A Guide to Different Types of Block Paving

Concrete paver blocks are the most commonly used paving blocks due to their strength and durability. Manufactured using a moulding process, they come in standard sizes for uniform installation. Concrete blocks are available as interlocking concrete pavers or non-interlocking concrete pavers styles. Interlocking blocks connect together without mortar to resist shifting over time.

Their hard, durable concrete construction makes them suitable for high-traffic areas like driveways and patios. Concrete blocks are available in various colours and patterns, though surface colours may fade with weathering over the years. Proper sealing can prevent fading.

Brick pavement, also referred to as clay paving blocks, is a type of pavement block that has been used to pave walkways, patios, and other areas for centuries. Produced from organic clay soil, their form is not uniform, although they are typically rectangular in shape. The surface is compatible with both completed faces, allowing for design flexibility. They are exclusive to the natural colour of the clay and will not degrade like coloured concrete. Additionally, their capacity to absorb water renders them permeable to drainage. Clay blocks, which are predominantly employed as ornamental embellishments in landscaping rather than in high-traffic areas, impart an authentic sense of historical allure.

These environmentally friendly block pavers are manufactured from recycled plastic waste that would have otherwise been disposed of in landfills. Reprocessing polymers into new products contributes to the mitigation of pollution. Plastic blocks are simple to install and lightweight. Their material composition makes them impenetrable to water absorption and resistant to cracking or temperature-related damage. Although they are less resilient under heavy traffic, their paver block rate per sq ft is reasonably low and appropriate for low-traffic areas. There is an extensive selection of colours to complement any landscape design.

Natural stone paver blocks or pointing stone paving are high-end options that convey a refined and dignified appearance. Produced through cutting and crafting specific types of paving rock, every pointing stone paving block possesses distinct natural patterns and colour variations. Pavers with stone composition confer upon them exceptional strength and durability. Unlike less-expensive options like plastic or concrete paver blocks, stone paver blocks have maintained their visual appeal for decades despite higher initial costs. Stone pavers have kept their visual appeal for decades despite being originally more costly than plastic or concrete. The durable design of stone paver blocks lends itself well to high-traffic areas that stand up to wear over many years.

These blocks save waste by using recycled rubber from tyres and other items. Lightweight and robust, they give traction. Their shock-absorbing design makes them ideal for playgrounds and high-traffic areas. Waterproof and slip-resistant rubber pavers last. Safety comes from slip-resistant surfaces. These items’ brilliant primary colours and earth tones encourage environmental responsibility and beauty.

Standard paver blocks are interlocking concrete paver blocks attached tightly. Interlocking edges transmit loads among blocks, strengthening and stabilising them under strain. Securing their position and preventing any gradual displacement are achieved through the implementation of appropriate installation methodologies. Paver blocks produce aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting pavement ideal for high-traffic areas such as driveways, parking areas, walkways, and patios. Sealing protects the concrete and preserves its appearance. Consistent paver blocks offer a prolonged and minimal upkeep service.

Type A paver blocks have plain vertical faces that do not interlock when installed. These non-interlocking concrete pavers rely on being laid in a sand-setting bed. These paver blocks can be laid in many patterns since the blocks do not interlocked along their sides.

Type A paving blocks are versatile for patios, walkways, borders, and accent areas. Their lack of interlocking faces allows greater flexibility in overall pavement design. Type A paver blocks are often used to complement interlocking paver types in mixed installations.

Type B paver blocks combine plain and curved or corrugated faces. When installed, the paver blocks interlock along the curved or corrugated faces while small gaps separate the plain sides. This partial interlocking provides enhanced stability and resistance to shifting compared to Type A blocks.

The curved edges of Type B paving blocks create a distinctive visual pattern that is well-suited to walkways, patios, plazas and driveways. The interlocked curved faces provide lateral stability and help the paving blocks resist settling. Type B paving blocks may be made from concrete, clay, stone and other materials.

Type C paver blocks interlock completely because they feature curved or corrugated faces on both sides. In heavy-traffic locations, the design of these pavement blocks offers optimal strength and stability. No mortar is needed between the self-locking paver blocks.

Interlocking concrete pavers are a popular Type C paver block. The interlocking capacity of these pavement blocks makes them ideal for driveways, roadways, parking lots and other applications with heavy loads and traffic. The interlocked grid spreads forces evenly and provides durable, long-lasting pavement.

Type D paver blocks are uniquely shaped as “L”, “T”, or “X” blocks with corrugated faces. The special shapes allow full interlocking while creating distinctive geometric patterns. Type D paver blocks are most often used for decorative accent areas like patios, borders, and walkways.

The patterns and textures created by Type D interlocking pavement blocks provide visual interest and design appeal. These pavement blocks can be used to create borders, accents, and focal points within a larger paving project. Type D paver blocks come in concrete, clay, natural stone, and tumbled glass. These pavement blocks are different paver block styles and shapes to create the ideal paving pattern. Non-interlocking concrete paver blocks are flexible while interlocking ones are stronger.

The herringbone pattern of block paving is created by placing rectangular or square pavements at a 45-degree angle to adjacent blocks. This creates a distinctive chevron-style design.

