A brief guide to laying paving blocks

Here at Mone Bros DIY, we receive a lot of questions from our customers asking about the best way to lay paving blocks. We thought our customers would therefore benefit from a brief guide to laying paving blocks.

Here at Mone Bros DIY, we receive a lot of questions from our customers asking about the best way to lay paving blocks. We thought our customers would therefore benefit from a brief guide to laying paving blocks.

First of all, work out the dimensions of your paving or patio in numbers of whole blocks in order to avoid waste and minimise any required cutting. Then, set a sub-base at least 75mm deep in the same way you would for slab paving. Also, check you have the correct fall to make sure the drainage works well. 

When levelling a path, use the kerb edge as a guide for levelling the sand. Find a length of timber longer than the width of the path and cut a notch from either end, so it sits over the edging. The depth of the board should be the depth of the paving block minus 10-15mm. Pull the board towards you, levelling the sand as you go.

Step 1 – Start by digging a strip around the edge of the sub-base, laying concrete footings for the kerb. When the concrete is dry, lay the edging blocks on a bed of mortar (this should be three parts sharp sand to one part cement). Use a line and spirit level to position them, leave this for approximately 3 days.

Step 2 – Placing two timber levelling strips about a metre apart to form a bay. The strips need to be as dep as the sand, which in turn depends on the size of block and method of compaction etc. Pile sand in to the bay then spread perfectly flat and level with the tops of the strips.

Step 3 – Prepare two or three bays, then remove the timber strips. Then, fill the depressions they’ve left with the sand (use a trowel to do this). Make sure the surface stays completely flat.

Step 4 – Lay the blocks in the pattern of your choice, starting from one corner. Fit the blocks together tightly, ensuring that you don’t leave any joints.

Should you wish to visit our Quarry and see the full range of our products, you can find us here. For any other DIY enquiries feel free to contact the team here at Mone Bros DIY who will be happy to help. Our number is 0113 267 4386.