Clay or concrete?
Clay pavers are fired like bricks, so their colour runs right through and mellows rather than fades. Against York's red and brown brick, a clay paver in a soft red, brindle or russet blend usually looks as if it has always been there. Concrete blocks cost less, come in more colours and suit modern houses well, particularly in greys and charcoals.
Patterns and borders
Herringbone at 45 or 90 degrees gives the strongest interlock under turning cars. Stretcher bond is cleaner and plainer, and basketweave has a traditional look on older properties. A soldier course border frames the drive and gives a tidy edge against lawns and walls.
Permeable paving
On many York front gardens, permeable block paving is the simplest way to meet the five square metre rule. The blocks have spacer nibs that leave wider joints, filled with fine angular grit rather than sand. Beneath them is an open-graded crushed stone layer that stores water and lets it soak into the ground slowly. On heavy clay, where water drains slowly, we may add an outlet pipe to a soakaway or drain.
The groundwork
Whatever paver you choose, its life depends on the layers beneath: excavation to a firm formation, a geotextile where needed, a compacted sub-base and concrete-haunched edge restraints. Skimp on any of those and the surface will rut and spread.
