Block paving drive/patio

[Zola1980]

Hoping to get our driveway redone (currently tarmac but coming to end of its life) and extend the block paving round the back to do our full back patio too. Is block paving a nightmare for weeds? Do the sealants you can get to protect from weeds and stains work?

[PigletJohn]

I have it, and pathclear a couple of times a year keep it mostly OK.

Don't pull weeds out or use a jetwasher, either will dislodge the sand between the blocks and they will go loose.

Try to get a good fall on it so water runs off quickly. Puddles leave muddy marks.

You ought to get the crushed stone foundation layer heavy-rolled. If it moves or settles later the blocks will sink.

Keep a pile of matching blocks in case you need to patch it, e.g. if pipes, drains or fenceposts get replaced.

[PigletJohn]

oh and use Nippon Liquid whenever you see an ant. They dig out the sand.