Top Paving Contractors in Dublin – How To Choose The Right One for Your Needs

Driveway Paving Contractor Ireland

Driveway Paving Contractor Ireland

Have you decided to transform your driveway or garden and need a paving contractor in Dublin? The most important thing you need to do next is find the right one. The best paving contractors in Dublin have many years of experience, a reliable team and have positive customer feedback. So, how do you know which one is right for your needs? Here are some things you should look out for when choosing paving contractors in Dublin.

Customer Reviews for Paving Contractors in Dublin

Customer reviews can be a great way to find out if a paving contractor is one that you would like to hire, but you need to make sure you pay attention to the details. If a company has only one or two reviews, and those are all from their own website, it’s probably best to look for another option.

When looking at customer reviews, be sure that they’re recent. You should also look for multiple sources and not just one website. These days there are so many review sites so you should check more than one to look for feedback. Be wary though that some companies with bad reputations pretend like they have tons of positive feedback by posting counter reviews. Be careful when screening contractors in those sites.

Years of Experience

Years of experience are typically an important factor when choosing a paving contractor. You want to know that the company has a track record of doing quality work, and have been around for long enough to show that they have everything in place necessary to complete the job properly. This also means that they have the right tools and equipment for the task at hand, so you can be sure that nothing will go wrong during the installation phase or any future maintenance work on your driveway or parking area.

Trustworthy Staff

Trustworthiness is a key factor to consider as you need to be sure that the paving contractor you hire will stand by their work. Some contractors may guarantee a certain output, but they may not be willing to go above and beyond in case something goes wrong.

If there’s one thing we know about homeowners, it’s that they take pride in their homes and want them to look great! That being said, you as a potential client for a paving contractor should feel confident that the one you choose has the right tools and equipment for the job so they can perform at maximum potential.

We recommend asking around for references from previous clients before making any decision regarding who should do your work. This may not be easy but still worth checking out if possible!

Top Quality

Another key consideration is the quality of the work of the contractor. As there may be several contractors available, you should check some of their work if possible. Seeing the quality of their work will help you make the best choice. Ask the contractor if they can share a portfolio of their previous works. Better yet, ask the contractor if they’ve done any work in your area so you can check the finished product. You may also ask if they can refer you to some of their previous clients so you can ask the homeowners for feedback regarding the contractor.

Free Quotes

Most, if not all, contractors offer free quotes for their work. When looking for the right paving contractor, it is important that you receive at least three quotes. A free quote will give you a good idea of what to expect for costs, but it’s best if you can get at least three contractors to give an estimate. This way, you’ll be able to compare and contrast each quote against your own budget.

There are a number of paving contractors in Dublin but not all of them can be trusted to deliver great work. It’s important to do your research before making any decision and finding the right paving contractor for your needs is no different. If you follow the steps enumerated here, you’ll be able to find the contractor that best fits your needs.

Are you looking for paving contractors in Dublin? Do you have questions about garden or driveway paving? Our experienced professionals are ready to answer your queries. Call us at  (01) 4851582 | 0852139591 or click here to reach us today!

Block Paving Driveway – Installation and Maintenance Tips from Experts

Block Paving Driveway – Installation and Maintenance Tips from Experts

The appeal of a block paving driveway is undeniable. Whether you’re using it to showcase your home or simply as an alternative to tarmac or asphalt, this type of driveway offers many advantages. A block paving driveway is durable and long-lasting, providing years of use without requiring a great deal of maintenance. Additionally, the material offers character and personality that can add value to your property.

If block paving seems like something you might be interested in installing at home, keep reading for some helpful tips from experts on how best to go about the process.

How Much Does a Block Paving Driveway Cost in Dublin 

Block paving is a durable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting driveway choice. It’s typically more expensive than asphalt, tarmac or concrete but cheaper than brick or natural stone.

Block paving driveway costs around €4000 to €6000 in Ireland. This includes material costs, labour fees and VAT. The overall cost can vary based on these factors so you need to request a quote from your driveway paving company so you can have an idea how much it would cost overall.

Note that some paving contractors provide a quote on a per square metre basis whereas others can give a quote for the entire job. If you have a small driveway, the per square metre quote may be more practical for you.

