Paving

Sandstone Paving

This colourful natural sandstone paving brings warmth and texture to the outdoor space, with its rich blend of earthy tones creating a visually striking finish. The smaller edging slabs were carefully cut and laid individually—an intricate process that took extra time but was well worth the effort for the clean, professional look it adds to the overall design.

Sandstone paving has become much cheaper in recent years. Often they are cheaper than man-made slabs.

Crazy Paving

Extending the Existing Crazy Paving with a Solid Hardcore Base

To make the drive bigger, the customer wanted to extend the existing crazy paving. This involved carefully digging out the adjacent flower bed to prepare a solid foundation. A 6 inch (type 1) hardcore base was laid to ensure long-term stability. This will provide a durable sub-layer for the new paving stones.

Laying Type 1 Hardcore with Compaction for a Strong, Load-Bearing Base

Type 1 MOT hardcore was evenly spread and compacted with a vibrating plate to create a strong, level foundation. This ensures the driveway can withstand vehicle weight and prevents future sinking or shifting.

Widening the Driveway Entrance by Removing Part of the Wall

To improve access, we removed part of the front boundary wall, creating a wider entrance for vehicles. This is a common upgrade to accommodate larger vehicles or multiple cars.

A local builders’ merchant supplied the broken slabs used for this project.

Patio Slabs Laid and Prepared for Pointing

All paving slabs were carefully laid to create a level, stable surface. The area is now ready for pointing with mortar, which secures the slabs and gives a clean, finished appearance.

The Finished Driveway with Durable Pointing

The project showcases a professional finish using sharp sand and cement for strong, long-lasting pointing.

Reinforced Front Edge for Long-Lasting Durability

A thick concrete strip was added along the front edge to prevent cracking or displacement over time, ensuring the driveway remains strong and stable under regular vehicle use.

Block Paving

Block Paving Driveway Installation in Ilford

The front garden was excavated, waste removed, and 10 tons of Type 1 MOT hardcore laid for a durable foundation. A curved flower bed was added for visual appeal, and a metal drainage channel installed for effective water management. 60mm thick blocks with a clean grey edge detail completed the driveway.

The finished drive. Materials supplied by N&C Builders Merchant.