Lift & Re-lay Block Paving – Re-use Your Blocks

What does a lift and re-lay job involve?

Lift and re-lay means taking up an existing block paved area, cleaning and stacking the blocks, correcting the bed and the sub-base, and laying the same blocks back down. When the blocks are still sound, it fixes widespread sinking, rocking and uneven joints for less than a new drive, because the blocks themselves are re-used.

It is also the way to change a layout, add drainage or a recessed cover, or raise or lower a drive, without buying new blocks. A small allowance of new blocks is usually needed for breakages and new cuts.

What is included?

Survey of the blocks: thickness, damage and whether they are worth re-using
Lifting, cleaning and stacking
Sub-base repaired or rebuilt where needed
New screeded laying course
Blocks relaid, new cuts made, edges re-set
Jointing sand and compaction

Which options are there?

Like-for-like re-lay

Same layout and pattern, corrected levels.

Re-lay with changes

New pattern, border, drainage or covers using the same blocks.

Partial re-lay

Only the failed part of the drive.

How much does a lift and re-lay job cost?

UK guide price£35–£80 per m² inc VATIncluding VAT at 20%

For 30 m² re-laid in the Midlands, that typically comes to £1,050–£2,400. London and the South East cost more, the North East, Yorkshire and Wales a little less. Smaller jobs cost more per square metre because set-up and waste costs do not shrink with the area.

Region	Guide price inc VAT
London	£40–£95 per m²
South East	£40–£85 per m²
East of England	£35–£85 per m²
South West	£35–£80 per m²
West Midlands	£35–£80 per m²
East Midlands	£35–£80 per m²
North West	£35–£80 per m²
Yorkshire and the Humber	£30–£70 per m²
North East	£30–£70 per m²
Wales	£35–£75 per m²
Scotland	£35–£80 per m²
Northern Ireland	£35–£75 per m²

Guide figures checked 9 November 2026. Your written quote after the survey is the price you pay. See the full price list or try the guide price tool.

Is a lift and re-lay job right for you?

Good for

Widespread dips and rocking blocks
Drives with sound blocks but a poor base
Adding drainage or changing levels

Think twice if

Blocks that are thin, crumbling or badly stained (new blocks may cost little more)

How does it work?

Quick details
Your postcode and the job. It takes a minute.
On-site check
Measurements, levels against the damp-proof course, ground and drainage.
Itemised quote
Fixed once the specification is agreed, with no vague extras.
Laid and finished
Compacted, jointed and handed back clean.

Questions about lift and re-lay

Is it cheaper to re-lay block paving than replace it?

Usually, yes, when the blocks are sound, because you save the cost of new blocks. Labour is similar, so the saving depends on the block price.

Can old blocks be re-used?

Most concrete and clay blocks can, if they are not cracked or crumbling. A few breakages are normal, so some new blocks are allowed for.

Will a re-laid drive look new?

The levels and joints will be like new; the blocks will still look their age, though a clean and seal after re-laying helps a lot.

Where do you offer lift and re-lay jobs?

We quote lift and re-lay jobs across the UK. Choose your area for local prices and towns.

Lift and re-lay block paving

What does a lift and re-lay job involve?

What is included?