Driveways and Paving Nottingham is young local business with experienced workers who have installed many groundwork projects, both large and small, for a number of years. The team of friends decided to set up their own driveway and paving business so that they can put their own company's name against quality installations for patio, paving and driveways across Nottingham.
We provide a very personal service to ensure you get the finish you want and where appropriate we will share some of our expertise to perhaps suggest some driveway, patio or paving options, which will hopefully enhance your plans or ensure that they are practical as well as look fantastic.
A key part to any patio, paving or driveway work is getting the sub base right. Ground preparation is the aspect which should not be subjected to short cuts or poor workmanship. Whilst this aspect of a paving job will not be visible it provides the same function and the foundations of your house. Whilst getting the groundworks wrong or providing a poor quality sub-base won't be as catastrophic as your house falling down it will mean that your paving will become wobble which could lead to cracks in paving stones, weds coming up through joints, poor drainage and in the case of a driveway potential sunken area. Non of which are what anyone would want.
We will never claim to be the cheapest for Nottingham Driveways, as cheap will often mean that to be the cheapest shortcuts will need to be been taken and as as a result you will end up spending more to get these things fixed.
As we focus so much on the quality of our groundworks we don't mind fitting paving slabs, blocks or cobbles you have bought or providing them for you to provide a complete supply and fit service. Please get in touch to arrange a quote to discuss the best options for you.
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Still extremely popular and with many block styles is very versatile
Popular low maintenance driveway option with many colour choices
Stil popular option for new or resurfacing drivewways
A paving is a well priced option for a driveway
Using gravel and chippings for part of all of a driveway can keep costs down
Ideal low slip, good draining, option for patios
With many paving stone options we can install a patio to match your garden style
It may start with your patio but we can sort out your fencing and other hard landscaping too.
Groundworks for patio, pathways, paving and driveways is where our expertise sits. As professional paving installers we understand the importance of getting the base right for any paving in Nottingham. We are not a fly by night company, so continuing to develop a reputation for quality is extremely important to us. Is is relatively easy to make a patio look good for a short period of time, especially if you have chosen high quality great looking paving slabs. But if these have not been bedded in correctly you will start to have issues and you will not be happy trying to arrange someone to come back to fix the issues, which in itself may be problematic, if not impossible.
Also if your new patio is part of a wider landscaping project then we are well placed to provide a one stop shop. We can make the whole process simple and painless dealing with one company. You can avoid scenarios where one tradesperson blames another one's work which is now causing an issue and therefore a change in the price quoted. One company, one quote one guarantee on all workmanship. So if your project includes a patio along with a new fence, retaining walls, re-turfing and raised boarders we will be perfect. Please get in touch to discuss the plans you have for your wider garden transformation.
If you have a relatively flat garden chances are you will want an area where you can set up your outdoor garden furniture without worrying about recent rain meaning you have a slippery or muddy surface on which to walk. We all know the unpredictability of the British weather so having an alternative to you lawn is ideal. Especially as chair legs can easily sink into a lawn making both a mess of your lawn and also making it awkward for those sitting in chairs to get up and down from them easily.
Since your patio are will be your outdoor entertaining area it will be a focal point for many years to come so choosing the right paving slabs and the right patio installer in Nottingham to build your patio should be a considered decision.
We appreciate that these days there are so many options to choose from even deciding on a colour or colours along with the paving material can start to become overly complicated. It needn't be - simply get in touch and we can survey your garden and discuss what you are trying to achieve from you budget, how you intend to use your patio and we can help narrow down the options for you.
We sure almost everyone is familiar with block paving although this have a wider definition than most people will realise. Block paving literally is the use of blocks laid down next to each other to provide a hard wearing outdoor floor surface. A block can theoretically be made from any material but most will be formed from using concrete or clay poured into a block mould to provide a uniform and angular block. Other block materials, often imported, will add more to the variety of options and more natural block such as those cut from granite. The laying process is quite similar across the board but if the block is a harder material which takes longer to cut and blunts cutting blades quicker they will be a little more expensive to install. Cement based blocks are generally the easiest to work with and come in a variety of colours and are very uniform. This means that they are easy to mix and match, so if you want a border or multiple borders it is easy to do. you can use the different colours to create images of letters or numbers as though they were pixel blocks to provide a truly unique driveway or patio. Alternatively you can simply decide on the configuration of how the blocks will be laid against each other such as herringbone, basket weave or stretcher bond, which are shown in more detail on our block paving page.
