The concrete pavers and slabs available on the market are characterised by high durability, almost unlimited application possibilities and a wealth of available designs and colours. This makes it possible to adapt them even to the most demanding and daring projects. This material is appreciated both by architects, who need to use the most durable yet stylish solutions in their work, and by private and commercial investors seeking decorative solutions that will last for years.
Pavers go by many names
The range offered by most manufacturers of pavers and concrete elements usually consists of a dozen or so different products. When we add to this the various colour and size options, along with complementary details such as edging, kerbs, palisades or low walls, it turns out that each of us actually has an exceptionally wide range of products at our disposal, which can be quite overwhelming. When choosing the type of paving for our garden, we should therefore be guided not only by obvious aesthetic considerations but also by practical ones. That is why it is so important to consider what function the new paving will serve – for example, what kind of traffic will be using it.
Industrial and premium paving
stones
The basic classification of paving elements that can be adopted is the distinction between industrial and premium pavers – particularly popular for garden design and prestigious locations. Among these, one can distinguish products of various shapes and textures (smooth, washed, convex and irregular), as well as elements with or without chamfers (i.e. with a bevelled or rounded top edge), which also have many applications. Furthermore, companies also offer completely non-standard products, such as concrete slabs or those imitating rocks.
Various functions and uses
Products can also be categorised by their thickness, which determines their intended use. We have pavers ranging from 4 to 6 cm thick (intended for terraces and paths around the house), from 6 to 8 cm thick (driveways, car parks and pavements exposed to heavier traffic and loads), and thicker ones, designed for streets and routes where heavy goods vehicle traffic is expected. Choosing the right elements helps to avoid damage caused by daily use.
Wet-cast terrace slabs
deserve special attention, as they combine durability with elegance and enhance the design possibilities for representative spaces. Their distinguishing features are a slim 4 cm thickness and a stunning reproduction of the natural texture of stone or wood. These products can also be used to create garden paths and striking interior floors in a variety of styles.
Openwork pavers
are another interesting option, offering an excellent solution for car park surfaces or garage driveways. These products facilitate water drainage (allowing rainwater to permeate naturally directly into the ground) and, in previously waterlogged areas, promote faster evaporation. What is more, openwork elements are aesthetically pleasing and guarantee the creation of solid and unconventional surfaces. Furthermore, by filling the gaps with soil mixed with grass seeds, we achieve an attractive combination of concrete elements and greenery. A more modern design, however, is created when the gaps are filled with aggregates in various shades.
The popularity of large-format concrete slabs
is also growing; these successfully create tasteful, exclusive designs. Elements in sizes such as 25×30 cm, 60×40 cm or 50×75 cm are a distinctive finishing touch for driveways and paths around modernist and minimalist homes, but not only. They enable the realisation of diverse concepts that harmonise with buildings of simple, geometric form, on properties with regular, perpendicular lines.
Thanks to large-format slabs, wet-cast elements or openwork pavers, the created designs provide interesting visual experiences. They also form solid surfaces capable of withstanding heavy loads. Elements with a smooth texture additionally ensure that the surface is easy to keep clean.
Complementary elements
Low walls, palisades and edging are integral components of paving materials. They act as the finishing touch for paths and pavements, ensuring the durability of the paved surface and providing an aesthetic border, as well as smooth transitions between different ground levels. What is more, small garden architecture elements are an invaluable aid in organising the space and demarcating various functional zones. The use of ready-made products from manufacturers’ ranges eliminates the need to adapt and cut elements to fit hard-to-reach areas or winding paths.
Laying pavers
Laying a paver surface requires consideration of factors that affect the aesthetics and future functionality of the area. We begin by drawing up a design – we select the paver model and shape the driveway and paths in such a way that the concept forms a coherent whole with the house and its surroundings. When choosing pavers, you should consider their intended use, size and colour (thickness is particularly important). Remember to select pavers from three different colour palettes. Next, the ground must be prepared – for a driveway, a trench 30–50 cm deep must be dug, levelled and shaped to create gradients and drainage lines, and the whole area compacted by tamping. In most cases, the base should be covered with a special hardening aggregate. The next stage involves creating a 25–40 cm sub-base layer using a water-permeable material, such as gravel. Next, the kerbs along the edge of the surface should be set in concrete. The work is completed by laying a layer of a few centimetres of levelled, but uncompacted, bedding of sand or other fine aggregate. The pavers are laid on this prepared base. The pavers should be laid from the edge of the surface towards the centre, maintaining gaps of approximately 3 millimetres between individual elements. Once installation is complete, these joints are filled with dry, fine sand. You should also check the gradient of the surface being laid throughout the process. The final stage of the work involves compacting the finished driveway several times using a vibrating plate.
Additionally, if you are building impressive borders around trees, fountains, or, for example, slopes and flower beds in the garden, bear in mind that these elements require stable foundations, particularly for more complex projects. These are constructed from concrete on a aggregate base. Retaining structures built by yourself should not exceed 1 m in height – above this height, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional designer.
The most common mistakes made during paving
work When constructing a garage driveway or footpaths on the property, we want to be sure that they will be sturdy and that, after years of use, they will not develop ruts or cracks. To ensure this, when designing and constructing the surface, we should adhere to strict rules that will spare us frequent repairs in the future. Firstly, we should remember the correct sequence of steps:
1. drawing up the design,
2. ground preparation,
3. construction of a sub-base to stabilise the ground,
4. laying the ballast,
5. installation of edging and kerbs,
6. laying pavers and compacting them,
7. filling the joints with sand.
At each stage of the project, we must not forget that: a poorly prepared sub-base, unsuitable for the type of soil, can cause rutting and even the collapse of entire sections of the surface; pavers laid too tightly or too loosely can quickly make the driveway look unsightly. A similar, undesirable effect will occur if we do not fill the joints sufficiently with sand or use unwashed sand for this purpose. When building a driveway, we should also bear in mind that the thickness of the pavers must be adapted to the actual load on the surface (for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes – 6 cm stones; for heavier vehicles – a minimum of 8 cm stones). This will ensure the driveway remains comfortable to use for many years to come.
When purchasing pavers and other components, it is worth checking whether they have been factory-treated. If the products are not additionally protected, to ensure the surface remains in good condition for many years, it should be treated a few weeks after laying. Impregnation will help protect the surface from the adverse effects of weather conditions, as well as from dirt or moisture penetrating the material’s structure. Once treated, the concrete surface’s structure remains intact, so there is no need to worry that the impregnating agent will cause, for example, changes in its colour.
A wide range of concrete pavers and slabs, as well as complementary elements, allows them to be tailored to individual tastes, the style of the property, and the character of the building. Thanks to their decorative qualities and functionality, these products are suitable for any garden.
Wojciech Średniawa
Chief Designer at Polbruk
