise to popularity in the 80s, there’s been very little evolution in its stylistic potential but to answer this shortcoming, manufacturers have begun designing more distinctive, characteristic varieties to cater to different tastes. The Bradstone block paving reviews featured here are by no means exhaustive, but hopefully give some insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the types available to buy.