--- title: "Block Paved Patios FAQs | Cambridge Patios" description: "Straight answers to the questions we get asked about block paved patios, problems, costs, suitability and what to expect." canonical: "https://www.cambridgepatios.co.uk/faq/block-paved-patios" lastmod: "2026-10-05T11:28:40.315Z" --- # Block Paved Patios Questions Every question we get asked about block paved patios, answered straight. ## Problems & Symptoms ### Why is my block paved patio sinking or going uneven? Sinking or unevenness almost always points to a failed sub-base. If the compacted hardcore or sand bed beneath the blocks was too thin, poorly compacted, or laid over soft ground, it shifts under load over time. Tree roots, poor drainage, and frost heave can also disturb the base. The blocks themselves rarely fail, it is what is underneath that moves. ### Will block paving move or sink on clay-heavy ground in Cambridge? Clay soil shrinks in dry summers and swells in wet winters, which puts pressure on any paved surface above it. On clay ground, the sub-base needs to be excavated deeper and compacted more thoroughly than on stable soil. A geotextile membrane between the clay and the hardcore also helps prevent the two layers mixing over time. A site survey will confirm the right specification for your ground. ## Cost & Pricing ### How much does a block paved patio cost? Most block paved patio installations come in at £1,200-£2,200, depending on the area size, block type, and ground conditions. Excavation depth and any drainage or edging work also affect the final figure. A survey gives you an accurate quote for your specific site. ### What affects the cost of a block paved patio? The main cost factors are the total area, the block type and colour chosen, excavation depth, sub-base specification, and whether drainage channels or edging walls are needed. Access for machinery and spoil removal also contribute. Irregular shapes with more cutting add time and therefore cost. ### Do you charge to come out and quote for the work? No. We schedule a site survey, with advice on material options and a quote for the work, at no charge to you. Tell us the size of the area, what is currently down, and how it drains, and we will get that arranged. ## Is It Right for You? ### Will block paving suit my house and garden? Block paving suits most residential properties. It comes in a wide range of colours, sizes, and laying patterns, herringbone, stretcher bond, basket weave, so it can match a traditional brick house or a more contemporary garden. The main consideration is ground conditions and drainage, which a survey will assess before any work starts. ### Will it look right with the rest of my property? Block paving can be matched to your brickwork colour or contrasted deliberately as a design feature. Choosing the right block size, colour, and laying pattern makes a significant difference to how the finished area reads alongside your house and boundaries. Options are shown at survey, before you commit to a material. ### Can block paving work for seating areas, paths and general garden use? Yes. Block paving handles seating areas, connecting paths, and general foot traffic well. Its interlocking structure distributes load evenly, making it durable underfoot. For paths specifically, see [garden paths and walkways](https://www.cambridgepatios.co.uk/services/garden-paths-walkways) for how the same material is specified in narrower runs. ### Will block paving be suitable if my current patio only has partial damage? If only part of the surface is damaged and the sub-base beneath is still sound, a partial relay or repair is often sufficient. Block paving is well suited to this because individual units can be lifted and reset without disturbing the rest. A survey will confirm whether the sub-base is stable enough to justify a repair rather than a full replacement. ## Comparing Your Options ### Do I need a new patio, or can this one be repaired? If the damage is limited to a few sunken or cracked blocks with a sound sub-base beneath, repair is usually the right call. If the sub-base has failed across a wide area, or the blocks are badly weathered throughout, a full relay gives a more lasting result. A site survey will show which applies to your patio. See [patio cleaning, repointing and repair](https://www.cambridgepatios.co.uk/services/patio-cleaning-repointing-repair) for smaller fixes. ### Can you fix just part of the patio, or does the whole thing need replacing? Partial repairs work well when the problem is confined, a localised sunken area, a damaged edge, or a handful of broken blocks. If the sub-base failure runs across most of the patio, patching one section often means another sinks shortly after. A survey identifies where the damage stops so you only replace what genuinely needs it. ### Can I put block paving over my old patio? Laying over an existing surface is rarely advisable. It raises the finished level, which can cause drainage problems and conflict with door thresholds or damp-proof courses. It also hides any sub-base issues that will eventually push through. Lifting the old material and preparing the ground properly gives a far more stable result. ### Can a handyman do this, or do I need a specialist? Block paving done without proper sub-base preparation almost always sinks or shifts within a few years. The excavation depth, compaction, drainage fall, and edge restraint details require experience to get right. A paving specialist has the equipment, plate compactors, laser levels, that a general handyman typically does not carry. ### Is block paving better than another patio finish for this area? Block paving is more flexible than large-format slabs, individual blocks can be lifted and reset if a pipe needs accessing or a section settles. Porcelain and natural stone offer a different aesthetic and are harder-wearing on the surface. The right choice depends on your ground conditions, budget, and how the area will be used. See [porcelain patios](https://www.cambridgepatios.co.uk/services/porcelain-patios) or Indian sandstone patios to compare. ### Is block paving better than slabs for a patio on wet winter ground? Block paving with permeable jointing sand allows some water to drain through the surface, which helps on ground that stays wet. Large-format slabs shed water faster across the surface but rely entirely on the falls being correct. On persistently wet ground, the sub-base