How Do You Lay a Block Paving Driveway

You’ll want to make sure that your block paving is installed correctly in order to prevent any issues down the road.

There are multiple steps in laying a block paving driveway including:

  • Excavation – to prepare the ground
  • Putting the edge restraints – to frame the area to be paved
  • Laying the Sub-base – the main layer for support
  • Laying the Sand – to fill up the area between the sub-base and the paving line
  • Laying the Pavers

How Do You Maintain a Block Paving Driveway

The key to maintaining your block paving driveway is keeping it clean.

If you have any weed and moss growth, make sure you remove them or scrape them off. Use a non-acid based detergent and a yard brush to scrub the surface. Afterwards, hose it down with clean water. A pressure washer should not be needed unless the paving is very dirty or heavily stained.

You can use a broom or a leaf blower for sweeping and raking. If you don’t want to use chemicals on your block paving driveway, try vacuuming instead of raking or sweeping. This will remove most of the dirt from the surface of your driveway with minimal effort and no chemicals.

Block Paving Improves the Look of Your Home and Adds Value

Block paving driveways are a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve the look of their homes. They’re also an excellent way to increase your property’s value by adding curb appeal. It’s durable and long lasting and easy to maintain, which ensures that you’re getting maximum use out of your block paving driveway for years to come.

Block paving is a good choice for many different types of homes, from period properties with traditional features like grand archways and classical pillars all the way through to modern homes with contemporary design features such as sleek glass windows and minimalist interiors.

Would you like to know more about block paving driveways? Our team of experts are ready to answer your queries and concerns. Call us today at (01) 4851582 or 0852139591 or click here to contact us!

Driveways Dublin – How Much Does It Cost to Get Professional Paving Services

Asphalt Driveway with Granite Cobbles 2

Asphalt Driveway with Granite Cobbles 2

-Updated Oct 2022-

A paved driveway in Dublin is one of the most cost-effective ways to add value to your property and maintain it for years to come. A beautiful paved driveway improves your home’s aesthetics so it’s worth investing in professional paving services. 

If you’re planning to invest in professional paving services, you should know that the cost varies based on the size of your driveway as well as the materials used. We will look at the different options available in the latter part of this article.

Driveways in Dublin – Why Have Your Driveway Paved?

When you get your driveway paved, there are a number of benefits. Paving is definitely a great investment. When you pave, you get:

  • A long-term investment that increases the value of your home by as much as 20%.
  • Reduced maintenance costs by keeping water away from the foundation of your home and minimising potholes and ruts in your driveway.
  • A beautiful new surface that increases the curb appeal of your house and makes it look brand new. It’s a great way to impress your visitors!

Types of Driveways in Dublin

There are different options available for paving your driveway. Asphalt and concrete driveways are typically more affordable than other options, but they also require regular maintenance and repairs. As an alternative you may also consider other materials like brick pavers.

  • Asphalt is the most popular choice for driveways as it is durable, affordable and easy to maintain. Asphalt has a long lifespan and requires little maintenance once laid. Asphalt driveways are hard wearing and last  for years. They are resistant to chemicals, oil and grease spillages and do not disintegrate when exposed to extremes of temperature or weather conditions like frost or snow.
  • Concrete is a durable material that is often a good choice for heavy traffic areas. It also works well in areas where you receive a lot of snow and rain.
  • Brick pavers are a popular choice for driveways. This type of paving is a great way to add character to your driveway, and it’s also an option that can be used in many different situations. Brick pavers are often used on large driveways because they will last longer than other types of paving materials.

How to Calculate the Cost of Tarmac Driveways in Ireland?

Driveway Paving Cost

The cost of driveway paving can vary greatly, depending on the size, materials and complexity of your project.The price for residential paving jobs in Dublin is about €40 to €70 per square metre for concrete. Asphalt costs around €50 to €80 per square metre and brick paving is around €80 to €110 per square metre. So, if you have a driveway which is 30 square metres in size, that would cost around €1200 to €3300 depending on which material you choose.

