Three families of paver
Concrete blocks are economical and come in many colours, finishes and sizes, from smooth contemporary slabs to tumbled blocks that look worn in. Clay pavers have colour fired right through and age gracefully. Natural stone setts, in sandstone or granite, have a hand-made look with slightly irregular edges and suit older stone buildings.
Patterns
Herringbone is the go-to for driveways because it locks tight under turning wheels. Setts can be laid in straight courses, random lengths or traditional fan patterns. A border in a contrasting colour, or a band of setts across a block drive, adds definition.
Construction
- Excavation to a firm formation.
- Geotextile membrane where the ground is soft.
- Compacted crushed stone sub-base in layers.
- Edge restraints set and haunched in concrete.
- Blocks or setts laid on a sand or mortar bed and jointed.
Setts are often laid on a bound mortar bed with pointed joints, which takes longer but gives a very solid result.
Drainage
Standard block paving and pointed setts shed water. On front gardens over five square metres we either use permeable blocks or plan drainage to a soakaway or planted area within your property.
