Block Paving

[Igorian]

Hi Guys (and in spite of a recent post in general, Gals )

I've invited a couple of building firms to provide me with quotes for block paving, but i've not had any experience of this type of work. I'd be grateful for some general comments as to what sort of questions I should be asking when they come to quote and also information on the type of quality of foundation etc. I should expect them to provide.

Thanks.

 

[masona]

This is how it should be done but sadly they are lot of cowboys out there just use sand only I love to take a picture of my next door neighbour block paving, it's like sand dunes in Maspalomas Ask them what sub base material is going to be, the most popular sub base are the Mot type 1 roadstone which is good, also concrete round the edge etc. A lot of them now use a mini digger which you know they are going to dig deep. If they are going to turn up with a shovel I'll be worried.

Loads of info here , scroll down to block paving

Just my opinion, they look nice when they're done but can look old and outdated after a couple years, weeds growing and fading colour & the sand do come up in the joint after heavy rain, will need to take your shoe off before indoor although you it can be treated with a sealer, not cheap though, just my opinion though.

 

[Thermo]

sub base makes or breaks block paving, as does someone who can lay them decently. Ask for some old jobs theyve done (not just the lasy few months) and go and have a look at them. So if theyre still nice and flat or resemble the surface of the moon!

 

[2scoops0406]

sub base makes or breaks block paving, as does someone who can lay them decently. Ask for some old jobs theyve done (not just the lasy few months) and go and have a look at them. So if theyre still nice and flat or resemble the surface of the moon!

Well the sub grade is just as important

 

[noseall]

.......and the substrate.

 

[Nige F]

Have a look at www.brett.co.uk they took over top pave and have recommended contractors ........1st Class job done for us by a top pave guy 3 years ago

 

[coldshowerkid]

Hi

I just had my front drive blockpaved, i asked the forum about prices while ago
How i did it was, i went locally and looked at other peoples drives and the ones that looked good I asked who did their work and if they were happy with it. I did not get anybody from the local paper or yellow pages.I got 4 companies and asked them to quote. As previously advised by others i asked, how deep they would go down, what base they would use, how they would dig out, (previous advice on digger is very good advise), cost and how long it would take. i also said i would like to have some details on previous work they did. The ones that provided a list i went to look at them and even knocked on the doors and asked if they were happy with the job, and the guys themselves. I asked the forum about costs and the advise was to stay away from the cheapest which i did. The cheap guy i spoke to did my neighbours in 3 days with shovels, the guys i picked took 9 days and im very happy with the job, good luck

 

[Paul_Thomas]

Hi Coldshower Kid

Do you mind if I ask roughly how much you paid and how large the area is?

Thanks

Paul

 

[JohnD]

I strongly agree with coldshowerkid - look out yourself for good work, make a note of address and company, have another look after a while, ask the householder who he used/what he thinks/what it cost.

Another useful tip (I saw this on a rogue trader prog) some contractors will give you a quote with all best practice itemised so you think you're going to get a good job; but don't actually perform to spec. Especially on depth of excavation and preparation of base. They presumably hope you'll be out, or won't notice.


I don't know what anyone else thinks about this... but mine are laid on sand on rolled scalpings with sand brushed into the joints. The ants like to dig the sand out. So it seems to me that a dry lean mix would have been more durable.

 

[Thermo]

they will dig that out as well, theyll dig anything out!

 

[coldshowerkid]

the job was more than just the block paving, but the quote for the paving along was £70 per m2, this includes all materials and labour.digger,grab lorries, new top soil for the flower beds, man hole covers, etc paving used was marshalls traditional tugela (think thats how its spelt) hope that helps