Whatever the cost is, it is worth the long-term value it adds to your home as well as the peace of mind it brings knowing that your driveway will last for several years.

Driveway paving is an investment that will give you many benefits for years to come. So if you would like to have your driveway paved, give us a call today at (01) 4851582 or 0852139591. You may also contact us here.

 

8 Tips for Hiring a Reliable Driveway Paving Contractor

8 Tips for Hiring a Reliable Driveway Paving Contractor

8 Tips for Hiring a Reliable Driveway Paving ContractorGetting the right paving contractor is essential to ensuring your driveway or other surface is safe and durable. At New Style Driveways, we have two types of driveways, tarmac and gravel. We also complete full garden paving, driveway paving and patio installations.

We know that you can’t just pick any driveway paving contractor so our team have conducted some important tips for you. Use these when hiring a driveway contractor for your home or business.

8 tips for hiring a driveway contractor

The right skills and equipment

Paving a driveway requires specialised equipment and skills. For example, tarmac needs to be laid quickly at around 95-190 degrees to ensure a seamless, smooth finish. It is essential to have the right number of people and quality equipment for the size of the job.

A contractor should have around six to eight people working on a project. When choosing a paving service, pick a contract with an experienced and trained team to ensure the best results.

Proper material use

All tarmac is not created equal. There are different grades of tarmac and each one has a different amount of recycled material. Low-quality one will impact the durability and appearance of your paving.

Some contractors also cut costs by applying a thinner layer of tarmac . Look for a contractor that uses higher grade tarmac with lower recycled material content. Also, a good contractor lays at least 3 inches that compacts to 2 ½ inches.

Attention to preparation

A good contractor does not cut corners. When paving a driveway or other surface, the base is just as important as the surface. A poorly constructed base that is too thin will mean the tarmac will start to erode and buckle, usually because water infiltrates into the surface and causes holes or cracks.

Choose a contractor that takes time to build a proper base. For a new driveway, preparation work usually takes a week before a surface is paved so the base settles.

Insurance coverage

Some contractors offer very low prices for their paving services. This often means there is some sort of scam. Some contractors, for example, can provide a lower price by not carrying insurance. If there is an accident or damage during the project, that means your policy will be used and your premiums will go up as a result. When picking a contractor, always ask for proof of insurance.

Good references

One of the best ways to check the quality of a contractor’s work is to check references. An unreliable company will have consistently poor reviews.

Talk to friends and neighbours if they have experience with contractors. You can also check out projects near you to look at the quality of the contractor’s work.

Accurate quotes

Some contractors will include more material than they need in a quote, and you end up paying more. A reliable contractor will use their experience to give you an accurate quote. Check quotes from multiple contractors to get an idea of a proper estimate.

Also, avoid a contractor that asks you to pay a deposit. In some cases, you may never see this money again. Reputable contractors will use lines of credit with suppliers and never ask for a deposit.

Design considerations

If you are creating a new driveway or another paved surface, it is important to pick a contractor with experience in design. A reliable contractor will consider how the surface will be used.

For example, they will think about how someone might turn or back up on a driveway. They will also think about creating enough space for larger vehicles.

Finally, a good contractor will consider how water runs off the surface to avoid problems with the base.

A written contract

Before starting a project, make sure you have a written contract. Whether for regular facility management like repairs or a new paving project, a contract helps protect you if there is a dispute.

You can also use it to help claim some or all of your money back if the contract does not complete what was agreed.

Professional driveway paving services

It might be tempting to pick a contractor that offers the lowest price. Unreliable contractors will cut corners by not using the right material or enough tar for a project. They will also skip important steps that will ultimately impact the quality and longevity of your paving.

With a reputation built on quality and satisfied clients, New Style Driveways delivers exceptional results. From tarmac driveways to car parks, we specialise in the design and construction of all types of block paving and tarmac paving.

Do you need a reliable driveway paving contractor? Let our experienced professional driveway pavers help you build or repair your driveway. Request a quick quote or call us on 0852139591 for more information!

 

What Driveway Paving Materials Are Used in Dublin?

Paving Driveway in Finglas

Paving Driveway in Finglas

Are you renovating your driveway or building a new one? One of the critical things you have to decide on for this home improvement project is which driveway paving solution to use.

