Driveway Construction Standards in Haslemere

Ground Conditions in Haslemere

Driveways across Haslemere, Hindhead, Shottermill and Grayswood typically sit on:

• Free-draining greensand and sandy soils
• Mixed or disturbed made ground around older properties
• Occasional clay pockets that trap water and move more seasonally

Each ground type influences excavation depths, sub-base specification and drainage design. Our guide on soil types in Haslemere explains these differences in more detail.

Excavation & Sub-Base Depth

Long-term driveway performance starts below finished level. Cutting corners at this stage is usually why driveways sink or rut within a few winters.

• Existing surfacing, topsoil and soft material are fully removed
• Excavation typically ranges from 200–300mm depending on use and soil
• Sub-base is installed and compacted in layers, often MOT Type 1 or Type 3
• Geotextile membranes are used where we need to separate soft ground

On steeper plots or shared access drives we may also introduce retaining details or step the build-up to keep everything locked in place.

Drainage, Falls & Permeable Rules

Modern rules around hard surfacing mean driveway water cannot simply be pushed into the road or a neighbour’s garden.

• Permeable block paving systems allow water to soak through the joints
• Non-permeable surfaces must drain to permeable ground or a soakaway
• Falls are set so water runs away from the house and thresholds
• Channel drains, gullies and inspection covers are detailed neatly into the layout

In many Haslemere plots we combine driveway drainage with garden drainage & groundworks, especially where rear patios or side paths are being renewed at the same time. For an overview of permissions and rules, see our planning permission guide for landscaping.

Driveway Surface Options

Block Paving

• Durable and repairable with individual blocks
• Wide choice of colours, sizes and patterns
• Available in permeable and traditional formats
• Works well alongside front paths and entrance patios

Gravel Driveways

• Excellent drainage and a softer, more rural feel
• Suited to period homes and countryside settings
• Stabilisation grids reduce rutting and keep stones in place
• Often combined with paved parking bays or brick retaining edges

Resin-Bound Driveways

• Fully permeable when installed over an appropriate base
• Smooth, modern finish with a range of natural stone blends
• Requires a solid, well-compacted base beneath

Edge Restraints & Detailing

Edge restraint is critical for long-term reliability. Without it, surfaces tend to spread, crack or creep into neighbouring beds and paths.

• Concrete haunching supports block paving edges
• Kerbs and setts define the driveway and protect boundaries
• Levels are coordinated with existing paths, garages and road surfaces

Driveway Longevity & Maintenance

When designed and built properly, a driveway should last for many years with modest maintenance.

• Routine cleaning reduces algae and weed build-up
• Re-sanding block joints helps lock the surface together
• Permeable systems benefit from occasional vacuuming or jet-washing

If front and rear works are combined into one project, we often design a complete garden scheme so paths, patios and driveways all age consistently.

Typical Driveway Costs in Haslemere

• Standard block paving: from around £120–£165 per m²
• Permeable block paving: typically £140–£190 per m²
• Resin-bound systems: £170–£240 per m²

Costs are influenced by access, excavation depth, drainage requirements and the chosen surface. Our Haslemere landscaping costs 2025 guide gives broader ranges for patios, retaining walls and complete garden projects.

Areas We Cover

Haslemere · Shottermill · Hindhead · Grayswood · Camelsdale · Hammer · Marley · Fernhurst · Linchmere · Kingsley Green · Surrey/Sussex borders

Considering a New Driveway?

We provide proper ground assessments, clear technical explanations and structured written quotations so you know exactly how your driveway will be constructed and how it should perform over time.

Request a driveway assessment

Want the full structural detail?

If you’re comparing driveway quotes or want to see what should be happening underneath vehicle areas, our deeper guide explains sub-base depths, membranes and drainage in more detail.

Deeper Knowledge

Driveway Construction Standards Explained

How driveway foundations, geotextiles and drainage work together beneath block paving, gravel and resin surfaces — and why some drives last for decades while others don’t.

View driveway structure guide →

Haslemere Landscaping Knowledge Hub

Explore all of our in-depth landscaping guides for Haslemere, Hindhead, Grayswood, Kingsley Green, Shottermill and the surrounding Surrey/Sussex borders:

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