How to Block a Driveway

Measure the driveway site with a tape measure and outline the borders with landscape spray paint. The width must be at least 16 feet for two cars and 10 feet for one, plus add 4 inches to the sides for edging.

Remove 12 inches of soil and grass from the painted outlines with a shovel. Dig the bottom down so there is 1/8 inch slope toward the street for every 8 feet of distance.

Make three passes over the dirt floor with a vibrating compactor or manual tamper. Stabilizing the dirt will reinforce the sturdiness of the foundation.

Pour a 4-inch deep base of gravel over the dirt and compact it as you did the subsoil. Add a second 4-inch layer of gravel over the first and run the compactor over it until it doesn't shift.

Place stone, timber or metal edging along the inner perimeter. Secure restraints with lawn spikes and a hammer or pack stone dust between medium-sized stones.

Rake an inch of grit sand over the base. Pull a straightedge over the surface to smooth it.

Put paving blocks on top of the sand bed without dragging them. Set them in your chosen design so each side is flush against adjacent blocks. Place a flat board over each row and walk on it to press each block down with equal pressure.

Spread fine masonry sand over the block driveway with a medium-bristled broom. Continue brushing the sand until it fills all of the crevices. Sprinkle the driveway with a hose so the sand joints will firm up as they dry.