A good quality driveway offers much more than simply getting to your property or premises. It can enhance appeal to the kerb, mark your property‘s entrance and give a professional first appearance. Selecting good paving materials and edging can help significantly with this. A traditional but ever popular option is Belgian block driveway.

Belgian blocks are natural stones used primarily for road paving, borders and landscape features. Their rough surface and unique profile can be used to form attractive edges for drives and boundaries for paved areas. Used correctly they can work well with: asphalt; concrete; paving block.

What Are Belgian Blocks?

Belgian blocks are irregular rectangular or roughly shaped natural stones. Their strength and ability to withstand through traffic has led to their use on roads, streets, paths and landscape construction.
The stones were commonly used by homeowners today as a material to add as borders around their driveways. Instead of laying the stones all over the land/path, the builders add the blocks along the edge of the drive way to create a border.

Their naturally variation in color and slightly irregular surfaces give a natural traditional look which look good on both old and new property.

Why Choose Belgian Block Driveway Edging?

The fact that Belgian blocks surrounding a driveway are good looking as well as functional is also very advantageous. They are not purely ornamental.

Improved Curb Appeal

Edging with natural stones creates an instant finished appearance to a driveway. The framed border provides a clear visual divide between the driveway and the surrounding lawn, gardens or pathways.

The Belgian block‘s old-fashioned look makes it able to match a variety of buildings as it doesn‘t give an unreal, up to the minute impression.

Strong and Durable Material

Edges of driveway may be exposed to considerable loading from vehicle tires, weather, lawn tools and maintenance operations. Natural stone can be designed to withstand this loading.

A good border can provide a barrier from the edges of asphalt or cement and direct Paving materials from cracking, craking, or degrading.

Clearly Defined Driveway Boundaries

If the edges are not well defined, the earth or other materials used may stratify out of the surface into the adjoining area. This can be unsightly or give an impression of a badly maintained surface.
Belgian blocks are a physical barrier that can be used to contain the surface of the driveway. They could be used to space the driveway from the grass, mulch, planting beds, or other landscape features.

Belgian Blocks and Different Driveway Materials

These stones are easily one of the most favorable because of their versatile nature. They can be used within a range of different driveway styles.

Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt is a fairly neat, reasonable driveway material, relatively inexpensive. Its dark colour however may appear dull. The addition of natural stone to the edges further enhances the asphalt and makes a more polished finish:

This combination of textured stone and smooth asphalt works especially well for more traditional residential properties.

Concrete Driveways
Concrete offers a clean, uniform finish. The addition of stone edging not only provides a warmer feeling, but also creates a more pronounced transition between the driveway and the landscaping.
The blocks can also be used by home owners to form lines or borders around sections of a large concrete drive.

Paver Driveways
Belgian blocks can pair nicely with brick and concrete pavers to include a different type of natural material. They can be strung around the edge of the driveway or used to distinguish various areas of the paveway.

The color, shape, and pattern of the existing pavers should also be taken into account in the final design such that the stone border appears to be a part of the scheme rather than an afterthought.

Proper Installation Matters

No matter how good the natural stone is, if it is laid on an unstable base it will not function for them correctly. Installation normally would start by preparing the base before the placing of the blocks.

The soil might have to be stripped down and recompacted prior to the addition of a base material. The slope of the driveway is another key factor, as water will have to run away from the driveway and into the drains.
The blocks then require to be displayed firmly and consistently grouted. Depending on the design and the site conditions, different bedding and restraints might be used, by the contractor, to minimize the movement over the time.

But even more critical is drainage. Water pooling around the edge of the driveway may lead to erosion, movement, or other issues.

Design Ideas for Natural Stone Driveway Borders

Different ways may be used to include Belgian blocks in the driveway project.

The simplicity of a single row border makes for a clean, understated look. Double, triple and quadruple row borders can be created for property values that need to make a bolder statement.

The blocks can be installed around the curve section of a driveway as well. One needs to plan and place the curved borders as shown below to get a uniform look.

Alternatively,stone can be matched with other features of the landscape or property. For instance, use the same stone to construct retaining walls, sign margins, walkways or outdoor spaces.

How to Maintain Stone Driveway Edging

Natural stone is actually quite easy to care for and always good looking when routinely maintained.

Ensure that grass, weeds, and other plants don‘t grow in between or around the stones. Clearing leaves, mud, and trash can halt accumulation along the edge of the driveway.

Defects in individual stones where they become loose or move. It is assumed that such defects should be easily repaired if they are rectified before the settlement begins to affect the other material types.
Make sure not to use aggressive cleaning chemicals prematurely before confirming that they are compatible for natural stone. If unsure, a professional contractor can advise the homeowners on appropriate maintenance practices.

Is This Driveway Upgrade Worth It?

Natural stone edging can be a good investment for homeowners interested in aesthetics and functionality. A masonry services​ near NJ traditional touch can be added to a driveway with Belgian blocks used as a border.
Total cost will be influenced by the scale of the driveway, installation, material choices, existing drainage, and labor costs. Consulting a professional will provide guidance on optimal design.

Instead of just choosing a material because it looks good, homeowners should take into account the function of the driveway, how water flows off the site, and the way the edging works with the existing landscape.

Choosing the Right Driveway Contractor

The installation quality can be just as important as the material quality. In comparing various driveway Contractors, find one that has experience installing natural stone, asphalt, concrete or pavers.
Inquire about past specifications and how they were prepared including the drainage plan and the type of base material that will be installed beneath the stone. Reliability of the contractor can often be gauged by their ability to speak coherently to the anticipated life of the proposed design against traffic and weather conditions.
Looking at images of otherwise finished projects can also be of help. This will give the customer a clearer idea of the quality work the contractor produces and enable her to choose the appropriate style for her home.

Final Thoughts
The driveway is one of the most visible aspects of the property, so integrating durability with practical design can make a real impact. Belgian block edging provides a robust way to delineate the driveway, but also to incorporate the appeal of natural stone.
Whether used in conjunction with asphalt, concrete or paving blocks, these natural stone blocks will afford a classic edge to any property. When laid correctly and forrestalled with efficient drainage and well maintained, a natural stone driveway border can last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Belgian blocks suitable for driveway edging?
Yes. Belgian blocks are often used as driveway borders because they are made of natural stone and are suitable for a formal setting.

2. Can Belgian blocks be used with asphalt driveways?
Yes. Furthermore, they can provide a good contrast with asphalt, while at the same time defining and protecting the margins of the paved surface.

3. Do Belgian block driveway borders require much maintenance?
In general they are low maintenance. Regular cleaning, clearing of vegetation and occasional moving of loose stones can help keep the border in good order.