Frequently asked questions

• What are some of the dangers of unprofessional garden paving?

  If paving isn’t properly done, the paved area may sag in certain areas as layers beneath the surface of the earth shift and organic material in topsoil deteriorates over time. Another thing that might happen is that the paving blocks or slabs may break due to the weight on top of the paving, use a car for example, isn’t distributed throughout the layers beneath the paving.

• How much block pavers do I need?

  Working out how much you need is very straightforward as block paving is bought by area rather than per block. Calculate the block paving you need by multiplying the length of the space by the width. This will give you the area for paving in square meters.

• Can I walk on paving immediately after it’s been paved?

  That depends on the type of pavement: sand grouted paving installations can be used immediately after grouting while cement grouted installations should not be trafficked for seven to ten days after installation.

• Is it cheaper to concrete or to pave your driveway?

  Concreting and paving can both make big differences to your space. They each come with their own sets of pros and cons, so your decision shouldn’t be based on price alone. Standard concrete slabs are generally cheaper per square meter; however, the long term costs for repairs and replacements often exceed the initial savings in upfront costs.

• How to prepare the ground for paving?

  You can’t lay pavers directly on dirt, so there’s a little more to the job than simply laying some stones onto the ground. Preparing the ground properly will prevent sinks and cracks from appearing in the surfaces later on, and it will also prevent the growth of weeds between the pavers. Prep-work for paving usually involves measuring the area to be paved and laying out a thin layer of road base evenly over the entire area (this can be done with a shovel or a levelling rake). After this, the surface is dampened with water and – with the help of a plate compactor – is compacted to a depth of about 10mm. Once this has been completed, sand can be laid and leveled over the surface and the area is ready to be paved.

• How long do I have to wait before I can drive on a paved road?

  Unlike many other driveway applications, such as asphalt or concrete, once the pavers are compacted and sanded, you can immediately drive on them. Asphalt and concrete have to set and cure before you can use them.