EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

PAVING PROJECTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

BEFORE YOU START 2

» How to choose the best product
We’ve developed this helpful guide to provide you with everything you
» Key considerations before you
start paving need to know about your upcoming paving project.
» Key tips and tricks to prepare for
your project There are many reasons you may want or need to install new paving.
Paving is great for creating a new patio entertaining area or adding a path
DURING 9 down the wet muddy side of your house.
» Installation
To make navigating this document easier, we’ve created a dynamic table
» DIY instructions
of contents so you can skip ahead to any part of the document simply by
AFTER 14 clicking the title. Paving will provide a neat addition to your home and at
» Sealing pavers Adbri Masonry, we’re are dedicated to setting you up for success!
» Cleaning and maintenance
» Removing efflorescence

ABOUT ADBRI MASONRY 18

For more information call:

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PAGE 1
BEFORE YOU START

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PRODUCT?

Whether you’re hiring a tradie or doing this as a DIY project, you will need to ensure you pick the right product
for your project. While Adbri Masonry products are suitable for a variety of applications, the truth is that some will
perform better in certain applications. Here are a few things to consider to pick the right paver for your project:

APPLICATION OR PROJECT TYPE

Arguably the most important thing you will need

to consider is the type of traffic your pavers
will be exposed to, either pedestrian or vehicular.

If the project is for vehicular traffic (a driveway

for example), the paver will need to be a minimum
of 50mm thick and small format, unless you intend
to install the pavers on an engineer designed
concrete base.

You should also consider the location of the pavers

and the expected frequency of use. If your pavers are
going to be used regularly in a highly visible area of
your home like a new entertaining area, it’s important
to consider a quality solution that will compliment
your home. If they are to be used around a pool,
it’s vital to choose a Euro® range paver as they
are the only Adbri pavers suitable for use in saline
environments.

For further guidance on selecting the best paver for

your project, browse the range.

View the Full Range of Adbri pavers

For more information call:

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PAGE 2
BEFORE YOU START

SIZE AND SHAPE OF THE AREA

The size and shape of the area to be paved is an important consideration for a number of reasons. Firstly, some
pavers are well suited to certain spaces as they are easy to work with. As an example, large format pavers can
make smaller spaces appear bigger – a great design hack!

The shape of the area is also a vital consideration as it may mean that you need some cut pavers – this involves
the use of a brick saw which requires caution when operating. Paver size choice can reduce the number of cuts
you may need (if any) so it is well worth considering.

If you aren’t comfortable using a brick saw, look at pavers and designs that can reduce the number of cuts
you require.

PAVING PATTERNS

There are a number of different paving patterns you can choose from and this can assist you in choosing pavers
as some are more suited for rectangular pavers and others square. Some important things to consider are:

• Some patterns will require cuts

• 'Stretcherbond' and 'Stackbond' are considered the most DIY friendly as it requires minimal cutting and leaves
little wastage
• On a flexible base (compacted road base and sand), pavers must always be laid with a 3mm gap to avoid the
edges chipping.

45° Stackbond 45° Stackbond with header course Stretcherbond - Rectangular Paver

Stretcherbond - Square Paver 45° Herringbone with header course Basketweave

Stackbond 45° Stretcher with header course Herringbone

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PAGE 3
BEFORE YOU START

COLOUR AND TEXTURE

Another important consideration is the colour and

texture you require for your paving. If your paving
project is an entertaining area, courtyard
or a patio, the colour and texture are important
as they will set the scene for the entire area.

Consider which paving colour will best compliment

your existing space by matching roof tiles, guttering
or bricks/render.

DIY OR TRADIE

An essential question you have probably already

asked yourself is whether you will undertake
this project DIY or will you be hiring a professional
paving contractor.

Doing a DIY project is very rewarding but requires

thought, careful planning, the proper tools, the right
materials as well as some lifting and patience!

On the other hand, a professional landscaped

project may cost you more, but will save you time,
effort and usually will deliver a more professional
quality finish to your project.

BUY FROM TRAINED PARTNER STORES

If you're hiring a tradie, we recommend reaching out to your nearest

Adrbi Certified Retailer as they can recommend reliable tradespeople
who have experience using Adbri Masonry products.

Click Here To Find Your Nearest

Adbri Certified Partner

For more information call:

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PAGE 4
BEFORE YOU START

SO YOU’VE SELECTED
YOUR PRODUCT – WHAT NOW?
DETERMINE PAVER QUANTITIES

In order to receive an accurate quote or to finalise your order, you will

need to determine how many pavers you will need.

You can do this the easy way and use our product calculator.

Click here to select your product and

calculate paver quantities for your project

Alternatively, you can do some calculations yourself to determine

the total area to be paved (in square metres).

