What are jumbo Belgian blocks?

Jumbo Belgian blocks are oversized granite cobblestones, larger than standard Regulation blocks, cut into rectangular shapes for use in driveways, aprons, curbing, and borders. Their increased size and weight provide extra stability and visual impact at high‑visibility areas like driveway entrances.

Why choose jumbo Belgian blocks for a modern home?

Jumbo Belgian blocks create strong, clean lines that work well with modern architecture while still adding texture and depth. In projects like the Old Tappan home, they turn a simple driveway edge into a design feature that boosts curb appeal.

Are Belgian block driveways and borders durable in New Jersey’s climate?

Yes, granite Belgian blocks are extremely durable and handle freeze–thaw cycles, de‑icing salts, and regular vehicle traffic far better than many poured materials. That makes them ideal for driveways, aprons, and curbs in New Jersey, New York, and other cold‑weather regions.

Can jumbo Belgian blocks be used with asphalt or pavers?

Jumbo Belgian blocks pair very well with asphalt, concrete, and pavers, often used as a border or apron at the street. They frame the main surface, protect edges, and create a high‑contrast transition from the public road to the private driveway.

How far is Old Tappan from the Chief Bricks yard?

The modern Old Tappan home featured in this project is located about eight miles from the Chief Bricks yard, making sourcing and delivery straightforward. Homeowners and contractors in nearby towns can expect similarly convenient access to jumbo Belgian blocks and other reclaimed or new stone products.

Modern Old Tappan Home Features Chief Bricks Jumbo Belgian Blocks

In Old Tappan, New Jersey, a modern home uses jumbo Belgian blocks to create a bold, upscale driveway entrance that immediately draws the eye from the street. The large granite cobbles frame the asphalt and walkways with crisp lines and subtle color variation, giving the property a custom, high‑end look that standard concrete or plain blacktop cannot match.

Only about eight miles from the Chief Bricks yard, this project highlights how locally sourced jumbo Belgian blocks can quickly elevate curb appeal while staying practical for everyday use. Their size, weight, and durability make them ideal for driveways in suburban neighborhoods that see regular vehicle traffic and harsh Northeast weather.

Why jumbo Belgian blocks work so well for driveways

Jumbo Belgian blocks are hefty, rectangular pieces of natural granite that stand up to heavy loads, freeze–thaw cycles, and decades of use. Unlike concrete, they resist cracking and spalling, and if one stone ever becomes damaged, it can be replaced individually rather than redoing the entire surface.

On this Old Tappan home, the jumbo blocks mark the driveway entrance and edges, protecting the asphalt from crumbling while defining a clean, finished border. The result is a driveway that feels both modern and timeless, balancing straight lines with the organic texture of split‑face granite.

Design details that create a modern look

Although Belgian blocks are often associated with historic cobblestone streets, jumbo sizes and careful layout can read very modern when paired with a contemporary house. Here, the stones are installed in orderly courses with consistent joint lines, emphasizing geometry rather than an old‑world, irregular pattern.

The cool gray granite tones complement modern siding, metal accents, and clean architectural lines, acting as a bridge between the home and the street. This combination gives the property a “designed on purpose” feel while remaining subtle enough to work with landscaping and future updates.

Practical benefits for Northeast properties

For New Jersey and New York–area homes, Belgian blocks are a smart choice because granite is not affected by salt, snow, or typical driveway de‑icing practices. The jumbo format offers extra stability along edges and aprons, where tires, plows, and run‑off concentrate over time.

Blocks also help contain asphalt, gravel, or pavers, preventing edges from breaking down and keeping mulch and soil in nearby planting beds where they belong. That means less mess at the street and a driveway that looks sharp season after season with minimal maintenance beyond normal cleaning.

How close this project is to Chief Bricks

This Old Tappan home sits roughly eight miles from the Chief Bricks yard, showing how quickly jumbo Belgian blocks can be supplied to local North Jersey projects. Being nearby simplifies logistics, reduces delivery time, and makes it easy for homeowners and contractors to see stone options in person before committing.

For similar modern homes in Bergen County, Rockland County, Long Island, and surrounding areas, this project offers a clear template: use jumbo Belgian blocks to highlight the entrance, edge the main drive, and tie everything back to the architecture.

About the author

Alkis Valentin is the founder of Chief Bricks and a specialist in reclaimed brick, cobblestone, and natural stone for high-end residential and landscape projects nationwide.