Double Block Paved Driveway Installation in Dartford

This project in Dartford was a brilliant example of how one driveway makeover can inspire another. We originally began work for the homeowner on the left side, but partway through the build, their neighbour approached us and asked, “Can you do ours too?” — and that’s how this turned into a full double-driveway transformation completed side-by-side.

Both properties had completely different starting points, levels and layouts, so this project needed careful planning, precise groundwork, and a lot of experience in handling level changes, retaining walls, and stepped access.

Project Details

1. Site Excavation & Preparation

We began by excavating both front gardens to the correct formation level.
This involved:

Removing all soil, rubble, roots and old surfaces
Machine-digging to the required depth to achieve a stable foundation (typically 250–300mm depending on site conditions)
Carefully exposing existing step foundations and removing unstable sections as needed
Setting out boundary lines to ensure both driveways matched perfectly without encroaching on property lines

Because the right-hand property sat higher than the finished driveway level, additional ground had to be removed and supported with a new retaining wall and upper paved landing area.

2. Retaining Walls & Steps Construction

A major feature on the left driveway is the new brick-built retaining walls, designed both structurally and aesthetically to hold back the higher garden level.

We built:

A full retaining wall on both sides of the driveway
A central staircase rising neatly to the front door
Brick-on-edge coping for a clean, modern finish
A matching wall for the neighbour’s driveway to maintain symmetry across both properties

For the right-hand neighbour, the design included a level change leading to a raised paved area, complete with a planting section to keep some of their existing garden character.

3. Sub-Base & Drainage Installation

Both driveways required a strong, lasting foundation. We installed:

150mm of MOT Type 1 sub-base, compacted in layers
Sharp sand laying course compacted and screeded level
Aco linear drainage at pavement level to manage surface water
Permeable spacing and correct fall levels to ensure all water is directed safely into the drainage channel and not towards either property

4. Block Paving Installation

Each driveway received a bespoke colour scheme, but both were laid with precision in classic patterns:

Left Driveway

Light grey block paving with a contrasting charcoal border
Laid in a 45° or 90° herringbone pattern (depending on your preference — adjust if needed)
Finished with neat kerb edges and a crisp border to tie into the brickwork

Right Driveway

Red and charcoal block paving combination
Double border detail for extra depth
A raised paved landing area with a planting square incorporated into the design

Although the colours differ, the layouts and borders complement each other perfectly — giving both homes a clean, unified look.

Final Outcome

After compacting the paving and brushing kiln-dried sand through all joints, we gave everything a full clean-down.

The result:
✔ Two brand-new driveways
✔ Perfectly level, perfectly matched
✔ Strong retaining walls
✔ Beautiful steps and raised areas
✔ A huge boost to the curb appeal of both homes

What started as a single driveway job turned into a full matching pair — and both neighbours were over the moon with the final finish.