Laying Guide
A step by step guide to laying pavers.
Before you start any paving project it is necessary to carefully plan the work. A plan of the area to be paved should be accurately drawn and marked out on site. It is important to determine the finished levels of paving when planning the project. The finished level of the paving must be a minimum of 25mm below the damp proof course of the house.
The quantity of the materials needed for the paving job depends upon the total area to be paved.
Area
The area is simply calculated by measuring the width and length of the area to be paved.
Length(m) x width(m) = area(m2)
Paving Units
Calculate the pavers required
Area to be paved(m2) x the number per m2(on the price list) = total m2 of pavers required.
Sand
30mm of sand is required under paving. 1 m3 will cover approximately 30 square meters.
Area to be paved(m2) x 0.03 (allows for 30mm thick sand) = m3 of sand required.
Jointing sand (Grouting)
Jointing sand is used to fill the gaps between the paving units once laid. A 40kg bag will cover approximately 10 square meters of paving depending upon the size of joint spaces.
It will generally be necessary to excavate the area to be paved. The depth of this excavation will depend upon the thickness of the paver plus the 30mm of sand and 100mm of compacted base course material if required. Any loose or soft areas in the sub-grade should be removed and replaced with compacted material.
Correct base preparation is perhaps the most important part of the paving project.
The base course is a compacted granular fill used to build up areas, set levels and provide a strong, stable layer to support the laid paver. Fill in the base course no thicker then 100mm and compact to a uniform dense condition, especially around manholes and kerbs. The finished texture of the base course should not allow sand to filter through. The final surface of the base course should match the contour of your finished paving with no bumps, and no holes deeper then 10mm.
Sand provides support for the pavers but will not hide irregularities in the base course. It should be damp but not wet. Only spread enough sand for the pavers you will lay in one session. Don’t compact the sand, it compacts under the paver. The final compacted sand depth once the pavers are laid should be 30mm. Start with 35mm – 40mm to achieve the desired thickness.
Remember the level of the sand will determine the finished levels of the paving so take your time to get it right, and allow for the necessary falls.
When laying the pavers it is generally best to start in a corner or along a straight edge such as the house footing. Place the pavers using the desired pattern on the screed sand leaving your desired gap between each paver. Take care to ensure that all pavers are level, by using string lines and regular visual checking of the paving it is possible to keep all the joints straight.
Always work from on top of the pavers that have just been laid so as to avoid disturbing the screeded sand.
Leave cutting and placing of the edge pavers until the last step. Carefully mark the pavers to be cut and use a diamond concrete saw (available from hire centers).
Edge restraints add strength by preventing sideways movement of pavers. Where the paving does not abut a solid structure an edge restraint is recommended. Finishing unsupported edges of the paving with a concealed concrete edge strip is the most common method used to support the paving edge.
Dry jointing sand should be spread over the surface of the pavers and swept into all joints in the paving.
The other option is to purchase pave lock from us.
Paving around the home is well within the capabilities of a competent home owner - here are a few hints to help you ensure that you produce a first class job.
- When paving against the house it is recommended that the top of the paving is a minimum of 25mm below the damp proof course. It is also advisable to place a plastic membrane against the exposed concrete of the house footing.
- When lying the pavers onto the screeded sand always work from on top of the layed pavers taking care not to disturb the bedding sand.
- When paving a slope it is important to start at the bottom and pave up the slope.
- Concrete edge restraints are recommended to prevent pavers spreading and opening up. Pavers can be cut with diamond concrete saw (available from hire centers).
- Do not leave wet sand lying on the surface of the pavers for any length of time as it may cause staining.
- Leave cutting of the edge pavers until the last job prior to compacting and jointing.
