One of the most common questions we get asked is: “What actually happens when you install a driveway?” This guide walks you through our complete installation process from first enquiry to finished driveway — so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Free Site Survey
Every job starts with a free, no-obligation site survey at your property. During this visit, we:
- Assess the existing ground conditions and any drainage requirements
- Check for underground utilities (gas, electric, water) that need to be avoided
- Take measurements and discuss access for machinery and materials
- Talk through your design preferences — pattern, colour, edging options
- Note any specific requirements such as dropped kerbs, gates, or walls
This usually takes 30–60 minutes. We aim to provide a written quote within 24 hours.
Step 2: Quote & Planning
Your written quote will break down:
- Excavation depth and volume
- Sub-base specification (usually 150mm Type 1 MOT)
- Sharp sand bed (typically 40–50mm compacted)
- Block paving specification and quantity
- Edge restraints and drainage channels
- Any additional groundworks
We don’t itemise everything — our quotes are fixed price, meaning what we quote is what you pay, regardless of what the ground throws up.
Step 3: Preparation Before We Start
You’ll need to:
- Clear the driveway of any vehicles
- Move any pots, furniture or obstacles from the area
- Let us know about any specific access constraints
We’ll let you know the exact start date and expected duration once the job is booked in.
Step 4: Excavation
On day one, we excavate the existing surface. For a standard driveway, this typically means removing:
- Existing tarmac, concrete, or paving
- Topsoil and soft ground beneath
- To a depth of 200–250mm below finished level
The excavated material is loaded into a skip or tipper and removed from site. This is the most disruptive part of the job — there will be noise and heavy machinery.
Step 5: Sub-Base Installation
Once excavated, we install the sub-base:
- Geotextile membrane — laid over the prepared ground to prevent mixing of sub-base and subgrade
- Type 1 MOT — crushed limestone or granite, spread and compacted in layers to the specified depth (usually 150mm compacted)
- Plate compaction — using a vibrating plate compactor to achieve a firm, stable base
This is the most critical stage of the installation. A well-built sub-base prevents settlement and ensures your driveway lasts. We never cut corners here.
Step 6: Laying the Blocks
With the sub-base complete:
- Sharp sand screeding — a 40–50mm layer of sharp sand is screeded to the correct falls (minimum 1:60 gradient for drainage)
- Edge restraints — concrete haunched edgings are installed first to contain the blocks
- Block laying — starting from a fixed point, blocks are laid in the specified pattern
- Cutting — blocks at edges are cut to fit using a diamond-blade saw
- Compaction — the finished surface is compacted with a plate compactor (with a rubber mat to protect the blocks)
- Kiln-dried sand — brushed into the joints to lock the blocks and prevent movement
Step 7: Final Inspection & Walkthrough
Before we leave, we:
- Check all falls and drainage outlets
- Inspect edge restraints and confirm they’re fully haunched
- Clear all debris and sweep the driveway
- Walk round with you to confirm you’re happy with the finished result
You’ll receive your 5-year guarantee at this point.
Typical Timeline
| Driveway Size | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Up to 30m² | 2–3 days |
| 30–60m² | 3–5 days |
| 60–100m² | 5–7 days |
| 100m²+ | 7+ days |
These are working day estimates and assume reasonable ground conditions and weather.
What About Disruption?
We try to minimise disruption throughout. You won’t be able to use the driveway during installation, but we’ll always aim to leave the entrance accessible for pedestrians overnight. If you have specific requirements — for example, you need to park a car — let us know and we’ll factor this into the schedule.