Sub-Base
All top soil vegetation and soft ground must be removed from the area. Driveways excavate to a depth of the thickness of paver plus 30mm for bedding and an additional 75mm for sub-base, so that the sub-base is 75mm approximately when compacted by a plate vibrator. For walkway areas pit or bedding sand is sufficient as a base.

Edging
To ensure optimum performance from Ready pavers, it is recommended that some form of restraint be provided along the edges of the paved areas, to hold both the sand and pavers in position. A concrete kerb or kerb unit, a paver set on edge, concrete haunch or a treated timber edge is ideal, and can be constructed at a time to suit - to begin with, during or at the last stage of placing the pavers.

Bedding Sand
Spread recommended bedding sand evenly over the sub-base to a depth of 30mm allowing 5mm for settlement or compaction. Set string lines to desired levels and set screed rails accordingly. Spread sand with rake then use screed board to get final levels. It is necessary to ensure that when the pavers are laid and compacted on the bedding sand, the top edge will be flush with the edge restraint.

Laying
Set string lines at right angles to form a square grid say 6 or 8 times the gauge for 1 paver. Starting from a straight base line lay the pavers progressively by placing together in the desired pattern leaving a 2-4mm joint between. Work on the area already laid to avoid disturbing the bedding sand. On sloping areas start from the bottom and work upwards.

WARNING: To avoid colour contrasting and ensure even blending is achieved, products should be mixed on site from 3 or more pallets.

In the case of small lots, a progressive selection, diagonally through the pallets, from top to bottom is recommended.

Compaction
After laying has been completed sweep dry fine jointing sand across the pavers to fill the joints and leave a thin layer over the pavers.

For driveways use a vibrating plate compactor, but for walkway areas a home-made compactor made of a length of timber with a timber plate nailed to the bottom or a rubber mallet is sufficient.

A few passes will be required to bed the paver in the bedding sand and work the fine sand into the joints.

Finishing
The area should be left with a light covering of jointing sand on it for a few days making sure the sand is occasionally swept into the joints filling them completely.

Finally the excess sand is swept off. At a later date the process may need repeating as joint sand may work in.

Disclaimer:
While the information presented within this web site is offered in good faith, Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd disclaims any and all responsibility for the application of the principals and procedures discussed.