A Step-By-Step Guide To Perfect Paving

• Advantages of using concrete pavers:
• Standard sizes are available, with strict length, width and height tolerances.
• Aesthetics: shape, colours and textures.
• Easy to cut.
• Do not shrink.
• Gives good traction.
• Once laid, concrete pavers are:
• Dense and durable.
• Able to withstand severe weather and heavy loads without loosing structural integrity.
• Easy to clean.
• Relatively easy to remove to improve drainage or repair utilities below.

Choosing the right paver – The paver must be strong enough for the application. (Interlocking pavers give better performance under heavy traffic.

SABS Approved Pavers Recommended.
Length and width: +/- 2mm, height +/- 3mm Spacers or lugs: not more than 3mm (provide uniform gaps for jointing sand) Bevels help water drainage and reduces chipping.

Always order more bricks than the size of the job to allow for breakages and cutting. {Between 5 & 10%}

Always ensure that levels allow for good drainage. If necessary add gully or suitable drainage systems to ensure excess water is drained off the paving area as quickly as possible.

Base Stabilisation

Why stabilise base course?
Improve strength of sub grade.
Specified by an Engineer.
Area to be used by heavy vehicle traffic.
Around fixtures, manholes, drains etc.

How do we stabilise?
Mix one bag of cement per 15m2 of area.
Spread cement evenly over surface.
Dig in using a spade until no grey streaks of cement can be seen.
Compact using a plate compactor or Bomag.
Sprinkle with water to activate cement.

Laying tips
Choose 1 pattern and stick to it. Mixing patterns could compromise the strength of the paving.
If using Stretcher Bond in a driveway make sure that the pattern runs across the driveway.
Start paving from the lowest point, work uphill.
Mark bricks to indicate rodding eyes below.
Use a hosepipe where curves will be then mark bricks with builders chalk before cutting.
To avoid damaging textured bricks, fit a rubber mat under the plate of the compactor before compacting.

View our Concrete Pavers Gallery