When preparing the site, use a line strung between pegs to delineate the area you intend paving.  Dig out the soil, clearing it away as you go.  If the paved area is only going to take foot traffic you need to go down 100mm or so and use builders sand to form the sub-base, depending on the ground conditions.  If vehicles are to be driven over it, you will need to go down 200mm to 300mm and use limestone aggregate with a top layer of builders sand.  The sub-base will need to be firmed down by walking over it several times or using a roller, if you have access to one.  If you have used limestone, you will need to rent a ‘wacker plate’ from a tool hire company, in order to form a solid base, before topping off with sand.  There should be a slight drainage slope and remember, if the path or paved area is to adjoin the wall of the house, you will need to ensure that their upper surface is 150mm lower than the level of the dpc (damp-proof course).  The slabs should also slope away from the wall.

At this point, you can begin laying the slabs straight onto the sand.  Start at a corner and manoeuvre them into position, using a 100mm wooden spacer between them.  This will create an even space into which mortar will eventually go.  As you place the slabs in position give them a few taps with a wooden mallet and check that they are lying flat by using a spirit level.  When you have laid all the slabs remove the spacers, mix the mortar dry and brush it into the gaps between them.  Taking care to walk as lightly as possible.  Finally, use a watering can or hosepipe with a fine nozzle, to dampen the mortar.

Working slowly and methodically you can save a small fortune by laying your own paving slabs.

There are two types of material that can be used; block or brick. A block is usually moulded out of concrete and given a specific colour and texture. Concrete paving bricks are available in many different sizes, but are usually rectangular. A brick is made from kiln fired clay that will have a natural colour to it and can be supplied in a rectangular shape or a cobble shape allowing more flexibility in the overall appearance on the block or brick paving.

There are two main ways of laying block paving to ensure that the surface is hard wearing and strong enough to withstand either a car driving onto it, or people walking down a block paved path. The most common way to lay block paving is to use the flexible paving method which is where the blocks are set into a sand bed and the joints are filled with fine kiln dried sand.

Block paving can be laid in many different patterns which will compliment the design of the house. The main designs that are used are basket weave, stretcher bond or herringbone at either 45 degrees or 90 degrees.