The first step is to measure the space you would like to pave and
multiply the length and the width - this will give you a total square
metre figure which is suitable for recieveing a quote.

Along with the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia,

we recommend that you order an extra 5% of product
to account for cuts and breakages.

FOR RECTANGULAR AREAS FOR TRIANGULAR AREAS FOR ODD SHAPED AREAS

base(m) x height(m) = area(m2) 1/2 base(m) x height(m) = area(m2) Break into sections

2m

Area Area Area

4m 1 2 3
3m 3m
3m 3m 2m

5m 4m Area 1: 4m x 3m =12m2
Area 2: 6m x 3m =18m2
Area 3: 1/2m x 6m x 2m =6m2
eg. 3m x 5m = 15m2 eg. 1/2 x 3m x 4m = 6m2 Total area to be paved = 36m2

For more information call:

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PAGE 5
BEFORE YOU START

REQUIRED MATERIALS AND TOOLS

On top of the Adbri Masonry pavers, there are some other items that you will need in order to successfully
complete your paving project. These are the basic and recommended items for a typical paving project installed
on a flexible base of compacted road base and sand. Your specific requirements may vary.

TOOLS MATERIALS

- Measuring tape - Plate compactor - String line

- Rubber mallet - Wooden float
- Marking spray paint
- Shovel / spade - Trowel
- Builders square - Road base (enough to
- Spirit level
- Brick saw (if cuts are required) achieve a depth when
- Timber stakes
compacted of 75mm deep)
- Wheel barrow - Tile spacers (optional)
- Washed river sand (enough
to achieve a depth of 30mm)

- Cement (to mix with sand

SAFETY MATERIALS
for haunching)
- Gloves - Hearing protection
- Safety glasses - Safety Boots - Gap sand

- Paver sealer (optional)

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PAGE 6
BEFORE YOU START

KEY TIPS AND TRICKS TO PREPARE

FOR YOUR PROJECT

1
SAFETY

Safety is of utmost important to us at Adbri Masonry. We care about YOU and want to ensure
you are safe while undertaking your project. For your benefit we have listed the required safety
materials. Please also take note of all our safety alerts within our DIY Videos.

Remember, no task is too important to undertake in an unsafe manor.

2
DIAL BEFORE YOU DIG

Before undertaking any project that requires excavation, it’s imperative

you call Dial before you Dig on 1100 or visit: www.1100.com.au.

Digging into the ground runs risk of hitting electrical lines, data cables or storm water pipes,
so take advantage of this free service that can supply you details of where the services run
on your property.

3 POISON THE GRASS

This tip will save your back big time, don’t worry, you can thank us later. We recommend
poisoning the grass in the area you will excavating two weeks before you excavate.

4
PREPARING FOR YOUR DELIVERY

If you’ve ordered your Adbri Masonry products for delivery, please consider access to the
property, if you can, please prepare a safe and wide area for the forklift to drive through!
Forklifts require a clearance of 2.8 metres wide and have height restrictions over 2.9 metres.

If delivery will occur a few weeks before you undertake the project, try to store your products
in a cool and dry location.

For more information call:

1300 230 633 | www.adbrimasonry.com.au
PAGE 7
 BEFORE YOU START

INSTALLING YOUR PAVERS

INSTALLATION METHODS: FLEXIBLE INSTALLATION VS RIGID BASE INSTALLATION

Adbri Masonry pavers can be laid using two methods; Rigid Installation (laying pavers on a concrete base) or
Flexible Installation (laying pavers on a base of compacted road base and bedding sand). Rigid installation is best
suited where soil conditions are poor (reactive or poorly drained clay) or when paving a driveway using large
format pavers or pavers that are less than 50mm in depth. Flexible installation is the most common for backyard
paving projects and is suitable for driveways using small format flag pavers (under 300x300mm) and that are at
least 50mm thick.

Flexible Installation - Roadbase & Sand

Jointing sand
Adbri concrete paver Compacted Roadbase (min. 75mm)
Bedding sand Sub base (natural soil)
(nominal 25mm)

Typical Cross Section

Rigid Installation - Concrete Base

Jointing sand
m) Adbri concrete paver Concrete (min. 75mm)
Wet mortar bed (15-25mm) Sub base (ground) 100mm for driveways

SL82 mesh
in center

Typical Cross Section

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PAGE 8
DURING CONSTRUCTION - HOW TO BUILD

DIY INSTALLATION
If you are a DIY’er, the reality is you have probably never installed paving before. Well, we’ve got some good
news for you! Adbri Masonry is a leader in our industry and we take that role very seriously.

We’re dedicated to sharing our knowledge and with Landscaping Expert and celebrity gardener Jason Hodges,
we've created DIY how to videos for every step of your project.

