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From Old Patio to Outdoor Showpiece: Transformation Ideas for 2025
If your patio has seen better days, 2025 is the year to give it new life. Across the North East, homeowners are transforming tired outdoor areas into stylish, functional extensions of their living space. Whether you want a modern entertainment zone or a peaceful retreat, upgrading your patio adds beauty, value, and year-round enjoyment to […]
Dropped Kerbs Explained: From Planning Permission to Installation
For many homeowners, creating a new driveway means more than just paving—it also involves safely accessing the road. A dropped kerb (also known as a lowered kerb) allows vehicles to cross the pavement without damaging the edge or obstructing pedestrians.In the North East, installing a dropped kerb is a regulated process that requires both planning […]
Artificial Grass for Busy Families: Why October Is the Smart Month to Install
Between work, school, and daily life, few families have the time or energy to keep up with constant lawn care. That’s why more homeowners across the North East are turning to artificial grass as a practical, year-round solution. It delivers the lush look of a perfect lawn without the endless mowing, watering, and fertilising that […]
Resin vs Block Paving: Which Surface Handles Northeast Weather Best?
When choosing a new driveway for your North East home, the local climate should play a major role in your decision. Between heavy rainfall, frost, and seasonal temperature swings, the region demands a surface that looks good and holds up against tough weather conditions.Two of the most popular choices — resin-bound and block paving—each offer […]
Autumn Driveway Care: Preventing Cracks Before Winter Hits
As the North East heads into colder, wetter months, now is the time for homeowners to prepare their driveways for winter. Autumn offers the perfect window to inspect, repair, and protect surfaces before freezing temperatures arrive. Left unchecked, even small cracks can expand into costly damage once the freeze-thaw cycle begins. Proactive autumn driveway care […]
Dropped Kerbs: A Homeowner’s Guide to Rules, Costs, and Benefits
If you want to drive onto your property legally and safely, you need more than a driveway. You also need a dropped kerb — a lowered section of pavement that allows vehicles to move between the road and your drive without damaging the kerb edge or breaking local regulations.For many homeowners, the rules and processes […]
Artificial Grass for Families & Pets: Is It Worth It?
A neat, green lawn is the dream for many homeowners. Yet keeping natural grass looking good all year takes time, effort, and money — especially for families with busy schedules or homes with energetic pets. This is why more households are turning to artificial grass as a low-maintenance alternative.Artificial turf has improved dramatically in recent […]
Resin vs Block vs Tarmac: Which Driveway Surface Lasts Longest?
When investing in a new driveway, most homeowners think about appearance and cost first. But longevity is just as important. A surface that looks great on day one may not stay that way if it can’t withstand years of vehicles, weather, and wear.In the North East, where freeze–thaw cycles, heavy rain, and frequent use put […]
Autumn Ready: How to Protect Your Driveway Before Frost Arrives
As the nights draw in and temperatures begin to fall, driveways across the North East face their toughest season. Autumn is the final chance to prepare before winter frost sets in, bringing with it cracked surfaces, slippery algae, and costly repairs. A little preparation now saves homeowners from bigger problems when the weather turns severe.This […]
Pre-Autumn Maintenance: August Checklist for Block Paving Longevity
Block paving is one of the most popular choices for driveways and patios in the North East. Its versatility, durability, and visual appeal make it a worthwhile investment for homeowners. Yet, like any outdoor surface, block paving needs regular care to stay in top condition. August is the ideal month to prepare your paving for […]
Why August Is Ideal for Dropped Kerb Installations in the North East
A dropped kerb is more than a simple adjustment to the pavement outside your home. It is a legal requirement if you plan to drive over the pavement onto your property, ensuring safe access and compliance with local council regulations. For homeowners across Newcastle upon Tyne and the wider North East, August offers the perfect […]
Garden-to-Drive Conversions: Planning Rules Before the September Cut-Off
Converting a front garden into a driveway has become increasingly common across Newcastle upon Tyne and the North East. With parking spaces at a premium and planning regulations tightening, many homeowners are weighing up the benefits of creating off-street parking. However, before any work can begin, it is vital to understand the planning rules that […]
M & C Paving North East Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 1042410) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks.
