A monoblock driveway is a concrete block paving driveway: interlocking concrete blocks laid in a herringbone pattern on a sand bed over a compacted Type 1 sub-base. Monoblock is the Scottish name for this surface and it is the most common driveway type in Glasgow.
Cost
£80 – £150 per m²
Lifespan
25+ years
Permeable
Yes, with permeable monoblock and an open-graded base
Best for
Glasgow semi-detached, villa and post-war estate frontages
Monoblock is the Scottish term for concrete block paving. The name comes from early branded interlocking concrete blocks and is now the standard word for any block paved driveway in Glasgow and across Scotland.
A monoblock driveway has four layers: a compacted Type 1 sub-base of 150mm to 200mm, a 30mm to 50mm sharp sand laying course, 50mm or 60mm concrete blocks, and kiln-dried jointing sand vibrated into the joints. Haunched concrete edging holds the blocks in place.
Herringbone at 45 degrees is the strongest monoblock pattern for a driveway because each block locks against four neighbours. Basketweave and stretcher bond suit paths and borders where loads are lighter.
Monoblock restoration is the alternative to replacement. Sunken sections are lifted, the sand bed is re-levelled, the original blocks are relaid, and the whole driveway is jet washed, re-sanded and sealed. Restoration costs a fraction of a new driveway when the blocks are intact.
A monoblock driveway crossing a public footway in Glasgow needs a dropped kerb approved by Glasgow City Council. Monoblock that is impermeable needs a channel drain or soakaway inside the property.
Monoblock is the Scottish name for concrete block paving: interlocking concrete blocks laid on a sand bed over a compacted sub-base. Monoblock and block paving describe the same surface.
A monoblock driveway in Glasgow costs £80 to £150 per square metre installed. A typical 40m² monoblock driveway costs £3,200 to £5,200 including excavation, sub-base and edging.
A monoblock driveway lasts 25 years or more when the sub-base is deep enough and surface water drains away. Damaged blocks are replaced individually.
Yes. Sunken monoblock is lifted, the sand bed and sub-base are re-levelled, and the same blocks are relaid and re-sanded.
Sealing is optional. A sealer locks jointing sand in place, reduces weed growth and slows staining, and is reapplied every three to five years.
Send your measurements, or ask us to measure on site. We quote by material, sub-base build-up and drainage solution, so you can compare like with like.