Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about driveway and patio installation in Dublin. Can't find what you're looking for? Call us on +353 87 603 1203.
General
No. Site surveys and written quotes are completely free, with no obligation to proceed. We come to your property, assess the job, and give you a written quote within 24 hours.
Lead times vary by time of year. In summer we're typically 2–4 weeks booked ahead; in winter it's usually shorter. Contact us for current availability and we'll give you an honest estimate.
County Dublin and the commuter belt — County Kildare (Naas, Celbridge, Maynooth, Leixlip, Newbridge), County Meath (Ashbourne, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Navan), County Wicklow (Bray, Greystones, Wicklow town), and southern County Louth (Drogheda, Dundalk). If you're unsure whether your location is within our area, just ask.
No. We don't ask for a deposit upfront. You pay when the job is done and you're satisfied with the result. We believe a contractor who stands behind their work doesn't need to hold your money before they start.
Yes. We carry full public liability insurance and employer's liability insurance. You can request a copy of the certificate — we'll send it to you.
Yes. Every installation comes with a written workmanship guarantee. If something fails due to how the job was laid — not normal wear, but a genuine workmanship issue — we'll come back and address it at no charge.
Our own trained team does the work. We don't subcontract. The same team that quotes the job does the job, which is how we maintain quality across every project.
Over 15 years. We've been installing driveways and patios across Dublin since the early 2000s. We're a local business, not a franchise, and many of our customers come through referrals from previous clients.
We aim to respond to all enquiries within a few hours during business hours. For urgency, a call or WhatsApp message gets the fastest response.
Yes — see our gallery for project photos. We can also provide references from previous customers in your area on request.
Pricing
Driveway cost depends on the size of the area, the existing surface condition, sub-base requirements, the material chosen, drainage needs, and access. We don't publish set prices because a number on a webpage would either be dishonestly low or padded high. The only honest price is one written after seeing your specific job. We offer a free site survey and written quote within 24 hours — covering every element with no hidden extras.
Because every project is genuinely different. The same 50 square metres can cost very different amounts depending on whether the ground is sound or soft, whether there's an existing surface to remove, whether drainage is required, and what material the customer chooses. A number on a webpage either misleads customers who don't need the extras, or loses us customers who see a headline figure and assume the total will be much higher. A free site survey and written quote gives you a real, itemised price for your actual project.
A written quote from us covers: excavation and waste removal, sub-base supply and compaction, surface material (blocks, tarmac, resin, etc.), edging and kerbing, drainage as required, VAT, and any other site-specific items identified at survey. Nothing is hidden. If there's an optional extra, it's listed separately so you can choose.
Very rarely. Occasionally we discover something during excavation that wasn't visible at the survey — a collapsed drain, unexpected soil conditions — and we'd inform you immediately and discuss before proceeding. We don't spring extras on customers at the end of a job. If something is found that changes the scope, we discuss it before acting.
Process
We come to your property, assess the existing surface and ground conditions, measure the area, check drainage requirements, and discuss your options in terms of materials and patterns. The survey typically takes 20–30 minutes. There's no charge and no obligation.
Within 24 hours. We aim to have a written quote to you by the next business day after the survey.
Clear any vehicles from the driveway. If there are plants or garden features at the edges that you want preserved, let us know in advance. Make sure there's reasonable access for a small digger if excavation is needed — we'll confirm access requirements at the survey.
We work year-round, weather permitting. Most ground work can proceed in winter — the main constraints are hard frost (which affects laying of sand-bedded blocks and tarmac) and prolonged heavy rain. We monitor the forecast and schedule accordingly. If conditions aren't right for your specific job, we'll advise rather than push ahead.
Yes. All waste material — broken concrete, excavated soil, old surface material, packaging — is removed from site at the end of the job. We leave the site clean.
