Paving

Whether you want to pave your patio, driveway, walkway, pool area, entrance or courtyard, paving is a job best left up to the professionals. This doesn’t mean that you’re not responsible for how the paving turns out, there is, however, some homework to be done when choosing what you would like, what material you require and who is going to do the job.

Paving Materials

Paving materials fall into two categories; solid surface (i.e. bricks, cement/concrete, etc) and aggregate-surface (cobble stones, gravel, etc). The most popular being solid surfaces lead by bricks and concrete. Brick paving is available in a variety of colours, shapes and patterns and is a great selling point when its time to sell. Concrete paving can have colour added and be pattern-stamped, but can easily become stained and oil stains from cars are difficult to remove. Although cheaper than brick paving, it can’t be relayed and is difficult to maintain. Cobblestone paving is expensive, but is has a quality, aesthetically pleasing finish. Cobble stone is durable and easy to repair as you don’t need to match up the stone exactly as with bricks, as different cobble stones add to its charm.

Brick Pattern

The pattern of your paving is as important as the colour in determining the look of your driveway, garden path, patio or pool. Here are some examples of paving designs, but first a few paving terms to assist in describing the patterns; header – the short side of the brick, stretcher – the long side of the brick and course – a row of bricks.

• Basket weave paving
  • The neat 2x2 basket weave pattern is bordered by a header course in matching colours. A combination of subtly contrasting light and dark bricks prevents the area from looking plain.
• Herringbone paving
  • This paving style is laid in a herringbone pattern and is flanked by header courses in contrasting colours. Paving at 45 degrees to the house draws attention to the area. Herringbone patterns oriented at 90 degrees to the home tend to be less noticeable, creating a more natural flow into the home.
• Radial driveway
  • This elaborate effect is achieved by rings of alternating header and stretcher courses. A section of herringbone paving forms the core of the driveway, while the whole area is bordered by a contrasting header course.
• Stretcher-bond path
  • A stretcher-bond pattern is one of the simplest paving designs. Depending on the starting point of the pavers and the position of the viewer, the pattern can make an area seem larger or smaller.
• Stretcher/header combo path
  • Alternating stretcher and header courses combine to create an eye-catching effect. Header courses in contrasting colours add visual variety and define different areas.
• Large pavers
  • Large square and rectangular bricks have become a very popular choice for outdoor entertaining areas. It’s also possible to fill in the gaps between the pavers with pebbles. Low-maintenance grass can also be used to add a textured effect between the bricks.

Choosing a Paver

Before deciding on a paver, for piece of mind ask these few questions:

• Is the company a member of a reputable paving association? (e.g. SA Brick Paving Institute)
• For how long is the job guaranteed? (one year is normal)
• How many years has the paver been in the business??
• Can the paver provide you with credible references?
• Is the labour properly supervised?
• Is the quote comprehensive enough? (Specific area and m2 to be paved including; steps, corners, edges, pathways, specific type of brick that will be used and removal of rubble. A detailed drawing should accompany the quote.)
• How long will the job take?
• What payment is expected when? (Don’t pay in full before the job has started.)