Garden SurveyorHow to work out block paving materials
A standard 200 × 100 mm block gives 50 blocks per square metre, so multiply your area by 50 and add about 5% for cuts. Underneath, a driveway needs 150 mm of compacted MOT Type 1 with a 30–40 mm sharp sand laying course. The calculator above sizes blocks, sub-base, sand and edging together so the full build-up is covered in one order.
Block paving build-up (UK)
| Layer | Guide |
|---|---|
| Blocks per m² (200 × 100 mm) | 50 blocks |
| Sub-base — driveway | 150 mm compacted |
| Sub-base — path / patio | 100 mm compacted |
| Sharp sand laying course | 30–40 mm |
Restrain every edge with edging kerbs or a concrete haunch, brush kiln-dried sand into the joints, and consider permeable build-ups to avoid draining to the highway.
Pricing a full driveway job?
Set out levels and falls, take off every material and build a compliance-aware quote.
Frequently asked questions
- How many block pavers do I need per m²?
- A standard 200 × 100 mm block gives 50 blocks per square metre. Multiply your area by 50 and add about 5% for cuts and breakages. The calculator above does this and also sizes the sub-base, laying sand and edging.
- What sub-base depth for a block paving driveway?
- For a domestic driveway, lay 150 mm of compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base, topped with a 30–40 mm sharp sand laying course. Paths and patios can use 100 mm of sub-base. Poor ground may need extra depth and a geotextile membrane.
- How much sand for block paving?
- Allow a 30–40 mm sharp sand laying course screeded level over the sub-base, plus kiln-dried sand brushed into the joints at the end. The calculator estimates both from your area.
- Do I need edging for block paving?
- Yes — block paving must be restrained at every edge with edging kerbs or a concrete haunch, or the blocks will creep and spread under load. Plan edging along all unrestrained perimeters.
- Does a block paving driveway need planning permission?
- A permeable driveway, or one that drains to a lawn or border rather than the road, usually doesn't need planning permission. An impermeable surface over 5 m² draining to the highway may need it — check current SuDS guidance for your area.