We recently completed a block paving driveway for a customer in Broadstone, Mr Gerring. The original surface was a mix of concrete, gravel and old blocks and had become uneven and difficult to manage. The property’s slope meant water runoff and tyre wear were becoming more of a problem, so Mr Gerring requested we visit to see how we could help.
About the Project
Like many homes in Broadstone, Mr Gerring’s driveway was built on a slope, and over time, it had begun to show its age. The old mix of gravel, block paving and concrete wasn’t holding up to daily wear. Water pooled during heavy rain, tyres wore down the surface, and turning in or out of the drive became more of a hassle than it should be.
We visited the property to conduct a comprehensive site survey. We checked how the water was moving, assessed the levels, and put together a plan that started from the ground up:
- Full excavation
- Proper drainage
- Stable, long-lasting finish
After our chat with Mr Gerring, we agreed that block paving provides the best balance of strength, grip, and style, particularly on a slope. The result? A driveway that not only looks the part but also works hard behind the scenes.
We began by removing the entire existing driveway, lifting out the concrete, loose gravel, and old blockwork. Once cleared, we installed precast concrete edging blocks around the perimeter. This secures the new surface and creates a clean, sharp finish.
Next, we addressed the drainage issue by installing a channel drain along the front edge of the driveway. This was connected via the property’s existing stormwater gully and would help move rainwater away from the house. It would also prevent any surface pooling, which was especially important given the slope that ran down toward the road.
Once the drainage was sorted, we rolled the base flat and laid a new foundation using compacted soil and kiln-dried sand. This gave us a firm, level surface to work from.
We then began laying the new block paving, starting from the driveway entrance. Laying from the front ensured a neat, consistent pattern that worked with the slope and matched the angle of approach from the road.
The End Result
The finished driveway gave Mr Gerring exactly what he was after: a clean, low-maintenance surface that handles the slope with ease. The block paving looks smart and offers a much better grip for vehicles turning in and out. With the new drainage in place, there’s no more standing water. Now, it’s just a dry, usable drive, whatever the weather.
Mr Gerring was so pleased with the result that he invited us back to work on other parts of his property, including new sleeper walls for planting. It’s always a good sign when customers ask us to return, and we’re always glad to help again.
Block Paving That Stands the Test of Time
This block paving driveway in Broadstone was designed to handle regular use, sloping ground, and surface water. We took out the old concrete and gravel and added concrete edges to the structure before linking a new channel drain to the existing gully. The new surface offers improved grip, a neater appearance, and enhanced water control.
At Fletchamoore, we’ve been working on driveways across Dorset for over 60 years. Our team brings experience, care, and local knowledge to every project. But you don’t just have to take our word for it. Read what some of our previous customers have said in our testimonials.
Call 01202 624900 or complete our online contact form to receive a free, no-obligation quote on how we can improve your driveway.
