Planning a paved driveway

The space for vehicular traffic should, above all, allow for free manoeuvring and an adequate number and surface area of parking places. In the practical terms, its size obviously depends on the size and development of the entire plot. The location of buildings, greenery and other elements of the surroundings often affects not only the available space, but also the shape of the roadways. It is generally accepted that the driveway leading from the entrance gate to the garage, carport or simply a designated parking area should be at least 3 metres wide. It is also good to consider at the planning stage how many cars will use it on a daily basis and whether visitors will have somewhere to leave their cars – either directly on the property or in the vicinity.

Paving stones are one of the most popular materials for hardening the terrain for domestic traffic routes, also for cars. They provide an even, stable surface, are durable, resistant to loads and do not require complicated care or maintenance. And thanks to the availability of a wide range of colours, textures, shapes and sizes, they enable the implementation of various design concepts, taking into account visual consistency with paths, terraces, stairs, and even the façade and roof of the building or the fence surrounding the area.

What kind of paving stones to choose?

When choosing paving stones for driveways and car parks, you should use models with a minimum thickness of 6 cm. However, if the expected traffic involves loads exceeding 3.5 tonnes, the elements used should be at least 8 cm thick, and for the largest types of lorries even 10 cm or more. It should be noted that the above also applies to occasional contact with heavier vehicles, e.g. during waste collection or furniture or fuel deliveries.

Paving stones for a driveway or a path?

With the right choice of paving stones, we can use different types of paving around the house, thus achieving a uniform style throughout the design. It also works well to use products of different sizes or colours so that together they create a more varied yet harmonious effect, in which the individual zones are visually separated from each other. Regardless of the preferred option, it is recommended to use as simple designs as possible for driveways, using materials with a universal design. However, if the current state of the site requires additional variety, such as turns and bends, popular trapezoidal shapes can be used.

On smaller plots of land, where it is difficult to make space for greenery, its deficit can be compensated to some extent by openwork concrete slabs adapted for car traffic. They create the necessary pavement, while providing additional places for grass, and also facilitate the drainage of rainwater into the ground.

Ensuring efficient water drainage also applies to standard, solid elements. This is achieved by preparing an appropriate slope of the terrain, which is approx. 3-4% longitudinal slope and approx. 1% transverse slope. The longitudinal slope should be directed towards the road (to your own or an external drainage system) to prevent rainwater from flowing down the façade. If there is a downward slope towards the underground car park, an additional drainage system will be needed in front of the entrance. They are also useful when it is difficult to solve the problem of puddles on larger surfaces with classic slopes. Each type of slope should be designed so that it does not contain obstacles blocking the flow of water, e.g. in the form of elevations at the edge of the driveway.

We usually commission professional paving teams to carry out the work. This means we don't have to worry about all the detailed requirements and recommendations for the subsequent stages of the work. However, it is worth discussing your ideas and concerns with a professional so that you can make decisions together regarding, for example:

1. waterproofing and grouting
2. pavement colour (light colours and dirt)
3. location of any underground installations (such as cables supplying garden lighting) in relation to traffic routes
4. limiting threats to the pavement (e.g. resulting from the use of fertilisers in the immediate vicinity of vegetation)
5. the use of additional, useful building components, such as entry stops and driveway lighting

Explore Betard's range of paving blocks and slabs.