Drive through the upscale neighborhoods of Mendham, Chester, or Mountain Lakes, and you will notice a common thread: Belgian Block curbing. This granite stone edging has become the signature look of quality landscaping in
asphalt paving Morris County . But Belgian Block isn't just a status symbol; it serves a vital structural function that extends the life of your driveway.
Black Diamond Paving installs thousands of linear feet of Belgian Block every year. Here is why it is the smartest upgrade you can make to your paving project.
What is Belgian Block? Belgian Block (or Jumbo Block) is solid granite, quarried and chopped into rectangular shapes. Because it is granite, it is impervious to salt, chemicals, and the freeze-thaw cycle. It will literally last forever. It adds a historic, old-world charm that complements both the colonial farmhouses and modern estates found throughout Morris County.
Structural Benefit: Edge Restraint The weakest part of any asphalt driveway is the edge.
- The Problem: When a heavy vehicle (like a delivery truck or SUV) drives too close to the edge of an un-curbed driveway, the asphalt has nowhere to go. It cracks and crumbles into the lawn. Over time, this leads to a ragged, narrowing driveway.
- The Solution: Belgian Block acts as a rigid bookend. When installed properly in concrete, it locks the asphalt in place. It prevents lateral spread, meaning you can drive right up to the edge without damaging the pavement.
Design Versatility
- Raised Curbing: The stones stick up 4-6 inches. This is the classic look. It protects your lawn from tire tracks and acts as a channel to direct rainwater down the driveway to a catch basin.
- Flush Curbing (Mow Strip): The stones are set level with the driveway and the lawn. This creates a seamless, estate-like look and allows you to mow the grass without using a weed whacker along the edge.
- Aprons: A "Belgian Block Apron" at the street entrance is a stunning visual feature. It handles the stress of turning tires better than asphalt and signals to visitors that they are entering a well-appointed property.
Proper Installation: The Black Diamond Way Many landscapers cut corners on installation. We follow a strict masonry protocol.
- Trenching: We dig a trench along the driveway edge, ensuring we reach solid subsoil.
- Concrete Footing: We pour a wet concrete footing. The blocks are set into the wet concrete, not just placed on dirt.
- Backing: We apply a concrete "haunch" or backing to the rear of the blocks (the lawn side). This is invisible once backfilled with soil, but it provides the strength to stop the blocks from tipping over when hit by a tire.
- Pointing: The joints between stones are hand-pointed with mortar for a finished, watertight seal.
Conclusion Belgian Block is an investment that pays dividends in both curb appeal and driveway longevity. It transforms a standard blacktop driveway into a landscape feature. Trust
Black Diamond Paving to bring this touch of elegance to your home.