Planning
Generally no, for most residential driveways. The key requirement in Dublin is that the driveway doesn't drain surface water onto the public road — it must use a permeable surface or drain to a lawn, garden, or soakaway. We're familiar with Dublin City Council and county council requirements and will advise on this at the site survey.
Not for most standard residential driveways that meet the drainage requirements. If you're on a protected structure, in a conservation area, or the paving involves boundary changes that affect sight lines, there may be additional requirements. We'll flag anything that looks relevant during the site survey.
SUDS stands for Sustainable Drainage Systems. Under Irish planning guidelines since 2008, any new driveway paving to a front garden must manage surface water on the property rather than directing it to the public road. Options include: permeable paving (resin-bound, permeable block paving, gravel), directing drainage to a lawn or garden bed, or installing a soakaway. We design drainage into every driveway installation we quote.
Walls up to 1.2m on the front boundary of a residential property are generally exempt from planning permission in Ireland. Walls over 2m anywhere on the property generally require planning. There are nuances around protected structures, road frontages, and specific planning zones. We'll advise on this at the site survey.
Materials
We primarily use Kilsaran and Tobermore — both of which manufacture in Ireland and maintain consistent quality. Kilsaran Maxima is our most commonly specified block. Tobermore Tegula is popular where a client wants a more traditional or aged appearance. We'll show you sample blocks during the site survey.
Granite setts are essentially indestructible when properly laid. Among the more common options, block paving and tarmac both last 20–30+ years with proper installation. Concrete can last 30–50 years. Resin-bound surfaces typically last 15–25 years. The installation quality — particularly the sub-base — matters more than the surface material choice in determining longevity.
Resin-bound driveways are worth considering if you want a smooth, weed-resistant, permeable surface with minimal maintenance. They're more expensive than tarmac but comparable to quality block paving. The main advantage is that they're fully permeable (satisfying drainage requirements without separate drainage work) and essentially weed-free. The disadvantage is that they're harder to repair if damaged than block paving.
Both are good choices — it depends on what you want. Tarmac is faster to install, generally lower maintenance in the short term, and gives a clean uniform look. Block paving is repairable section by section, comes in a wider range of colours and patterns, and is generally considered to add more value to a property. Tarmac is the practical, unfussy option; block paving is the aesthetic choice. We'll discuss both options at the site survey.
Natural granite setts, natural limestone or sandstone flags, tumbled concrete blocks (like Tobermore Tegula), and traditional cobblelock all work well on period properties. We'll advise on what suits your specific home during the site survey.
Maintenance
Sweep regularly to remove leaves and debris. Refresh kiln-dried jointing sand every few years as it washes out — this is what keeps the blocks stable. Apply a block paving weedkiller in spring to keep joints clear. Don't pressure wash aggressively as this blows out the jointing sand. A gentle wash with a patio cleaner once a year is fine.
Tarmac requires minimal maintenance. Sweep it regularly. Avoid leaving oil spills sitting on the surface (they can soften tarmac). In the first year, avoid turning car wheels sharply when stationary, as this can mark fresh tarmac. After 5–7 years, a light seal coat can restore the colour and protect the surface, though this is optional rather than required.
A proprietary natural stone cleaner is the safest option. Avoid bleach or high-alkaline products as these can stain sandstone. Pressure washing is fine at moderate pressure with a wide fan nozzle. After cleaning, re-seal the stone — Indian sandstone should be sealed every 2–3 years to prevent staining and moisture ingress.
Resin-bound surfaces need very little maintenance. Brush off leaves and debris regularly to prevent staining. Wash down with a garden hose or low-pressure washer. Remove any oil or fuel spills promptly. Avoid using metal-tipped shovels or heavy scrapers directly on the surface.
Still Have Questions?
Call us, WhatsApp, or fill in the form — we'll get back to you quickly.
Prefer the office? Call +353 1 676 8767
📍 27 N City Business Park, Finglas, Dublin 11
⏰ Mon–Fri 7:30am–6pm, Sat 8am–4pm