he finished level is at least 150mm below the damp proof course of any adjoining house or building. If the area is flat it will be necessary, for drainage purposes, to create a slight slope during the excavation, dropping 25mm over 1 metre across the width (1:40) and 25mm over 2 metres alonD-I-Y Block Paving Instructions

Like to try your hand at D-I-Y? This comprehensive instruction sheet will help you to block pave your drive or paths or patio. Although, with less weight and stress on paths or patios, you are not limited to the Herringbone style of laying the blocks, as with driveways, you are.

Most of the tooling can be rented from the local tool hire shop. Most of these businesses allow you to rent a tool from one day or how many days you will need the tool. For this job, most people will definitely need to hire a plate vibrator. (Unless its on your Christmas wish list of course!)

Tools Required:

Plate Vibrator

Block Cutter

Type1 Sub Base material

Drainage Channels

Washed Sharp Sand

Shovels , Broom, Gloves

The selection of paving, blocks and edgings are for you to decide. Most local builders merchants will supply a range of these products. Or, specialist companies who manufacture clay or concrete castings usually have a brochure you can pick up and peruse.

Step 1 a. Mark out the area to be paved and remove all the topsoil or existing surfacing to a depth so that the finished level is at least 150mm below the damp proof course of any adjoining house or building. If the area is flat it will be necessary, for drainage purposes, to create a slight slope during the excavation, dropping 25mm over 1 metre across the width (1:40) and 25mm over 2 metres along

s with driveways, you are.

Most of the tooling can be rented from the local tool hire shop. Most of these businesses allow you to rent a tool from one day or how many days you will need the tool. For this job, most people will definitely need to hire a plate vibrator. (Unless its on your Christmas wish list of course!)

Tools Required:

Plate Vibrator

Block Cutter

Type1 Sub Base material

Drainage Channels

Washed Sharp Sand

Shovels , Broom, Gloves

The selection of paving, blocks and edgings are for you to decide. Most local builders merchants will supply a range of these products. Or, specialist companies who manufacture clay or concrete castings usually have a brochure you can pick up and peruse.

Step 1 a. Mark out the area to be paved and remove all the topsoil or existing surfacing to a depth so that the finished level is at least 150mm below the damp proof course of any adjoining house or building. If the area is flat it will be necessary, for drainage purposes, to create a slight slope during the excavation, dropping 25mm over 1 metre across the width (1:40) and 25mm over 2 metres alon

our Christmas wish list of course!)

Tools Required:

Plate Vibrator

Block Cutter

Type1 Sub Base material

Drainage Channels

Washed Sharp Sand

Shovels , Broom, Gloves

The selection of paving, blocks and edgings are for you to decide. Most local builders merchants will supply a range of these products. Or, specialist companies who manufacture clay or concrete castings usually have a brochure you can pick up and peruse.

Step 1 a. Mark out the area to be paved and remove all the topsoil or existing surfacing to a depth so that the finished level is at least 150mm below the damp proof course of any adjoining house or building. If the area is flat it will be necessary, for drainage purposes, to create a slight slope during the excavation, dropping 25mm over 1 metre across the width (1:40) and 25mm over 2 metres alon

uilders merchants will supply a range of these products. Or, specialist companies who manufacture clay or concrete castings usually have a brochure you can pick up and peruse.

Step 1 a. Mark out the area to be paved and remove all the topsoil or existing surfacing to a depth so that the finished level is at least 150mm below the damp proof course of any adjoining house or building. If the area is flat it will be necessary, for drainage purposes, to create a slight slope during the excavation, dropping 25mm over 1 metre across the width (1:40) and 25mm over 2 metres alon

he finished level is at least 150mm below the damp proof course of any adjoining house or building. If the area is flat it will be necessary, for drainage purposes, to create a slight slope during the excavation, dropping 25mm over 1 metre across the width (1:40) and 25mm over 2 metres along the length (1:80).

b. Compact the excavated area with the plate vibrator, digging out any soft spots and filling them with sub-base material. c. Install surface water drainage channels if required, i.e. if the paved area slopes towards the house/building or any other place where water run-off would not be welcome. Recessed manhole covers should also be installed at this stage if required.

Note: Finished level of paving should be approx. 5mm above any drainage point.

Step 2 Install all edge restraints, whether kerbs or edgings, by setting firmly in concrete to correct levels.

Step 3 Lay the sub-base material within the edge restraints and compact it firmly with the plate vibrator; depending on how well it compacts, you may need to go over the whole area between 5 and 10 times. It is essential that this sub-base is firm and to the right level and if there are any voids, fill them with sharp sand.

Note: Also, at this stage, if you intend to use lighting in your driveway, lay down the electrical cable within a conduit sleeve in your sub base. You can work out where to leave the cable ends in relation to the lights. If y