How to do block paving

Block paving is brilliantly versatile and one of the cheaper ways to pave an area. It can be used absolutely anywhere you like from paths and patios to driveways and paddocks. Even a car park if you're going for a bigger project! You can mix up the blocks to create patterns too. Here's our simple guide on how to lay block paving.

Level of difficulty

Level 3: Advanced

What you need

• String lines
• Pegs
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Excavator
• Vibrating plate
• Concrete
• Sand
• Screeding rails
• Screeding boards
• Block paving
• Mortar
• Spirit level
• Hacksaw
• Kiln dried sand

The steps to follow

1. Plan and draw a sketch of the area where you want to lay the block paving.
2. Measure the area where you will pave the driveway; fasten string lines on pegs stretching the string line across the area where you plan to lay the block paving.

Note:

• For longer string lines, intermediate pegs will need to be fixed so that the line will not sag. To establish these pegs, you'll need to drive the peg right in the middle of the start and end point. So for example, if your the distance from the start point to the end point is 10 m (32 ft), you'll need to drive in an intermediate peg at 5 m (16 ft) starting from the start point. If you need to establish more intermediate pegs, all you have to do is to halve the distance between two existing pegs and drive the peg into the ground.
• To set out arches or curves, measure the arches and curves that will be included in your paving. Use chalk to draw the arches and curves on the ground. Then drive pegs along the arch or curve that you've drawn on the ground and stretch the string line along these pegs.
• The pegs must be securely driven deep into the ground. To establish intermediate pegs, use the same calculating methods as setting out a straight line.

3. Once you've laid out the planned area, excavate it.
4. Use an excavator to dig out a depth of about 20 cm (8 in).
5. Follow the string line and lay bricks all along the edges of the paving area.

Note:
This step will restrain the block paved area and ensure that it will be firmly placed.

6. Tap the bricks down with a hammer.
7. Use a spirit level to check if the edges are level.
8. Next, spread a layer concrete (1 part cement 6 parts ballast) of about 15 cm (6 in) thick, onto the area.
9. Compact it with a vibrating plate. Make sure to run the vibrating plate over the area at least 5 times.
10. Spread a layer of sand, about 5 cm (2 in) thick.
11. Again, compact it with a vibrating plate.
12. Spread another layer of sand, about 2.5 cm (1 in) thick.
13. Compact this layer with the vibrating plate and screed it. (Screeding is the smooth a layer of concrete in preparation for the laying of block paving.)
14. For a wider surface, you'll need to use screeding rails to level it. Set screeding rails on the compacted base at a smaller distance than the screeding board. Run the screeding board along the rails to level the layer.
15. Start laying the block paving. The best starting point to lay the block paving is at a corner.
16. Place the first block paving on the ground at a 90 degree angle.
17. Apply a 2 mm (1/12 in) thick layer of mortar between each block.
18. Slide the second block paving down the edges of the first block paving.

Note:
The blocks should protrude 5 mm above the finished level.

19. After each course, check with a spirit level to see if it's flat.
20. Follow the pattern of the first course of block paving for the remaining area.
21. Measure any large gaps between the edges and the block paving.
22. Cut blocks (Refer to "How to cut bricks?") and slide each customised block to fill the large gaps.
23. Sweep up any debris that has collected during the laying process.
24. Spread kiln dried sand over the area. This will fill in any gaps between the blocks.
25. Use a vibrating plate to compact and even out the newly paved area.
26. Spread some more kiln dried sand over the area and compact it again.
27. Repeat this step until all the gaps have been filled.

Note:
Every once in a while, spread a layer of kiln dried sand on the area to prevent weeds from growing.