DIY Paver Guide

Here is a basic guide to laying Cowra Concrete Products paving products.

 

Before You Start

Check with your council
Pavers can usually be laid around your house without council approval. However, if you’re doing a driveway or working in an area where water runoff is an issue, you may need to contact your local council. Some of the newer residential communities have covenants covering the use of driveway material. If so obtain
authorisation before proceeding.

Work out how many pavers you require
  • Grab a pencil, paper and tape measure. Measure the length and the width of the area to be paved.
  • Then multiply one by the other to determine the total area in square metres. Make an appropriate allowance for curved edges and or cuts.
  • To determine the total number of pavers required, multiply the number of required per square metre by the area to be covered. Allow an extra 2% just in case.
Important safety
  • Always wear eye protection when you’re splitting or cutting paver.
  • Wear eye protection when you are using a whacker.
  • Bend your knees when lifting heavy pavers.
  • Wear work boots to protect your feet and gardening gloves to protect your hands.
  • Slip, slop, slap if you are working in the sun and keep your fluids up.

Installation Guide

Step 1: Excavation
  • Mark out the area to be paved. Allow a little extra for working room.
  • Remove all loose debris and vegetation.
  • Excavate deep enough to allow for the selected paving and sub base construction.
Step 2: Preparing base
  • Distribute road base evenly over the excavated area. Make sure you set up with the general fall in mind.
  • Compact the road base at least 3 times, changing direction during the process.
  • Start spreading the river sand over the compacted road base to a thickness of 25-30mm.
  • Screed the river sand with a timber float and straight edge. Use a level to ensure the surface is flat (keeping in mind you will need to allow for water runoff).
Step 3: Laying the pavers
  • To begin set up a header course along one side (preferably the longest side of the paved area).
  • Once this is set up, create a 90° angle at one end of the paved area with a straight edge and set square, then begin to lay the pavers from this point.
Step 4: Edging and locking in the paving
  • Use a sand and cement mix to haunch, or lock in, the header courses that are not up against a wall. This will assist in supporting the outer course of the paved area.

Handy Tip: It does not hurt to also use a little of the sand and cement underneath the outer header course. This will provide extra strength.