Driveways in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Tarmac, block paving and gravel driveways, built on a compacted stone sub-base with the edging and drainage sorted from day one.
The base decides how long a drive lasts
A drive is only as good as its base. We dig out to firm ground, lay crushed stone sub-base and compact it with a roller before any surface goes down. The depth depends on the ground and on what will drive over it, so we set it out in the quote.
We also set the levels so water runs off the drive and away from your house. That is the part that is hard to fix later.
A typical home driveway takes days, not weeks. Your quote gives a start date and an estimate for the finish, and weather can move both.
Which surface suits your drive
Each surface has trade-offs. We will talk through them on the site visit and price the one you choose.
| Surface | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Tarmac | A smooth, continuous surface with no joints. Quick to lay and easy to sweep. | Edges can crumble if they are not supported, so good edging matters. Standard tarmac is not permeable. |
| Block paving | Patterns such as herringbone, plenty of colours, and repairs by lifting and relaying single blocks. Permeable types are available. | Weeds can grow in the joints without good jointing sand and sealing. It costs more to lay than tarmac. |
| Gravel | A natural look and good drainage. A budget-friendly option for longer drives. | Loose stone moves underfoot, so it needs a grid and firm edging. It is harder with wheelie bins and pushchairs. |
Not sure which to pick? Our driveway surface guide goes through each one in more detail.
Planning and drainage
In England you do not usually need planning permission for a new front garden drive if the surface is permeable, or if rainwater drains onto a lawn or border. A new impermeable surface over more than 5 square metres does need permission.
If your drive crosses a pavement or verge, you also need a dropped kerb. You apply for that to your highways authority, not to us. Tell us early so we can fit the build around their timing.
Read the full rules in our planning permission guide.
What affects the price
- The size of the drive and the depth we have to dig out
- The surface you choose
- Edging, kerbs and any walls or steps
- Drainage, such as channel drains or a soakaway
- Access for the digger and the tipper, and taking away the spoil
The written quote lists each of these, so you can see where the money goes.
Block paving and gravel, for reference
We have not photographed many of these yet, so the images below are illustrative.
Illustrative images. These show the kind of finish we build. They are not photos of our own jobs.
Driveway questions
Do you take the old surface away?
Yes. We dig out the old surface and soil and take the spoil away. The quote says what is included.
Can I drive on it straight away?
It depends on the surface and the weather. We tell you when it is safe to drive and to park on it.
Do I need a dropped kerb?
If your drive crosses a pavement or verge, yes. You apply to your highways authority. Our guide lists who to contact in each area.
Can you match an existing drive or wall?
We can often get close. We bring samples to the site visit so you can see them against your house.
Recent driveway work
Photos from our own jobs.
Ready to talk about your drive?
Send a few details and some photos if you have them. We will arrange a free site visit and send a written quote.