Driveway & Block Paving Contractors in Kent
Block paving, slab and gravel driveways built on a base that lasts.
A driveway takes the weight of a car every day, in every season, so most of the work happens below the surface. We dig out to the right depth, lay and compact a sub-base suited to your ground, set the levels so water runs where it should, and only then lay the finish you've chosen.
We build block paving, porcelain and natural slab, gravel and resin bound driveways. Many jobs also include new edging, steps up to the front door, dropped kerb work or security bollards, and we can plan all of that as one project rather than leaving you to coordinate separate trades.
Before we quote, we visit, measure up and talk through how you use the space: how many cars, where you turn, where the water goes now. That conversation shapes the design more than any brochure does.
Options
Choosing what’s right for you.
Block paving
Hard-wearing, easy to repair a section at a time, and available in many colours and laying patterns. Weeds and moss can appear in the joints over time, so it benefits from occasional re-sanding. Permeable block paving is available where drainage rules require it.
Porcelain or natural stone slabs
A clean, modern look that ties in well with a matching patio. Driveway slabs need to be thicker and fully bedded than patio slabs to take vehicle loads, which adds to the cost. Porcelain stays consistent in colour and resists staining.
Gravel
The most affordable option and naturally free-draining. It needs a stabilising grid or firm edging to stop stones travelling, and it will want topping up and raking from time to time.
Resin bound
A smooth, seamless finish that lets water through when laid on a suitable permeable base. The quality depends heavily on the base and the weather on the day it is laid, so preparation matters.
Our work
Driveways we’ve built.
Front garden rebuilt: brick walls, porcelain steps and a block-paved driveway
New block steps and herringbone paving at a terraced house
More photos
Worth knowing
Before you start.
- 01
Front garden drainage rules
In England, if you are laying a new or replacement hard surface of more than five square metres in a front garden, it generally needs to be permeable or drain to a permeable area such as a lawn or border. Otherwise planning permission is usually required. We design with this in mind from the start.
- 02
Dropped kerbs
If you need to cross the pavement to reach your driveway, you usually need permission from the highway authority. In Medway that is Medway Council; in the rest of Kent it is normally Kent County Council. Each has its own application process, so check this early.
- 03
Sub-base depth
A driveway needs a deeper, well compacted sub-base than a patio because it carries vehicles. Soft or clay ground may need more digging out or a membrane. Skimping here is the most common reason driveways sink or rut.
- 04
Levels at the house
The finished surface should sit below the damp-proof course of your house and fall away from the walls. We check this on the site visit so water does not end up against your brickwork.
How it works
Four clear steps, no surprises.
From the first visit to the final sweep, you’ll know what’s happening, when, and what it costs.
Site visit
We come out, measure up, check levels and drainage, and talk through what you want and how you use the space.
Clear quote
A written, itemised quote with materials, timings and what is and isn’t included. No pressure and no hidden extras.
The build
Proper excavation and sub-base first, then the finish. We keep the site tidy and keep you updated as we go.
Handover
We walk the finished job with you, clear away, and explain any aftercare so it looks right for years.
Areas
Driveways across Kent.
We cover every district in Kent. Our area guides explain local ground conditions, planning and highways rules.
Questions
Driveways: common questions.
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
Often not, provided the surface is permeable or drains to a lawn or border within your property. If you are covering more than five square metres of a front garden with a surface that sheds water onto the road, you will usually need permission. Listed buildings and conservation areas can have extra rules. We will flag anything we think needs checking with your council.
How long does a driveway take to install?
It depends on size, access and the material. A typical front driveway is usually a matter of days rather than weeks, but excavation, drainage and weather all play a part. We give you a realistic timeframe with your quote and keep you updated if rain or ground conditions change the plan.
Can I park on it straight away?
Block paving and gravel can usually take a car soon after completion. Slabs bedded on mortar and resin surfaces need time to cure before they carry weight. We will tell you exactly when it is safe to drive on for the finish you choose.
Can you sort out the dropped kerb as well?
We can advise on what the highway authority will look for and plan the driveway around it. The application itself goes to Medway Council or Kent County Council depending on where you live, and some authorities require their own approved contractors for work on the pavement. We will explain how it works in your area.
Will my new driveway get weeds?
Any surface with joints can collect windblown seeds over time. A good sub-base, a weed membrane where appropriate and properly filled joints keep it to a minimum. Occasional brushing and re-sanding of block paving joints goes a long way.
Related
Often done together.
Why people hire us
- 15+ yearsbuilding driveways, patios and brickwork in Kent
- Free site visitand a written, itemised quote before any work starts
- Same person throughoutRoss prices the job and builds it, so you always know who to call
- 14 jobs photographedfrom the dig to handover, so you can see how we work
- Quick repliesmost enquiries get an answer the same working day
- 4.9 on Googlefrom 8 reviews
- Fully insured£2 million public liability cover with Zurich
- 5-year guaranteeon our workmanship, in writing
Free, no-obligation quote
Get a free quote for driveways in Kent
Four quick details and a photo if you have one. Ross will get back to you to arrange a free site visit and a written, itemised quote.
- Free site visit and a written, itemised quote
- No obligation and no pressure
- Your details are only used to reply about your job
Get your free quote
We reply to every enquiry, usually the same working day.