Resin driveways are extremely popular in Nottingham as they are across the UK. Whilst it will be a choice to be explored as an option it is one of the most expensive driveway materials around so whilst many people will have an initial desire to upgrade their driveway to resin unfortunately sometimes the costs jus becomes a barrier and an alternative driveway surface will be chosen. Clearly the aesthetic appeal of resin is one of the first reasons people will choose it, and the other is that it provides a low maintenance surface too. However, you may have heard mixed reports on resin and that is probably down to there being two main ways of constructing a driveway with resin. The cheaper option being resin bonded and the more expensive and better option being resin bound. We'll go into more detail about the two types on our Resin driveways page but we would always recommend a resin bound surface over resin bonded and would probably suggest looking at an alternative option such as block paving or tarmac rather than going down the bonded resin route..
For the same reasons resin driveways have grown in popularity so has the use of reason for pathways and patios. Whilst we will generally discourage choosing a resin bonded driveway a resin bonded patio will be a more feasible option if resin is definitely what you want and a resin bound patio is just stretching the budget a little too far.
Most resin patio and pathway projects will incorporate an element of block paving to provide edging to the resin. In actual fact choosing a contrasting colour for the block paving provides a frame to the resin and often brings out its colour more and enhances the aesthetics from the resin.
There are now many colour options for resin with more coming onto the market all the time. We've provide more information regarding the options you could have for resin patios on our page so please have a look there to see if there are any which you like.
The most popular paved driveway in Nottingham that we install uses Indian stone paving. They can also be used for driveways due to their strong, robust qualities and come in thicker 'driveway grades' too. As a result they are an excellent choice if you are looking to have the same paving running from the front of your house, down the side and through to your back garden to form your patio there. As mentioned the important thing to note about Indian stone is that it will come in different grades according to its thickness. For driveways the Indian stone paving slabs will be thicker than those used for a patio. Whilst laying good foundations will make the biggest impact on protecting your slabs clearly choosing the thicker stronger option for your driveway makes sense. Yes they will be slightly more expensive than the patio variety but in the long term it makes perfect sense. You should be able to get a consistent style of Indian stone going from the driveway to the back garden patio. However, some people will have their heart set on a particular driveway slab which they want going from front to back, which is no problem at all from a installation perspective.
Whilst we replace many gravel or chipping driveways in Nottingham we still to install new ones too.
This is the cheapest option for a driveway if you simply want to extend replace the front grass area of your property with a service which you wont get muddy from and along with perhaps a new drop kerb will allow you do bring your vehicles onto you property.
When we install chippings and gravel we know that most people will fear that they will be most prone to weed growth. However we always use the best quality weed membranes to minimise weed coming through from the bottom of the chippings. However, over time the leaves and other general debris will gather on top of your gravel and create a base from which weeds could grow. However, there are many good weed killer products on the market and as long as you apply these on a regular basis you should have a good looking chipping drive which has traditional character.
Tarmac continues to have its fair share in driveways. Whilst many people may have moved into a property with an existing tarmac or asphalt driveway which is showing signs or wear and tear there may be an option to resurface your tarmac rather than replacing the whole driveway.
We will only suggest this following an inspection of your existing driveway but the way tarmac is applied means that this can be a low cost option for many people looking to refresh their driveway.
As well as resurfacing we also install many brand new tarmac driveways. Whilst many people still associate tarmac as only coming in black that certainly hasn't been the case for a number of years. We have provided a guide on more of the colours available on our tarmac driveways page and as a result many more people or choosing tarmac for a new driveway based on cost, maintenance and actually looking pretty good too!
Whilst resin patios continue to grow and gravel patios continue to decline using different types of paving stones continues to be the most popular option for building a new patio. As with all our work as paving contractors the most important aspect is getting the ground base right and then, depending on the type of paving slab chosen we will fit these in the shape and style you want.
Different paving slab will require slightly different methods of fixing the paving stones down. For example Porcelain paving are very hard wearing due to their low porosity. This low porosity means that mortar has less places to 'soak into' in order to achieve good adhesion to the tile therefore porcelain and other low porosity tiles and slabs should always be laid with an SBR bond product applied to the back of the paver to improve the overall adhesion of the tile to the mortar base.
Below we have listed a number of the most popular types of paver many of which will have colour and size options too. If you have any questions or need help selecting a suitable paving slab please feel free to ask.
A few years ago porcelain paving was something most people associated with indoor tiling and flooring but in recent years the outdoor grade of porcelain tiling has rapidly become one of the most sought after patio paving stone and it is easy to see why.
There is quite a wide variety of porcelain paving slabs and whilst white or light grey are the colours most associated with porcelain these are not the only options. Similarly certain paving slabs designs will come in a variety of sizes allowing for a amore interesting paving stone layout rather than the same slab simply being laid next to each other in a continuous row.
