Outside a business, the ground is the first thing people walk on. A neat, even surface makes a good start. We lay commercial paving for business premises and shared areas in Harpenden and across Hertfordshire, including Wheathampstead, Redbourn and St Albans.
Read about the surfaces we lay, what to think about on a busy site, and how we plan access with you. The survey is free, the quote comes in writing, and we never ask for a deposit.
Call 01582 932001, or call or WhatsApp 07747 430338, email hello@5stardrivewaysandpatios.co.uk, or get your free quote.
Where commercial paving is used
1. Parking areas. A hard-wearing surface for cars coming and going.
2. Entrances and frontages. A tidy approach to the door.
3. Paths. Firm, even routes for people on foot.
4. Shared driveways. Drives and access ways used by more than one property.
5. Courtyards and seating areas. Paved space for people to use.
Surfaces we lay
Block paving
Hard-wearing, with lots of colours and patterns. Borders in a contrasting block can frame the area. Our block paving page has more.
Tarmac
Plain and practical, and a good match for wide areas. Block or brick edging gives it a tidy border. Our tarmac page has more.
Resin bound
Smooth and porous, so rain can soak through. A clean, modern look for entrances, paths and courtyards. Our resin bound page has more.
Porcelain and natural stone
Porcelain, Indian sandstone and York stone can give an entrance or seating area a smart finish. Most porcelain doesn't need sealing. We can seal natural stone if you'd like. Our patios page has more.
What to think about on a busy site
1. Traffic. Cars, vans and lots of feet need a hard-wearing surface on a firm base.
2. Grip and evenness. A level surface with good grip underfoot.
3. Getting around. Smooth, level routes for wheelchairs, buggies and deliveries.
4. Rainwater. A big hard area collects a lot of rain, so it needs somewhere to go.
5. Access during the work. How people will get in and out while the job is going on.
6. Upkeep. How much cleaning the surface will need.
Planning access with you
A business or shared site may need to stay in use while work is done. We'll plan access with you on the survey, and agree how parking and deliveries will work before we start.
Rainwater and planning
A large paved area is laid with a slope to lead water away from buildings. Where it can't run onto grass or planting, we can fit channel drains, or soakaways where the ground allows. Porous surfaces such as resin bound can let some rain soak through.
The planning rules for business sites are not the same as the rules for homes. Listed buildings and conservation areas may have extra rules, so check with your local council.
Walls to finish the site
Many sites need walls as well as paving. We build garden walls, including brickwork and pillars built to match, and retaining walls where the site has a change in level.
What affects the cost?
We don't publish prices, because every site is different. A commercial paving quote depends on:
1. The size of the area.
2. The surface: block paving, tarmac, resin bound or stone.
3. How much old surface comes up and needs removing.
4. What sub-base the traffic calls for.
5. Channel drains or a soakaway.
6. How access will be kept during the work.
7. How easily machinery and materials can get to the site.
After the free survey, you'll have a written quote. You're under no obligation.
How a commercial job runs
1. Visit. We measure up, look at slopes and drains, and ask how the site is used.
2. Quote. The work and materials are set out in writing. We never ask for a deposit.
3. Access plan. We agree access, parking and deliveries with you.
4. Clearing. The old surface is lifted and taken away.
5. Sub-base. A compacted sub-base is laid.
6. Edges and drains. Edging is set, and drains go in where needed.
7. Surface. The new paving goes down.
8. Handover. The site is left tidy, and we talk you through upkeep.
Keeping it in good shape
1. Sweep busy areas and entrances often.
2. Clean up oil and spills soon.
3. Keep grates and channels free of leaves and silt.
4. Clear weeds and moss early, before they get slippery.
For a thorough clean, ask about our cleaning service.
Commercial work
Browse more in our photo gallery.
Commercial paving questions
Which surface suits a business site?
It depends on the traffic, the look you want and where the water goes. Block paving and tarmac are both hard-wearing. We'll go through the choices on the survey.
Can people still use the site while you work?
We'll plan access with you on the survey and agree it before we start.
Why does water collect by the building?
If the ground slopes towards the building, rain follows it and pools where the ground is lowest. On a new surface, the levels and drains are planned to lead it away.
Is planning permission needed for commercial paving?
The rules for business sites differ from those for homes. Listed buildings and conservation areas may have extra rules, so check with your local council.
How long does a commercial job take?
It depends on the size of the site. Your written quote sets out the plan for the work.
What does the 10-year guarantee cover?
Our 10-year guarantee covers the driveways, patios and walls we build. There's no deposit. See our guarantee and insurance page.
Areas we cover
We lay commercial paving in Harpenden and 23 nearby towns. See our areas page.
Get your free quote
Tell us a little about the job and we'll arrange a free site survey and a clear written quote. We never ask for a deposit, and there's no obligation.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 01582 932001, or call or WhatsApp 07747 430338. You're welcome to send photos of your site on WhatsApp first.