Getting To Grips With Paving

Paving an area can transform it, and it’s quite simple to do yourself. Here are some points to keep in mind to make your paving job perfect.

Planning

Before you start shopping for pavers it’s best to mark in the garden where you are planning to put the paving. A can of spray paint is good for this. Have a look at the surroundings and make sure you are happy with the layout, as it is likely to be a permanent part of the garden design. Make plans for the surrounds: the flowerbeds, hedging, a selection of pots, an arch, or whatever you’re planning on using.

Choosing pavers

Consider the following when choosing your pavers:

Pavers that are less than 40mm thick should be laid on a bed of mortar to give a total thickness of 40mm or more. Thicker pavers can be laid on a bed of sand.

You can choose to butt the pavers up against each other or leave gaps between them for pebbles, grouting or plants.

Stones, bricks and concrete pavers can all be used to great effect. These products are available from companies that specialise in paving.

Think about colour. The available range is extensive, and there is the option to chequerboard the pavers in contrasting colours.