Block Paving Calculator - Work Out How Much You Need (UK)
Work out how much block paving you need for a driveway or patio, with a sensible allowance for cuts and breakages.
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How to use this calculator
Measure the area you want paved (length times width) for square metres. We add a 5% allowance for cuts and breakages, then show the block paving you need plus a rough cost.
How we calculate this
- Order quantity = area × 1.05 (a 5% wastage allowance).
- Block paving is priced and supplied by the square metre.
- We round to one decimal place so you've a tidy figure to order against.
Worked example
Paving a 20 m² patio: add 5% for cuts and breakages, giving 20 × 1.05 = 21 m² to order. On a herringbone driveway with lots of edge cuts, bump it up a touch more.
UK notes & gotchas
- You'll need a compacted sub-base (typically MOT Type 1) beneath the paving - calculate that separately as it's a big part of the cost.
- Lay blocks on a sharp-sand bedding layer, usually 30-50mm screeded level before laying.
- For herringbone patterns or curved edges, allow closer to 10% wastage as you'll cut far more blocks.
FAQ
How many blocks are in a square metre?
Standard 200×100mm blocks work out at roughly 50 per m². We price by the m² so you don't count individual blocks.
How much extra for wastage?
5% as standard; closer to 10% for herringbone or lots of curves and cuts.
Do I need a sub-base?
Yes - a compacted sub-base (usually MOT Type 1) plus a sharp-sand bedding layer is essential, especially for a driveway. Cost these separately.