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🚗 Driveways & Patios FAQ – Sale, Altrincham, Cheshire & Manchester

❓ Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?

Planning permission is generally not required if your driveway uses a permeable surface (like resin, gravel, or block paving with proper drainage). However, if the surface is impermeable and over 5m², planning permission may be needed. We can check the rules for Trafford, Cheshire East, or Manchester councils. We can advise after visitng your site.

❓ How long does a driveway installation take?

  • Block paving driveway: typically 4–7 days. (approx 10sqm per day)

  • Natural stone paving or Porcelain paving similar.

  • Gravel driveway: This is generally a littler quicker.
    Time depends on size, ground preparation, and weather.

❓ Which driveway material is best?

Each has its pros:

  • Block paving: Durable, stylish, wide choice of colours/patterns.

  • Tarmac and permeable tram are hard wearing and last longest done correctly.

  • Gravel: Budget-friendly, fast installation, classic look. (core gravel stabilised gravel driveways last longer and have benefits to standard gravel)
    We’ll recommend the best choice for your Manchester or Cheshire property.

❓ How much does a new driveway cost?

Prices vary by material:

  • Block paving: from £100–£160 per m². (large range)

  • Resin: from £220–£260 per m². (Most expensive done correctly)

  • Gravel: from £60–£130 per m².

  • Tarmac and standard concrete flagging £100-£160 (Permeable is extra)

  • These prices are a guide only every job is different.

  • We provide free written quotes after a site survey.

❓ How long will my driveway last?

  • Block paving: 20+ years with maintenance.

  • Resin: 15–20 years.

  • Gravel: 10+ years with occasional top-ups. 20+with core stabiliser system

  • Tarmac and Concrete flagging 20+
    Proper ground preparation and drainage are key to longevity.

❓ Do driveways need much maintenance?

  • Block paving patios benefit from re-sanding joints every few years and occasional jet washing. Also you can seal and spray anti fungicidal treatment is in dark damp positions.

  • Tarmac needs very little maintenance 

  • Natural stone patios can be sealed every few years to protect against stains. and can be re grouted.

❓ Do you cover my area?

Yes — we work across Sale, Altrincham, hale, Timperley, Cheshire, and Greater Manchester. We are a family-run company established in 1969 with over 50 years’ experience in fencing, driveways, and landscaping.

Patios Section:

❓ What’s the difference between Indian sandstone and porcelain patios?

Indian sandstone offers a natural, rustic look with unique colour variations, making every patio different. It’s breathable and slip-resistant but may require sealing in damp, shaded gardens to prevent algae.
Porcelain paving is manufactured, giving a sleek, modern, uniform finish. It’s extremely low-porous, resistant to stains, frost, and scratches, and ideal for a low-maintenance patio.

❓ How long does a patio installation take?

  • Indian sandstone patio: usually on average 4-8 days, depending on size and layout and access a good estimate is 8-10sqm per day.

  • Porcelain patio: similar timeframe, though precise cutting may take longer.
    Weather, site preparation, and drainage requirements also affect installation time.

❓ How much does a patio cost in Cheshire or Manchester?

  • Indian sandstone: typically £120–£160 per m², depending on grade and colour and dig off etc.

  • Porcelain: usually £140–£200 per m², as it requires specialist cutting and installation.
    Every garden is different, so we provide a free written quote after inspection.

❓ How long will a patio last?

  • Sandstone: 20+ years with sealing and occasional re-pointing.

  • Porcelain: 25+ years with very little maintenance needed.
    Good installation with a solid sub-base is key to longevity.

❓ Do patios need much maintenance?

  • Indian sandstone: benefits from washing and maybe sealing every 2–3 years, and occasional re-grouting if joints weather over time.

  • Porcelain: very low maintenance, just sweep and jet wash as needed.
    Both options can be treated with anti-fungicidal wash in shady, damp areas to keep them looking fresh.

Call Now: 
Altrincham Office: 0161 9808333
14 Fairy lane Sale M33 2JT
Company Number: 01579458
Registered office: Trinity Chambers, 8 Suez Street, Warrington, England, WA1 1EG
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