Introduction to Block Paving
Block paving has become increasingly popular over recent years and can be used in many places outside the home for driveways, paths and patios. Block paving looks so much better than the standard paving flags or concrete as the blocks are available in many different sizes, colours and textures.
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.
October 31st, 2005 at 12:02 pm
This block paving guide is going to be a great help. You really know your stuff. How long have you been a builder for? Great pictures by the way!