Project Overview
This project in Rochford was a fantastic kerb appeal upgrade, transforming a tired front garden into a spacious, modern, and highly practical block paved driveway.
Before & After:
Before: The original front area was a combination of a small, dated concrete driveway and a lawn that had seen better days. It offered limited parking and did little to enhance the property’s appearance, looking cluttered and undefined.
After: The new installation is a complete transformation. A spacious charcoal block paved driveway now provides ample parking for multiple vehicles. The design is elevated by a sophisticated three-colour border, adding a crisp, clean finish that dramatically boosts the home’s kerb appeal. A new curved planting area softens the edge and adds a touch of green.
Project Steps:
Creating this smart new driveway involved a complete overhaul of the existing space, executed with precision and care.
1. Site Clearance & Excavation: The first was to clear the entire area. We removed the old concrete path, dug up the lawn, and excavated any shrubs and roots. The site was dug down to the correct depth to ensure a solid foundation for the new driveway.
2. Foundation & Base Preparation: A strong foundation is key to a long-lasting driveway. We laid a full MOT Type 1 hardcore sub-base across the entire excavated area. This was then thoroughly compacted using a heavy-duty plate compactor to create a solid and stable base, ready for the paving.
3. Laying the Block Paving: With the foundations in place, we began laying the pavers. The main body of the driveway was laid using high-quality charcoal block paving in a classic herringbone pattern. The standout feature is the border, which consists of a charcoal header, a crisp white pinstripe, and a final charcoal edge, creating a sharp and defined look.
4. Finishing Touches: To complete the installation, kiln-dried sand was brushed into all the joints to lock the blocks together securely. The entire driveway was then compacted one last time to ensure a perfectly level and durable finish. A new planting bed with a curved edge was also created, ready for the homeowners to add their favourite shrubs.
Conclusion:
This Rochford project perfectly illustrates how professional block paving can completely transform a property’s frontage. The new driveway is not only far more practical, providing much-needed parking, but it also adds significant value and visual appeal. The clean lines and stylish border have created a modern, welcoming entrance that the homeowners will enjoy for years to come.
