Tegula block paving driveways
Tumbled, aged-look block paving for driveways in Mansfield, Chesterfield and the towns between, with twelve of James's own Tegula jobs to look through.
Tegula in short
Tegula is tumbled block paving: the edges and faces are softened in manufacture so a new drive looks aged and weathered rather than box fresh. James lays it in reds, golds, browns and greys, almost always with a charcoal border to frame the drive. The twelve photographs on this page are his Tegula driveways. If you want a smooth, modern look instead, the same base and border work with a block such as Tobermore Shannon, as on the Todwick job.
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Twelve Tegula driveways by James's team.
Photographs from James's own jobs. Tap to enlarge.
What is Tegula block paving?
Tegula is a style of concrete block paving: the blocks are tumbled in manufacture to give an aged, weathered look. Tobermore's Tegula range, for example, is sold in colours including slate grey, and Tobermore says its Ef-Stop curing process limits efflorescence, the white salt bloom that can show on new concrete. The reds, golds and browns in the photos above show the warmer end of what tumbled blocks look like on a real drive.
Tegula or a smooth block?
Both are laid the same way. Which you choose is a matter of taste and of the house.
| Tegula (tumbled) | Smooth block, such as Shannon | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Tumbled, softened edges and faces | Smooth, crisp, with a chamfered edge and tight joints |
| Look | Aged, weathered stone; suits older and newer homes | Clean and contemporary |
| Colour | Mixed tones across the drive look natural | More even, with less variation |
| What to ask | Which range and colour, and to see the blocks in daylight | Which block, and how the joints are filled |
Colour, and the edge
Tumbled blocks are mixed on purpose so the drive does not look like one flat colour, and colour varies a little between batches and as concrete weathers. The charcoal border that frames most of these drives gives the edge a firm line against the road and the garden. Ask to see the blocks in daylight before you choose, not just on a sample board.
Drainage and planning
The Planning Portal says a new or replacement front driveway of any size needs no planning permission if it is permeable or the rain drains to a lawn or border, while an impermeable one over five square metres that does not drain that way does. A standard block surface is not the same thing as a permeable build, so ask how the water leaves your drive and have the answer in the written quote.
Under the surface
What makes a block drive last.
Most driveway problems start below the blocks: sinking where a car parks, puddles that never drain, edges that creep. When you compare quotes, ask what each layer is and how deep it goes.
Edge restraint. Kerbs or edging set in concrete stop the blocks spreading. Ask how the edges are fixed.
The surface you see. Ask for the exact block, colour and laying pattern in writing.
A bed of sharp sand the blocks are bedded into, screeded to level.
Compacted crushed stone that carries the weight. Its depth should suit the vehicles using it.
The dug-out ground, checked and compacted before anything goes on top.
Block paving, in customers' words.
“He explained the process and options for the block paving. Started promptly and worked in a tidy and efficient manner. The workmanship and materials are of the highest quality and the finished results are stunning.”Zahid SaiyedGoogle review · July 2025
“James and his team did an excellent job block paving our driveway. Quick and efficient, excellent work. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.”Andrea martinGoogle review · August 2025
“Would 100% recommend Paveforce for block paving driveways. Polite, reliable and professional, nothing was too much trouble and the work is of a very high standard.”Louise CrabtreeGoogle review · August 2024
Block paving case studies.
Jobs photographed in detail, with what each one shows.
Block paving driveway, TodwickTodwick
Block paving driveway, LadybrookLadybrook, Mansfield
Block paving driveway, TuxfordTuxford, NottinghamshireYour questions, answered
What is Tegula block paving?
Tegula is a range of concrete block paving that is tumbled during manufacture, which gives the edges and faces an aged, weathered look. It comes in a spread of colours and is used for driveways, paths and patios.
Is Tegula the same as normal block paving?
It is block paving, laid in the same way on the same kind of base. The difference is the look: Tegula is tumbled and softened, where a smooth block such as Tobermore Shannon is crisp, with tight joints and a chamfered edge.
Does a Tegula driveway need planning permission?
For a front garden, the Planning Portal says a new or replacement driveway of any size needs no planning permission if it uses permeable surfacing or the rain drains to a lawn or border. An impermeable one over five square metres that does not drain that way does need permission. Ask any quote how the water from your drive is dealt with.
Will the blocks match the sample?
Not exactly. Concrete paving varies a little in colour from batch to batch and as it weathers, and tumbled blocks are mixed on purpose to look natural. Ask to see the blocks in daylight, and ask for the exact range and colour to be written in the quote.
Do you lay Tegula in Mansfield and Chesterfield?
Yes. Send James your town and a photo of the front of the house and he will arrange a visit before he quotes.
Other ways James can help.
Tegula paving near you
Read the local guides for driveways in Mansfield and driveways in Chesterfield, or find your town below.