Hints & Tips

Colour variation

Some variation in colour shade should be expected as all concrete products are made from natural aggregates. This can be exasperated by site conditions, natural curing and weathering. When using natural stone products, no two stones will ever be the same, with different shades and individual characteristics. However some colours have greater colour variation than others.

Weathering

Remember all slabs will weather to some extent once laid due to algae, dirt, grime in the atmosphere, leaves, overhanging trees etc. This can be kept to a minimum by regularly hosing and brushing your slabs with a stiff broom. Take care if using a power wash as it can be detrimental to paving surfaces and pointing. To maintain the colour you can seal your slabs with a stone seal. Note that this can change the colour/appearance of the slabs so try a small test area first in case you don't like the effect!

Efflorescence

Due to the high cement content in quality concrete products this can appear as a milky bloom or apparent fading in patches. It generally disappears with time but we do supply an efflorescence remover which can be viewed by clicking on this link.

Matching Existing Slabs

We suggest you bring in or send us a sample of your existing paving and we will endeavor to match it. With our many years experience even previously laid, weathered slabs can often be identified. Be aware however that even matching with the same paving will show up, as the slabs will stand out, new against old. This will lessen as the new paving weathers.

Quantities

We will happily estimate quantities for you. All we need is a rough sketch with measurements and we can work out the number of slabs or walling blocks required plus the volume of aggregates needed to lay them. If you choose to calculate your own requirements we recommend a 100mm sub-base (compacted scalpings or lean mix of concrete), 50mm of mortar bed to lay the paving and allow 40mm for the thickness of the slabs.

Ordering

Our sales office is staffed 7 days a week. Orders can be placed either in person, by phone, fax or email. During busy periods and out of hours please leave a message on our answerphone and we will return your call at the earliest opportunity. You can select and collect from our premises or have goods delivered, we pride ourselves on our prompt delivery service, 7 days a week. In urgent cases we can often deliver the same day. If items are in stock we usually deliver within a few days, however at certain times some popular lines can sell out and delivery times can become extended. N.B. If you are considering engaging contractors or booking time off work to do a project it is essential to allow plenty of time to ensure the goods you require will be on site. Very occasionally we can be let down by our suppliers which means we cannot deliver when we had hoped. Unlike some suppliers we do not insist on selling complete pallet loads and will happily split packs to your requirements. It is always worth ordering a few more slabs than you need to allow for cutting etc. Our policy is such that should you over order you can return goods to exchange (except in some special order cases). This can be particularly helpful in a random laying pattern where some sizes may need swapping towards the end of a job

Laying Paving

Allow 150mm below the damp course of your house then excavate approximately 200mm for the foundations, laying bed and slab thickness.

Foundations:

To prevent later movement of laid paving a good foundation is essential. 100mm deep of compacted scalpings (crushed limestone, pink in colour) or a lean mix of ballast and cement mixed 6 parts ballast to 1 of cement is ideal.

Laying:

Ensure a slight fall when laying to take surface water away from any buildings. We recommend the 'spot' laying method using five mortar dabs. Mix up soft sand and cement about 4 to 1 into a mud. Lay five trowel fulls, one for each corner and one for the middle. Push the slab down by hand to roughly the level required then gently tap into place using a rubber mallet ensuring the paving is level using a spirit level. Allow a 10-15mm gap between each slab. Do not walk on the paving until the mortar has set.

Pointing:

Once the slabs are laid pointing ties the whole area together. The joints should be filled with a damp 3 to 1 mortar mix which should be trowelled between the slabs and firmed in. Take care not to stain the slabs when doing this. Smooth off using a pointing tool (a piece of firm hose would do). Alternatively use a jointing compound such as Geo-Fix. Click here to view.

Cutting:

At the planning stage try and keep cutting to a minimum. Should you need to cut slabs powered disc cutters are available from local hire shops. Make sure you follow correct safety procedures and obtain instruction as these are potentially dangerous machines.