Most people still see Porcelain paving as a more luxurious, highly expensive paving option but they have come down in price to be comparable with may other types of paving slab. Similarly they are often associated with holiday homes which you may see in the Mediterranean with modern houses and pools and yes porcelain paving does look great with modern housing but don't discount certain styles, which can also work very well in older properties too.
Indian Stone paving probably wasn't mentioned in this country twenty years ago but in the last ten and certainly the last five years it has become one of the most sought after paving slabs for both patios and driveways.
Indian stone paving, unsurprisingly is primarily imported as it is a natural stone rather than man made. This means that there will be variations from one slab to the next in the stone colouration but this is one of the reasons it has such appeal - it is natural and that means that anyone having a patio or paved area using Indian stone will have something unique to them. Depending on the importer the edges of the paving slab can differ too. Sawn slabs will have much crisper angular edges and this will allow them to be laid very close to each other and be consistent in their thickness too. The other scenario is that they have been hand cut and as a result there are more subtle variation in edging and thickness. You may wonder who would want to choose the hand cut option but if you are looking to achieve a older cottage style patio the hand cut variety work brilliantly.
Indian Stone is generally associated with sandstone shades and darker buff colours but you will also be able to find shades of greens and purples. It is the mixing of colours and sizes which can really bring some character to a patio or driveways using Indian stone Paving, so please get in touch to find out more.
Granit is often associated with older driveways due to its robust hard wearing properties. For this type of driveway granite in the form of blocks, or more rounded cobbles, would be used rather than granite paving slabs. Whether you want to use modern paving slabs for a patio or traditional granite blocks for a driveway we are equally comfortable fitting both.
Since granite is such a hardwearing material and now is available in many more sizes and cut finishes it is a great option for patios and pathways too. As granite often has a slightly rougher surface finish it provide a good non-slip surface compared to other materials such as marble especially when wet and since it is hard to scratch and scuff it will last for many, many years.
Again similar to Indian stone, granite is a natural material and is therefore not man made which means that it will be subject to slight variances or rather uniqueness from block to block. However, just as for Indian stone this can provide real character to a garden. Whilst dark blue to purple is the colour normally associated with granite you will be able to find other shades such as variations of grey moving towards black, with reddish and yellow shades available too.
Flame finishing is the process used on larger slab size pieces of granite this maintains a level of slip resistance to counteract the cutting and smoothing of the slabs which brings out the mineral deposits to create and stunning patio when the sunlight catches these deposits.
When most people first thing or marble they will think of kitchens and typically the work surfaces in a kitchen closely followed by feature tables and then kitchen flooring. Certainly in the indoor environment marble is associated with the top end of material choices and whilst certain marble slabs can demand a Premium price outdoors there are a number of marble paving tiles which provide an affordable alternative to some of the more popular options such as Indian Stone and Porcelain.
Marble is a rock formed under extreme pressure and as a a natural material it will not be uniform or 'pure'. However, whilst on the face of it this may not sound good it is actually the impurities which provide marble with its unique patterns within in, more commonly referred to as swirls or veins.
The one aspect most people will have some hesitancy with is the smoothness of finish associated with marble paving. Marble pavers are available as both a rough and smooth finish and whilst the smooth finish will look amazing over time it can be scratched and is potentially slippery when wet. There is a compromise with smooth finished marble paving but as long as you are aware of potential trade offs marble can work exceptionally well in the right setting.
Slate is often first associated with roof tile and as such many people may not think that slate would be suitable for a patio or pathway - however nothing could be further from the truth.
When thick slate stone is cut to create a paving slab it will be very heard wearing perfect for paving. Slate is another metamorphic rock so it was created beneath the ground by continued heat and pressure over many thousands of years which is a process known as metamorphism (hence creating a metamorphic rock!). What makes the difference from one natural paving material from another by this process is what material has been compressed. For slate it will be a shale or mudstone mix which following this process creates slate, which then needs to be quarried from the ground and then cut to size for whatever it will be used for. Wales is known for its slate quarries but others also existing in the UK. However, with demand increasing many pavers are imported from countries like Brazil which provide additional variant of this beautiful natural stone.
As another natural stone Limestone paving has been popular for many years in the United Kingdom so you will find many patios across Nottingham made from limestone paving. Whilst like Slate or Marble it was formed by heat and pressure over millenniums it is not classified as a metamorphic but is a sedimentary rock instead. As the name implies it was formed from sediment which had accumulated at the bottom of sea water. Whilst this sediment will contain a combination of micro sea organism along with the shells and skeletons of slightly larger sea animals it is named after the primary mineral contained in the rock with is calcite - calcium carbonate, which is the main component of limestone.
