Cobblestone and Stone Sett Driveways

• Cobbles: True cobbles are rounded, water-worn stones set into the ground. They are attractive, but the surface is very uneven. That makes them uncomfortable to walk on and less practical for a modern driveway.
• Setts: Setts are stones cut or split into roughly rectangular blocks, so they sit closely together and give a much more even surface. Most driveways described as "cobblestone" today are laid with setts.

For a driveway used by cars and people every day, we recommend setts. Rounded cobbles can still be used as a decorative border or feature.

• Granite: The most popular choice. It is extremely hard-wearing and comes in greys, silvers, pinks and darker tones.
• Sandstone: Warmer buff and golden colours, and a softer look.
• Porphyry and basalt: Very dense, dark stones with a distinctive, often European look.
• Reclaimed setts: Salvaged granite setts with a worn, aged surface. They suit period homes and conservation areas.

Setts also come in different finishes. Split or riven faces have a rustic, textured surface. Sawn tops are flatter and smoother to walk on. Tumbled setts have softened, rounded edges for an aged look.

• Stretcher or coursed: Straight rows with staggered joints, which is simple and traditional.
• Fan or arc: Setts laid in overlapping curves, a classic European pattern that suits larger areas.
• Circles and features: Circles or bands at the entrance or in front of the door.
• Borders: A sett border can also frame a block paving driveway or a gravel driveway.

Setts can be laid in two ways, depending on the traffic, the look you want and how you want water to drain:

• Rigid construction: Setts are bedded on mortar over a concrete base and pointed with mortar joints. It is very strong and stable, but it is impermeable.
• Flexible construction: Setts are laid on a compacted, free-draining base and a bed of grit or sand, with jointing grit brushed in. This lets water drain through and makes repairs easier.

With either method, the ground is dug out, a compacted sub-base is laid and firm edging is set. Each sett is then placed by hand to the right levels and falls. Because setts vary in size, careful laying is what makes the finished surface even.

Yes. Stone setts are one of the most durable driveway surfaces available. Natural granite resists wear, frost and heavy loads, keeps its colour and ages well. Individual setts can be lifted and relaid if a repair is needed.

There are some points to consider. Setts are usually one of the more expensive options, because both the stone and the hand-laying take time. Split-face setts are more uneven underfoot than sawn setts. Mortar joints may need occasional repointing. We help you choose the stone, finish and method that balance looks, comfort and practicality.

For houses in England, you usually do not need planning permission if the driveway is permeable, or if rainwater drains to a permeable area within your property. Flexibly laid setts with permeable joints can meet this. A rigid, mortar-jointed sett driveway is impermeable, so it needs falls and drainage to a soakaway or lawn. Otherwise, planning permission is needed for more than 5 square metres draining onto the road. Listed buildings and conservation areas may have extra controls on materials. A new dropped kerb always needs council approval, and the work on the pavement is carried out by the council or its approved contractor.