BradDrive Cobblestone is installed differently to other concrete block paving and we recommend that this product is installed by a Bradstone Assured Installer.

BradDrive Cobblestone ECO is a beautiful and durable paving solution that can add a touch of rustic charm to any driveway. This is our improved product with great sustainability giving more than a 20% carbon reduction (compared to previous versions). However, proper installation is essential to ensure that your driveway will last for years to come.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing BradDrive Cobblestone. We will cover everything from preparing the sub-base to applying the jointing compound. By following these instructions, you can be sure that your driveway will be a lasting addition to your home.

Here are the key steps involved in installing BradDrive Cobblestone:

1. Prepare the sub-base.

• Perform a soil permeability test, especially if ground conditions are not known.
• Excavate the area to a depth of 400mm below the dwelling DPC. The finished height of the driveway surface is no higher than 150mm below DPC.
• Drainage channels must be used where required and correctly installed solid edge restaints are essential around the full perimeter of the driveway.
• Install a suitable geotextile membrane if required on top or the natural ground. 
• Lay a minimum sub-base of 150mm Type 1 MOT.
• Compact the sub-base in at least 2 stages which in the case of 150mm is 75mm

2. Lay the cobbles.

• Lay the cobbles on a 30-40mm sharp sand bed thickness once compacted and checked with a screed level to ensure no dips.
• Mix the cobbles from a minimum of 3 packs at a time if using a single colour or 6 packs at a time if using multiple colours.
• Lay the cobbles in a random pattern
• Ensure there is a tight connection and no GAPS or it will fail.
• Ensure that there are no cross-joints between individual courses.
• Do not lay BradDrive Cobblestone in a radius or circular pattern.
• Never cut the units to a finished size that is less than 2/3 of its original uncut size. 
• To maintain continuous drainage across the entire driveway we do not advice that cut blocks are laid against the edge and instead are laid surrounded by blocks on all sides. 
• You can use a an offuct of a cobble or other suitable material to use as a shim to form a tight connection if required. 

3. Compact the cobbles.

• Use a compactor plate with a rubber mat to compact the cobbles.
• A lack of rubber mat will result in damaged or scratched blocks. 
• Do not compact the cobbles after the jointing compound has been applied as it will lead to system failure if done after. 

4. Apply the jointing compound.

• Once fully compacted apply the recommended jointing compound provided with the cobbles.
• The correct installation instructions are printed on the tubs supplied. Pay particular attention to the working temperature of the compound. 
• The jointing compound should come up to the shoulder of the cobble and not be flush with the top of the surface.
• Remove any remaining jointing compound from the face of the cobbles using a soft brush.
• The jointing compound can either be left as it has located itself in the joints, ensuring a minimum depth of 20mm , or can be struck with a jointing tool. 

5. Curing.

• The jointing compound will need to cure for 2 days depending on weather conditions before the driveway can be used.

Here we have walked you through the step-by-step process of installing BradDrive Cobblestone. We have covered everything from preparing the sub-base to applying the jointing compound. By following these instructions, you can be sure that your driveway will be a lasting addition to your home.

Here are some additional tips for installing BradDrive Cobblestone:

• Use a level to ensure that the driveway is level.
• Use a rubber mat on the compactor plate to prevent damage to the cobbles.
• Apply the jointing compound to the joints as soon as possible after laying the cobbles.
• Allow the jointing compound to cure for at least 2 days before using the driveway.

By following these instructions, you can be sure that your BradDrive Cobblestone driveway will be a beautiful and durable addition to your home. If you are looking for some advice on trying out new garden designs including the BradDrive Cobblestone, we can help. Get in touch with a Bradstone-approved landscaper for expert advice and patio ideas for your garden here.