drainage specification matters more than the surface material. See [patio drainage and levelling](https://www.cambridgepatios.co.uk/services/patio-drainage-levelling) for how drainage is handled beneath the surface. ## How It Works ### What needs checking before the patio is laid? The survey checks the existing ground level, drainage fall, soil type, and any services buried beneath the area. Boundaries, access for machinery, and proximity to the house damp-proof course are also assessed. Getting these details right before excavation starts prevents costly changes mid-job. ### What preparation work is included before the blocks go down? Preparation typically includes excavating to the correct depth, disposing of the spoil, laying and compacting a hardcore sub-base, and screeding a sharp sand bed to the right fall. Edge restraints are set before any blocks are placed. This groundwork is what determines whether the finished patio stays level long-term. ### What finishing work is included once the patio is laid? Once the blocks are laid and cut to fit, kiln-dried sand is brushed into the joints and the surface is compacted with a plate vibrator to lock everything in place. Edging is checked, any surplus material is cleared, and the area is left clean and ready to use. ### How long does a block paved patio take to install? A typical garden patio takes two to four days from excavation to finished jointing. Larger or more complex areas with steps or drainage features take longer. A specific programme is given once the size and ground conditions are confirmed at survey. ### How messy is the work, and will the area be left tidy? Excavation and hardcore work generate dust, spoil, and material deliveries, so expect some disruption to the immediate area. A good installer protects surrounding planting and hard surfaces where possible and removes all waste before leaving. Confirm the site-clearance scope with your installer at the quoting stage. ### Does block paving need extra edging or drainage in areas with heavy rain? Yes, in most cases. Edge restraints are essential to stop the outer blocks spreading under load, and they become more important where ground is soft or slopes are involved. In areas with heavy rainfall or poor natural drainage, a channel drain along the low edge of the patio prevents water backing up against the house. Both are typically specified at survey stage. ### Can blocks just be laid over the old patio surface? That is not a lasting solution if the existing surface is moving, damaged or poorly drained. Without excavating and compacting a fresh sub-base, the new blocks will sink and the joints will open. The survey checks what is underneath before any work is agreed. ### How do I know if I need a full replacement rather than a repair? If sinking, cracking or poor drainage affects most of the area, patching rarely gives a lasting result. A repair works where the problem is isolated to a small section with a sound base beneath it. The survey will confirm which applies. ### What happens if I delay replacing a failing patio? A sinking or cracked surface lets water pool close to the house. Over time this can breach the damp-proof course, causing damp internally. Uneven blocks also become a trip hazard, particularly on a surface used for seating or dining. ### Will block paving suit an older Cambridge terraced house? Yes. Block colour, pattern and edging can be chosen to match the house style. Many older Cambridge gardens use a traditional running bond or herringbone pattern with a contrasting border to complement period brickwork. ### What extra work might come up once the ground is opened? Cambridge new build plots often have compacted builder waste below the topsoil, which can increase excavation depth and change the sub-base specification. The installer checks for this during the survey and includes it in the quote before work begins. ### What is checked before the blocks are laid? Ground conditions, existing levels and drainage direction are all assessed first. These determine excavation depth, sub-base thickness and where the surface fall needs to run to keep water clear of the house and the damp-proof course. ## Guarantees & Peace of Mind ### Will there be hidden extra work once the ground is opened up? Occasionally, excavation reveals a deeper sub-base failure, buried rubble, or drainage issues that were not visible at survey. A thorough pre-start inspection reduces surprises significantly. If unexpected ground conditions do appear, you are shown what was found, with the options explained before proceeding. ### How do I know the patio will stay level and usable over time? Long-term stability comes from the sub-base, not the blocks. A correctly excavated and compacted hardcore bed, laid to the right depth for the soil type, is what prevents future movement. Proper drainage fall stops water pooling and undermining the base. Confirm the sub-base specification with your installer before work begins. ### Do you give any guarantee if the patio settles or goes uneven after the work? Guarantee terms vary by installer and are confirmed at the quoting stage. Ask your installer to specify what is covered and for how long before you accept the quote. A well-prepared sub-base is the strongest protection against post-installation settlement. ### Is the work covered by insurance? The written estimate names the contractor, so you can check their public liability insurance before work starts. Any reputable paving contractor will provide evidence of cover on request. ## Tell Us About Your Patio Project We schedule a site survey and quote excavation, sub-base, bedding and paving as separate lines, so there are no hidden groundwork costs. [Start Your Enquiry](https://www.cambridgepatios.co.uk/contact) ## Business details ### Contact - **Phone**: [07787 475312](tel:07787475312) - **Email**: [contact@cambridgepatios.co.uk](mailto:contact@cambridgepatios.co.uk) - **Based in**: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 - **Enquiries**: [Send an enquiry](https://www.cambridgepatios.co.uk/contact) — We ask for your name, phone number, email and a message. ### Opening hours - **Monday**: 08:00 – 18:00 - **Tuesday**: 08:00 – 18:00 - **Wednesday**: 08:00 – 18:00 - **Thursday**: 08:00 – 18:00 - **Friday**: 08:00 – 18:00 - **Saturday**: 10:00 – 16:00 - **Sunday**: 10:00 – 16:00 [Business details](https://www.cambridgepatios.co.uk/about/business.md)