Edinburgh · Midlothian · The Lothians
Driveways in Edinburgh & the Lothians
Monoblock and paved driveways dug out, built on a compacted sub-base and finished with drainage that works.
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We build driveways in Edinburgh and the Lothians – monoblock, block paving and paved drives – dug out, built up on a compacted sub-base and finished with proper drainage.
A driveway takes more punishment than any other part of a garden: the weight of a car turning on it every day, oil and grit, and water from the roof and the road. Built well, it stays level and tidy for decades. Built cheaply, it ruts where the wheels sit, puddles by the door and grows weeds in every joint within a couple of years.
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Driveways in Edinburgh built on a solid sub-base
The difference between a driveway that lasts and one that sinks is almost all in the ground.
- 1
Excavation
We dig out the old drive or garden to the depth the new surface needs, taking out soft or organic ground.
- 2
Membrane
On soft or clay ground a geotextile membrane stops the sub-base pushing into the soil below.
- 3
Sub-base
Crushed stone laid and compacted in layers with a plate compactor, giving the drive its strength.
- 4
Edging
Kerbs or edging blocks set in concrete hold the paving in place so it can't spread.
- 5
Laying course and surface
Monoblock laid on a sand bed and compacted, or slabs laid on a full mortar bed.
- 6
Drainage
Falls and channel drains take water away from the house and the garage.
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Driveway options
Monoblock and block paving
The most popular choice in Scotland. Individual blocks can be laid in patterns, borders and colours, and lifted and relaid if you ever need access to services underneath.
Paved and slab driveways
Large-format slabs or setts for a more contemporary look, laid on a full bed to take vehicle loads.
Gravel driveways
A lower-cost, permeable option. Gravel grids stop stones migrating and rutting.
03
Drainage and the rules on front gardens
Since 2012 in Scotland, most new hard surfaces in front gardens can be built without planning permission only if they're permeable, or if rainwater runs off into a lawn, border or soakaway within the property rather than onto the road. That's to stop driveways adding to surface flooding.
In practice that means we either use a permeable build, such as permeable block paving or gravel, or we design falls and drainage that keep water on your land. If you want a new or wider entrance onto the road, you'll also need the council's roads department to approve a dropped kerb.
04
Design choices
Colour
Charcoal, brindle and natural tones; a contrasting border frames the drive.
Pattern
Herringbone is strongest for car traffic; basket weave and stretcher bond suit paths and smaller drives.
Combined paths and patios
Matching the drive to front paths and steps gives the house a finished look.
Edging and planting
A planted border softens a large drive and helps with drainage.
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Driveways across Edinburgh and the Lothians
We build driveways across Edinburgh and throughout the Lothians. Driveways are one of the most common jobs on newer estates in Livingston, Bonnyrigg and Dalkeith. See our pages for driveways in Livingston, Musselburgh, Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg and Penicuik.
Driveway FAQs
How long does a new driveway take?
Most single or double driveways take one to two weeks, depending on size, how much needs digging out and the weather.
Can I use the driveway straight away?
You can usually walk on monoblock straight away and drive on it once we've finished compacting and sanding the joints. Slab driveways on mortar need a few days to cure.
Can you widen my existing driveway?
Yes. We can extend the drive and, if the entrance needs widening, help you with the dropped kerb application.
What about drains and manholes in the drive?
We fit recessed covers that take paving, so manholes blend in and can still be opened.
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Get a quote for your driveway
Send a photo of the area and tell us how many cars it needs to take. We'll come out, measure up and give you a written quote. Call or text 07426 792387 or request a free quote.
Driveways services
Free quotes
Get a free, no-obligation quote
Call or text 07426 792387, or send photos through the quote form.