Precast concrete paving provides not only a factory-made solution to your paving needs but also offers a much wider choice of finish, colour and pattern than in-situ concrete. A vast range of individual styles and tastes can be catered for when planning durable driveways, attractive patios and decorative garden paths and paved areas. The traditional paving flag or slab is widely available in different sizes and various shapes, colours and surface finishes. Individual manufacturers provide literature with illustrations and suggested patterns for their range of products. The vast range of ‘brick-size’ precast concrete paving blocks (paviors) offer exciting alternatives to the larger, more traditional slab units. The combination of interlocking patterns, edge restraints and friction in the sand-filled joints permits the use of these paviors in areas subject to light traffic loading such as driveways.

All loose material should be cleared from the area to be paved and the site excavated to the required depth. Dig out any soft spots and infill with suitable well compacted gravel. The surface of this sub-base should be blinded with fine sand to achieve a smooth and even surface to within 15 mm of the correct levels. A mortar bedding should be used to lay the slabs, made from a mix of 5:1 sand:cement. An economical method of bedding is the ‘box and cross’ method as shown in the sketch with the strips of mortar having an initial depth of 30-50mm. After laying, the joints should be filled with a very dry 3:1 mortar mix well rammed in with a piece of timber or steel. To avoid staining of the units, spillages or excess material should be cleaned immediately with a wet sponge. The dry mortar mix also helps in this regard. 1. Lay slabs on a prepared base marked out by string lines. 2. Place mortar in 'box and cross' pattern. 3. Position the slab. 4. Tamp into place and check for height and fall. 5. Insert spacers to fix joint width.