BLOCK by Hinchliffe
Brett Approved block paving with sub-bases that outlast the blocks.
Traditional and contemporary block paving in a wide range of formats, colours and laying patterns. As Brett Approved Installers we install to the manufacturer's spec — meaning the sub-base, edge restraint and jointing all match the surface guarantee.
Best for
- →Character properties and traditional homes
- →Driveways that need defined patterns or borders
- →Patios integrated with driveway design
BLOCK by Hinchliffe — your questions.
How long does block paving last?
Properly installed block paving on a structural sub-base with correct edge restraint typically lasts 20–30+ years. Most 'failed' driveways aren't failed blocks — they're failed edges or an under-specified sub-base. As Brett Approved Installers we build to manufacturer spec so the guarantee stands.
Will weeds grow between the blocks?
Not if the joints are done properly. We use kiln-dried sand or polymeric jointing to fully lock the joints. Weeds usually only appear when jointing sand has washed out — top up sand periodically and you'll rarely see any.
What's the difference between kiln-dried and polymeric jointing?
Kiln-dried sand is the traditional option — cheap, easy to top up, but can wash out over time. Polymeric jointing sets hard after wetting, resists weeds and washout, and works well on slopes or driveways washed frequently. We recommend the right one per project.
Do I need planning permission for a block paving driveway?
Usually only if the blocks are impermeable and the driveway doesn't drain to a permeable area on your property. We design drainage in as standard — either using permeable blocks or channelling to a soakaway — so planning permission is rarely needed.
Can you replace or repair sunken blocks?
Yes. Individual blocks can be lifted, the base re-levelled and the block re-laid. If a whole area is sinking, it's a sub-base failure, not a block failure — that needs excavation and re-laying to fix properly.