The good news is that there are various driveway paving materials in Dublin to meet your design needs and budget. The bad news is that choosing can be challenging and overwhelming if you have zero knowledge about these solutions or finishes.

But you don’t have to worry as this article gives you an overview of the top driveway paving solutions. Read on to understand what your options are and which one best suits your requirements.

Common Driveway Paving Materials in Dublin

Gravel, tar and chip, tarmac and concrete are the widely used paving solutions or finishes for drives all over Ireland.

The cheapest among these materials is gravel, while the most expensive is concrete. A gravel driveway costs an average of €45 to €65 per square metre. On the other hand, a concrete driveway costs around €80 to €120 per square metre.

You should know that two major factors affect the overall price of a driveway: material costs and labour fees. In the case of concrete driveways, aside from the materials, labour costs are also expensive. This is mainly because building this drive requires much work – more work means more hours.

Certainly, the prices of these materials are not the only information you want to know. So, below, we listed down some of the pros and cons of each driveway paving solution.

Gravel

Pros:

  • Cheapest to acquire yet durable and long-lasting
  • Can be installed without the need for sophisticated tools and advanced techniques
  • Better water drainage

Cons:

  • Prone to ruts and erosion
  • Not ideal for cold climate because it is difficult to snowplough
  • Frequent spreading and filling are necessary

Tarmac

Pros:

  • Resistant to extreme weather conditions
  • Able to withstand heavy weights, which makes it a good choice if you have multiple vehicles
  • Quick to install since it dries faster than other materials, resulting in shorter downtime and minimal disruption in your household or property
  • No need to replace the entire drive when a portion gets damaged

Cons:

  • Requires regular resealing to preserve its appearance and extend its life
  • Diesel spillage can dissolve tar, the binding agent of the aggregate, which can cause the driveway surface to break down and develop holes
  • UV light can make it brittle, resulting in potholes

Tar and Chip

Pros:

  • Conceals oil stains better than concrete and tarmac
  • Provides good traction for vehicles
  • No need to replace displaced stones often

Cons:

  • Clearing snow can be challenging and may damage the drive
  • Limited lifespan (approximately 10 years) compared to concrete (about 40 years or longer)

Concrete

Pros:

  • Can last many years – up to 50 years with proper maintenance
  • Very durable and can withstand the heaviest vehicle

Cons:

  • Require annual maintenance
  • When damaged, the whole driveway must be removed and replaced
  • More expensive than other materials like gravel and tarmac

Choosing Driveway Paving Materials in Dublin

Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, it will be easy to choose which one suits the driveway you want.

Just a reminder:

When choosing, make sure you consider other factors, not just the material’s price. So, as you take your time to examine your options, think about the following factors as well:

Location’s Weather Conditions

It is crucial to note the weather conditions in your area to know which material can best withstand constant exposure to the elements.

For example, a gravel driveway is discouraged in places with snow, as snowploughing can be difficult. Meanwhile, a tarmac driveway may not be a good choice in areas with plenty of sunshine since excessive exposure to UV light degrades it.

 Aesthetic Appeal

Your driveway should complement the design elements and landscaping of your property. So, consider the colour, texture and other characteristics of the material you are eyeing.

Keep in mind, a driveway is not just a functional feature. It is also an aesthetic element that can increase your property’s value when built well.

Maintenance Demands

Know how much time, effort and money you will be willing to spend on the maintenance and upkeep of your driveway.

Remember, maintenance works are not only corrective but preventive as well. They must be regularly conducted to keep your driveway pristine and ensure its longevity.

Regulatory Restrictions

Inquire about and comply with the rules and regulations regarding property improvements in your locality or neighbourhood. Before making a purchase, know if specific colours or materials are prohibited.

In conclusion, the best material for your driveway is derived from a well-informed decision. Professional pavers can guide you in this task, helping you make the best choice.

Gravel, tar and chip, tarmac or concrete – which driveway paving material should you use for your Dublin property? Talk to our experienced driveway pavers! Call us now on (01) 4851582 | 0852139591 or click here to leave us a message.