It is a very good paving stone for outdoor patios. Whilst is it slightly smoother than sandstone its surface will still have enough of a texture to make it a good non-slip surface. Combining that with its hardwearing properties will mean that your limestone patio should last as long as you do!
As mentioned above, sandstone is similar to limestone in its visual appearance but will be slightly rougher on the surface. Like Limestone is is another sedimentary rock however, along with the same small marine creatures shells and skeletons, the main minerals are quartz or feldspar and it will come as no surprise that these are what makes up sand and it is the ongoing pressure and heat applied to the sand to create sandstone.
There are a number of similarities between limestone and sandstone but as with so many final choices on a paving stone the aesthetics will come into play. Sandstone does afford more variations than limestone which is why sandstone if often chosen over limestone. However, where the shade of a paving slab is almost identical limestone will pip sandstone as the slightly better option due to being slightly stronger.
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The answer to this comes down to personal choice. You can paint patio slabs although the counter question would be why would you want to? Using a premium acrylic base paint will priovide you with a hard wearing painted surface but do you want your outdoor area to look like a factory floor?
Whilst an old concrete patio may have its top surface chipped away revealing a difference colur beneath this should be the time to replace your patio rather than painting it.
When selecting a replacement clearly budget will be a consideration but we can discuss a staged approach to replacing your patio if that will enable you to get a brand new patio in place.
This is not a practice we are fans of. We do know many DIY approaches will simply lay paving slabs on the existing surface with little or no effort made to create a proper sub base. However, even for something like a base for a garden shed having pavers on a base which can move or wobble will place extra strain on the structure of a shed and if the movements are too much can cause damage to your shed.
We will alsways favour setting down an appropriate aggregate base follwed by a smooth sand layer to ensure each block or paving slab is flat and will not move when weight is applied on any part of it.
Whilst we will install decking as part of our landscaping services most people would prefer to have a patio where possible.
A paved patio is much more durable and hard wearing and requires little maintenance other than a quick powerwash and sealing every few years. Whilst composite decking can compete in maintenance it does provide a different character and appeal to that of a patio.
Patios are much more subte and natural, which will depend to a large degree on the choice of paving stones. However, depending on budget and in particular for a garden which is on a steep slope decking can provide a much cheaper installation option as it can be errected on stilts to provide a flat entertaining area with moving much ground. As patios need to be fitted onto flat ground you make need to remove a lot of earth befor you have a suitable flat area to start building a patio and this will add a significant amount to yout total install costs.
Yes, if you select an appropriate paver. Generally speaking paving suppliers should label their products as to whether or not they are suitable for driveways. A determining factor will be the thickness and material of a paver as to whether or not is would be suitable for a driveway. Clearly block paving is ideal for both but when using slabs it is extremely important to have a solid flat base for a driveway. Once you have this you should always select a driveway grade slab and this can be used across the front and back of your property.
Any recommendation will depend on the level of dirt and the material of the patio. Whilst most people will turn to a pressure washer in the first instance this can cause damage to the joints if not used carefully.
The best approach is prevention rather than using a pressure cleaner as this normally a very messy cleaning process.
By applying a patio cleaner on a regular basis following sweeping with a stiff brush you should be able to prevent the build up of moss and agae. Sealing evey few years will provide further protection and should negate the need to pressure wash cleaning.
Yes - in fact it is one of the best ways to set off a patio and will enable you to create a very peronal look. It is increasingly common for smaller pavers such as block paving to provide the edging to a patio but even within a patio you can use one type of material to create a feature area. For example surrounding a marble or porcelain area, which is where your seating and outdoor tables are positioned surrounded by slate will provide a striking patio and a practical one too. Having a slightly rougher 'non-slip' paver used for the main walking area whilst using a smoother paver where seated is a very practical option as well as aesthtically pleasing.
Fantastic tranformation to the small back garden we've got. We've now got an outdoor entertaining area we are happy to invite people to now without asking them to bring wellies - just in case!
Mai K.
Thank you Driveways & Paving Nottingham, as well as the great work extending our patio it all looks new with the new fence and raised bedding ,which has really made the patio a feature space.
Karen F.
A very fair price for paving our driveway right through to our back garden including a 20m2 patio. The advice on Indian Paving was spot on. Thank you.
Neal A.
Driveways & Paving Nottingham - areas covered:
West Bridgford, Hucknall, Arnold, Carlton, Mapperley, Bulwell,
Recommended partners for driveway gates Nottingham - Composite Gates UK.