Herringbone patterns work well for concrete, brick pavement, and stone paver types. The angled design provides strength and stability, making herringbone suitable even for driveway installations. Visually, the zigzag pattern creates interest and directs foot traffic in a linear flow. This types of block paving is a popular choice due to its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

In a basket weave pavement, rectangular paver blocks are installed in an over-under weave, alternating the direction of each row. This type of block paving resembles woven fabric and creates a unique aesthetic.

Basketweave block paving looks great with concrete, clay brick pavement, stone, or other paver blocks. The interlocked design by these pavement blocks provides stability for patios, walkways, edges and borders. Visually, the basketweave pattern defines linear directionality and movement.

The running bond pattern lays pavement blocks in orderly rows, with each row offset horizontally by half a block width to create a staggered brickwork effect. This pavement block pattern works well with square or rectangular paver blocks.

The running bond of brick pavement creates orderly lines that lend a sense of formality. The staggered rows also interlock for strength. These brick pavement is a classic choice for walkways, patios, and driveways using concrete, clay, or stone pavement.

Cobblestone pavement blocks patterns use irregularly shaped blocks laid in an organic, random pattern reminiscent of old cobblestone streets. Tumbled paver blocks or irregularly shaped natural stones work best to recreate the charm of cobblestones.

The informal look by these pavement blocks provides a rustic ambience to pathways, patios, and accent areas. Despite the random appearance, cobblestone patterns feature interlocked joints between the variably shaped blocks for a firm surface.

In circular paver patterns, concentric rings or spokes radiate from a centre. Clean lines and curves are excellent with concrete or stone pavement. Circles provide visual appeal to landscaping patios, rotundas, and focal areas. Geometries, curves, and boundaries need careful preparation. But the consequences may be astounding.

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The first step is to prepare the site by excavating the foundation dirt to expose a sturdy, well-draining subgrade. Any soft or inappropriate soils that could cause settling issues are removed and replaced with compactable fill. The subgrade is then compacted using a plate compactor or roller to maximise its stability and load-bearing capacity.

A sub-base layer of crushed stone or gravel is spread evenly over the compacted subgrade to provide a stable foundation for the pavement blocks. The material is compacted using a plate compactor. Next, a layer of bedding sand is screened across the gravel base using a screed board, levelling it to the desired grade. This provides a smooth, level surface for the pavers to be laid on.

The pavement blocks are then laid into the screeded sand according to the planned layout, such as running bond or herringbone pattern. Guide strings are used to ensure straight edges and uniform spacing between rows of pavement blocks. As the pavement blocks are placed, they are tapped lightly using a rubber mallet to settle them into the sand bed and interlock tightly. Spacers are used to maintain gaps between non-interlocking units to allow for sand infill.

Joint sand is swept over the pavement blocks and worked down into the joints and openings between blocks using a rubber groover. The pavement blocks are then compacted using a plate compactor to settle the sand in the joints fully. Any excess sand is swept off the finished surface.

Securing edge restraints is an important part of a professional pavement block installation. Concrete, plastic or metal edging is used to line the perimeter of the paved area and contain the pavement units within the designated space. The edge restraints are anchored firmly into the compacted gravel base below the pavers to prevent movement. Once in place, the edge restraints also serve to hold the pavers in position over time and prevent any lateral shifting of blocks.

For added protection and aesthetics, a final sealer can be applied to the surface of concrete or clay pavers to prevent staining or weathering. The completed pavement block is kept free of foot and vehicle traffic until fully cured and settled.

When creating paver blocks, factory production provides for superior quality control. Concrete, clay, stone, and other paving blocks can fulfil rigorous strength and durability demands. When correctly laid, interlocking and non-interlocking concrete paver blocks provide durable pavement

Paver blocks resist cracking and buckling better than poured concrete as they are temperature-resistant. The dimensional stability of pavement blocks keeps the pavement smooth.

Paver blocks make it possible to utilise the paved surface right away. Like poured concrete, no curing is needed. With paver block installation, vehicles, people, and furniture may be placed rapidly.

Paver blocks make subterranean utilities accessible without destroying the pavement. For maintenance and repairs, blocks may be removed and replaced. The accessibility is challenging and expensive with poured concrete surfaces.

Replacing paver blocks as needed makes maintenance easy. Oil and gasoline spills hardly discolour concrete and clay pavers. Regular sweeping, weeding, and joint sanding keep the pavement looking good.

Paver blocks come in diverse colours, textures, shapes, and styles. This variety allows for tremendous customisation and design flexibility for patios, walkways, borders, accents, and more. Patterns can be changed easily in the future if desired.

The most popular paver blocks and pavement blocks are concrete, clay, pavers with stone, porcelain, and porous. Each pavement type has benefits and ideal purposes. Concrete, clay, and paverstone blocks are the most resilient paving types.

Driveways need strong paver blocks that can endure car usage and weight. Interlocking concrete and clay paving block types make ideal driveways. Check the paver’s strength rating and choose thicker blocks. Colours and patterns may cover oil marks.

Proper paver block installation of different paving block types entails digging and compacting foundation soils, putting a gravel sub-base, screeding bedding sand, laying pavers in the desired pattern, sweeping and compacting joint sand, and adding edge restraints. Professional installers use proper methods for lifespan. Using professional installation methods helps ensure the different paving block types will withstand the test of time.