Block Paving Dublin — Driveways, Patios and Paths

Herringbone — either 45° or 90° — is by far the most common pattern in Ireland. It's structurally the strongest because the interlocking angle distributes load in multiple directions, which is why it's used on all commercial block paving. For domestic driveways it also looks clean and timeless. Stretcher bond (brick bond) is the second most popular, particularly on long, narrow drives.

Most residential driveways take 2–5 working days, depending on size and complexity. A standard single driveway (around 40–50 sqm) is usually done in 2 days. Larger driveways with steps, circular features, or extensive drainage work will take longer. We'll give you an exact timeline in your written quote.

Generally no, and we'd advise against it. Laying over an existing surface means you can't assess or correct the sub-base condition, and the extra weight can cause the old surface to sink unevenly. In most cases the existing surface needs to come out so we can inspect the ground and lay a proper compacted sub-base. The exception is if the existing sub-base is in genuinely good condition — we can advise on this during the site survey.

Generally not, but there are conditions. Dublin City Council and most county councils require that front driveways draining towards the public road use permeable paving or drain onto a lawn or garden rather than the street. This is to manage surface water runoff. We're familiar with these requirements and will advise you during the site survey. Permeable block paving (with wider joints and a permeable sub-base) satisfies these requirements and doesn't look any different from standard paving.

Block paving is easy to maintain. Brush it down periodically to remove leaves and debris. Re-apply kiln-dried jointing sand every few years as it washes out over time — this is what keeps the blocks from moving. If you get weeds in the joints, a proprietary block paving weedkiller applied in spring keeps them under control. Don't pressure wash too aggressively or you'll blow out all the jointing sand. A gentle wash once a year with a patio cleaner is fine.

We primarily use Kilsaran and Tobermore, both of which manufacture in Ireland and maintain consistent quality. Kilsaran Maxima is our most commonly specified block — it's durable, widely available in a good colour range, and proven in Irish conditions. Tobermore Tegula is popular where a client wants a more traditional or aged appearance. We'll show you sample blocks during the site survey so you can see the colours properly before committing.

This is one of the advantages of block paving over poured surfaces. Individual blocks can be lifted and relaid without any visible joins. If a block cracks, we can replace it. If an area sinks (which shouldn't happen on a properly laid sub-base), we can lift the blocks, address the sub-base, and relay. Our written guarantee covers workmanship defects — if something goes wrong due to how we laid it, we'll come back.

Block paving is a bespoke installation — the cost depends on the size of the area, the existing surface condition, sub-base requirements, block choice, drainage needs, and access. We don't publish price guides because a number on a webpage would either be dishonestly low or padded high. What we offer instead is a free site survey and a written quote within 24 hours covering every line item. There's no obligation and no deposit required.

Yes. Every block paving installation comes with a written workmanship guarantee. If something fails due to how the job was laid — sinking, spreading, poor jointing — we'll return to correct it at no charge.

We'll do our best. If you know the original block brand and colour, we can often source a match. If the blocks have weathered over the years, a perfect match can be difficult, but we'll advise you honestly on what's achievable before starting.

Often yes — popular ranges from Kilsaran and Tobermore stay in production for years, so we can usually source a close or exact match. With older driveways an exact match may not be available, and we will advise honestly and suggest the best blend or border solution.

No more than other surfaces, and generally better than smooth concrete or wet natural stone. The textured surface of most paving blocks gives reasonable grip, and the permeable jointing helps water drain away rather than freezing on the surface.