How To Lay Block Paving
Do you wish to know how to install block paving? We’ve got you covered! Here, you’ll find a useful step by step guide that’ll provide you with all the necessary information to lay a wide range of block paving products available in the market today. You must, however, note that the installation of block paving can be a tricky affair and should not be attempted unless you have undergone a proper training or have a good experience in the field. If otherwise, we’d advise you to leave the task for a reliable block laying professional to guarantee the best results and also avoid making costly mistakes.
lDesign
• Draw up a design to perfectly suits your needs.
• Decide on the type of block as well as colour.
lExcavation
• Use a mini excavator or a JCB ( depending on the size of the job) to excavate the driveway.
• Identify and mark out the area to be excavated.
• Dug out the area until you reach a suitable level
• Ensure that the proposed finish level is 150mm underneath the damp proof course in any of the adjoining building’s brick.
lEdge Restraints
• Build a 100mm depth-thick concrete foundation with the help of a concrete mixer, 1 part cement and 6 parts ballast.
• Position the kerb unit on top of the level with a string line and spirit level.
• Use a trowel and rubber mallet to mortar the kerb unit to the foundation.
• Haunch the back of the kerb units in such a way that the concrete reach half way up the kerb’s rear.
lSubbase
• Put the crushed concrete in the edge restraints and ensure it’s at the desired level of 50mm.
• Use a vibrating plate to compact and level
lScreeding
• Apply a layer of sharp sand (to 50mm depth) and campact it using a vibrating plate.
• Apply second layer of sharp sand (to 20mm depth) on top of the first layer.
• Level the second layer to the correct falls.
lInstallation Of Paving
• Lay the block paving starting from the bottom of a slope.
• Ensure the blocks are placed at about 10mm to 15mm above the required finish level.
• Make sure the blocks used are between 3-5 packs as you proceed with your desired pattern. You may need to cut smaller block pieces to fill smaller gaps.
lFinishing Touches
• Clear out the area to ensure no debris is left on the blocks.
• Put kiln dried sand and brush across the whole of the area, ensuring the sands falls between the blocks’ joints.
• Compact the drive with the vibrating plate.
• Brush more kiln dried sand over the area and compact again
• Repeat the process until the joints are full of sand.