Please note that this video uses Adbri Masonry Quadro® but the advice is intended to be applicable to other Adbri Masonry Products. The advice is not
specific to your project which may have differing circumstances. Please reach out to your nearest Adbri Certified Retailer for project specific advice.

WATCH OUR DIY PAVING MADE EASY VIDEO

For more information call:

1300 230 633 | www.adbrimasonry.com.au
PAGE 9
DURING CONSTRUCTION - HOW TO BUILD

STEP 1
MARKING OUT
The first thing you need to do is to mark out
where your paved area will be.

STEP 2
EXCAVATION
The second step in your paving project
is excavation.

Don’t forget to Dial before you Dig before

excavating the base, call 1100!

STEP 3
ROAD BASE
The next step is to add in your road base
which serves as your solid base foundation
for the pavers.

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PAGE 10
DURING CONSTRUCTION - HOW TO BUILD

STEP 4
COMPACTING ROAD BASE
Go over the entire area with a plate compactor
and ensure you go over it in a few different
directions so the whole base has been covered.

Remember your hearing protection!

STEP 5
SCREEDING SAND
The next step is to lay and screed the paving
sand to a depth of 25-30mm. This may be
the most challenging part of the process as it
requires finesse and patience.

It is very important that you take your time on

this step as it will ensure your finished job is of
high quality and looks great.

STEP 6
SETTING UP A STRING LINE TO LAY
THE PAVERS
You will now need to step up a string line for
the header course of pavers.

For more information call:

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PAGE 11
DURING CONSTRUCTION - HOW TO BUILD

STEP 7
CHECKING FOR SQUARE
Before you move on to laying all the pavers, its
important you check that your first courses are
laid square.

STEP 8
LAY THE REMAINING PAVERS
Take your time and remember to leave a 3mm
gap between pavers.

*Cuts may be required

Watch our video on

how to safely use a brick saw

STEP 9
SPREADING THE GAP SAND
Now that you’ve laid all your pavers you’ll need
to add some gap sand into the gaps between
the pavers.

For more information call:

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PAGE 12
DURING CONSTRUCTION - HOW TO BUILD

STEP 10
HAUNCHING
Now you need to haunch in the sides of the
paved area to ensure your pavers will stay in
their location for years to come!

STEP 11
COMPACTING THE PAVERS
You're nearly there! The next step is to compact
the pavers down to ensure they are embedded
in properly and that there is no lipping.

TIP: Attach a piece of old carpet under the plate

compacter to avoid damaging pavers.

STEP 12
HOSE DOWN AND ENJOY
The final and arguably the best step is to spray
the pavers with water to remove any excess
sand or dust.

Then, enjoy your beautiful new area!

For more information call:

1300 230 633 | www.adbrimasonry.com.au
PAGE 13
ON COMPLETION

FINISHING AND MAINTAINING

YOUR PAVERS
Whether you’ve undertaken the project yourself or hired a contractor, there’s just nothing better than a new
addition to your home!

Now that the jobs done, sit back, relax and enjoy your new paving. Concrete masonry is durable and there’s
things that you can do to ensure it serves its purpose and looks great for years to come.

SEALING

One of the most common questions we’re asked is ‘should I seal my pavers’. Well, you do not need to seal
pavers for any structural or performance reasons, but we do recommend to seal the pavers to protect your
investment. If you’ve bought Adbri Masonry, then you’ve bought quality and sealing your pavers will help to
ensure they look great over time while potentially reduce maintenance for years to come.

The last thing you want is for your brand new paved area to be stained from the BBQ, spilt drinks, tannin stains
or anything else the area may be subject to. These types of stains can be tough to remove but easy to prevent.
Sealing your pavers will allow you to clean and maintain them with little effort, allowing you to protect your
investment for anything your family throws at it (literally). Once they’re sealed, they’re easier, faster and cheaper
to clean. Consult your nearest Adbri Certified Partner for advice on choosing a sealer.

LEARN HOW TO SEAL PAVERS

For more information call:

1300 230 633 | www.adbrimasonry.com.au
PAGE 14
ON COMPLETION

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SEALER

There’s a wide range of sealing products available on the market. We’ll break it down into two main types;
penetrating sealers and wet look sealers! As a general rule, penetrating sealers are designed to seal the
pavement and provide a water repelling coat that doesn’t change the appearance or colour of the paver.

In contrast, wet look sealers will alter the colour

of your pavement, literally making it look wet.
This can enhance the original colour, but really
is a personal preference.

When choosing a sealer, it is also vital to understand

how the sealer will affect the slip resistance
of your pavers. Some sealers will change the pavers
slip rating and this is an essential thing for you
to consider before buying a sealer regardless
of whether your pavers are to be down the side
of your house or around your pool.

As we do not recommend any particular sealing

product by name, our advice is to do your research,
take suggestions from your paving retailer and
always follow the manufacturers instructions with
regards to sealing test and sample areas.

