Block Paving
Back in the 1980s, when Block Paving first really took off in the UK and Ireland, choice of blocks was relatively simple, amounting to little more than opting for clay bricks or concrete blocks and then picking from a handful of colour variations. However, as the market has grown and become more sophisticated, and as manufacturing technology has developed, so the choice of bricks and blocks has grown, we are today faced with over 1200 different pavers in Britain alone.

Choosing a ColourBlock Paving patio and driveways S Jones Sons Groundwork Contractors are groundwork contractors in all areas of ground maintenance and civil engineering.

The most immediately apparent attribute of block or brick paving is colour. There's no definitive guide to choosing the most suitable colour scheme for any given project; it's a decision made after considering the effect of environment and surroundings, the interplay of light and shade, and, most importantly, personal taste. The key to choosing a successful colour scheme for paving relies on finding a complementary palette, rather than an exact match or a stark contrast.

Multicoloured or Mono Tone

When choosing a paver for a project, the difference between monotone and multicolours is essential. A multicoloured paver blends better with its surroundings. A monotone is pure and sharp, but shows up even the slightest stain. On a multicoloured pavement, that same stain would be completely lost in the multitude of hues and tones.

One of the most popular colour schemes chosen for residential block paved driveways blends the best characteristics of both monotones and multicolours. The Brindle and Charcoal Classic – a brindle body with a charcoal soldier edging course. The brindle gives depth and interest and richness while hiding the odd stain or two, and the charcoal provides a frame, a solid definition that boldly states “This is the edge” – the best of both worlds.

Choosing a Style

Consider the immediate surroundings - would a modern, chamfered block paver look right with a 17th century cottage? Would a tumbled antique-style block be the best choice a petrol station forecourt? For a pavement to fit in with its environment, some consideration must be given to the styling.

Blocks and bricks can be sorted into one of four very loose style categories. They can be….

  • Standard rectangular
  • Old World Tumbled
  • Decorative
  • Special Applications