Relaying block paving

hiace_drifter · Post by **hiace_drifter** » Mon Mar 17, 2025 10:48 am

The soakaway under my old block paving drive is blocked, and as the drive slopes toward the house, will need to be replaced. There is also a sunken area near a tree that toppled in the last storm, so I assume the roots have caused a cavity.

So assuming we get the whole lot re-laid, as the blocks themselves are perfectly serviceable, and reusing them would save a few grand (10x6m drive) - would most driveway installers be happy to re-use the blocks? I have not lifted any up to see if they have any kind of mortar etc stuck to them, but assuming they are clean it would seem silly to discard them.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Mon Mar 17, 2025 10:58 am

They could turn the blocks over to get a fair face and make it easier to replace any broken blocks. The hardest thing is finding a decent firm to do it as there are a lot of chancers out there. Keep your eyes open for works in progress around your area, always good to see the workmanship and ask the homeowners for their views.

DWD

hiace_drifter · Post by **hiace_drifter** » Mon Mar 17, 2025 12:48 pm

dewaltdisney wrote: ↑Mon Mar 17, 2025 10:58 am They could turn the blocks over to get a fair face and make it easier to replace any broken blocks. The hardest thing is finding a decent firm to do it as there are a lot of chancers out there. Keep your eyes open for works in progress around your area, always good to see the workmanship and ask the homeowners for their views.

DWD

Good shout re chancers .... a couple of years ago our neighbours unwittingly hired some travellers to do their drive (also slopes to house). They realised after a couple of days they were doing a bad job (and no sign of drainage!). They were told to leave, but had to pay a couple of grand to keep the peace.

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Mon Mar 17, 2025 1:35 pm

I thought you can't use the blocks upside down as they have a chamfered top edge? (all 4 sides)

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Mon Mar 17, 2025 2:35 pm

It depends on the blocks that are currently down, most contractors will want to lay new. If the blocks are bedded on sand then there could be a fair face on the reverse of the block to use. You cannot tell until one comes up.

DWD