For more information call:

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PAGE 15
ON COMPLETION

MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING

One of the reasons that concrete masonry is a popular choice over other options is its proven performance
and durability. Concrete pavers have been designed for external use so they are well suited to stand up to the
elements over time.

Usually any stains or marks can be removed with a stiff broom or some pressure washing (don't pressure wash
within 3 months of installing), but if you have a specific stain that just won’t budge, check out this detailed guide
from the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia.

REMOVING EFFLORESCENCE

We sometimes get reports of a white chalky substance forming on the tops of pavers. This is called efflorescence
and is a naturally occurring substance. This natural occurance presents when the cement in the paver goes off
(hydrates), it releases salts and minerals that can later come through the surface of the paver.

Secondary efflorescence can be bought on by excess moisture and prevention is a great way to minimise risk.
If you receive your pavers and it’s going to be a few weeks before you lay them, unwrap the pallets and store
them in a cool dry place so they don’t get wet.

If efflorescence does occur, the best course of action is to treat the surface with a specific efflorescence cleaner,
which is a treatment that can be purchased at most landscape supply yards. Always follow manufacturer
instructions when using chemical agents, especially the directions around testing the product on a sample area
before applying to your entire pavement.

LEARN HOW TO TREAT EFFLORESCENCE ON PAVERS

For more information call:

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PAGE 16
 ON COMPLETION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. CAN ALL PAVERS BE USED AROUND SWIMMING POOLS?

No, not all pavers are suitable for use around swimming pools. Currently, the only Adbri paving range that
is suitable for saline environments is the Euro® Paving Range. All Adbri Masonry pavers meet Australian Slip
Resistant standards making the Euro® range ideal for swimming pool surrounds.
2. DO I NEED TO SEAL MY PAVERS?

You do not need to for any structural or performance reasons, but we do recommend to seal the pavers
to protect your investment and reduce future maintenance.
3. WHAT ARE ADBRI'S MOST POPULAR PAVERS?

Our most popular pavers are the Euro® Range, due to their high quality manufacturing standards, quality textures
and on trend colour tones.

4. WHAT IS A PERMEABLE PAVER?

To put it simply, a permeable pavement is one that allows rain or surface water to infiltrate through the
pavement surface. The permeable paving range from Adbri has been developed so when the pavers are laid,
there are small drainage voids in the pavement surface which allows rain water to pass through the pavement
surface into the base below. This is a more complex DIY project with sub-base considerations.

5. WHAT TYPE OF PAVER DO I NEED FOR A DRIVEWAY APPLICATION?

If you are installing pavers onto a flexible base, you will need to use a small format paver (under 300x300mm)
that is 50mm thick. If you are installing on a concrete base, almost any paver is suitable provided the correct
installation instructions are followed for the design of the concrete base and the application with a suitable
adhesive of the pavers to this base.

6. ARE SLIGHT VARIATIONS IN PRODUCT COLOURS NORMAL FROM BATCH TO BATCH?

Yes, as a result of the natural raw materials used in concrete masonry, some variation between products is to
be expected.

7. DO I NEED TO LEAVE GAPS BETWEEN PAVERS?

Yes, the Australian Standard requires 3mm gap between pavers when laid on a flexible base.

WHERE TO BUY?
Click the Request a Quote button for a quick and accurate price, Request a Quote
as well as details on your nearest Certified Partner store.

For more information call:

1300 230 633 | www.adbrimasonry.com.au
PAGE 17
ABOUT ADBRI MASONRY
Adbri Masonry is Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer supplying quality concrete bricks, Besser® blocks,
pavers, retaining walls, erosion control products and architectural masonry solutions from various sites
throughout Australia’s East Coast and South Australia. Adbri Masonry is a wholly owned division of Adelaide
Brighton Ltd, a leading integrated construction materials and lime producing group of companies and a
member of the S&P/ASX 100 Index. 

Adbri Masonry first produced concrete Besser® blocks in 1957 and has been committed to Australian
manufacturing and quality that is just as strong today.

In addition to supplying a full collection of quality concrete building and landscaping products, there are a range
of valuable benefits to working with Adbri Masonry including;

» Access to our Contracting Services Team (in-house
design, supply, installation and certification team
for commercial projects).
» Samples of all products are tested for quality
in our N.A.T.A accredited laboratory
» Our commitment to environmental sustainability
and environmental building products.
» Our suite of helpful step by step DIY videos
with landscaping expert Jason Hodges
» Our network of trained and experienced Certified
Retailers
» Service from dedicated and experienced consultants
» The benefit of dealing with knowledgeable local
sales teams

BRICKS | BESSER® BLOCKS | PAV E R S | R E TA I N I N G WA L L S

For more information call:

1300 230 633 | www.adbrimasonry.com.au
PAGE 18