How to pave an area currently covered in pebbles?

[Dani29]

Hi,

I need to pave an area (2 metres x 4 metres). I have these fine rocks in the area. I can't attach the photo unfortunately 

I have no experience with paving. Can someone help- how do I prep the area? Do i need a timber border? Lay sand and then pave? It will be for a table and chairs area. It will be a solo project. 

Thank you. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Dani29,

Thank you for your question about paving.

If you can send your photos to workshop@bunnings.com.au I'm happy to upload them on your behalf.

Good paving is all about base preparation. Check out How To Prepare And Lay a Base For Pavers for some guidance on this part of the process.

A timber border is not necessarily essential, but it can certainly be beneficial depending on the specifics of your scenario. Once I've seen the area, I'll be happy to advise further.

A good place to start is by working out the finished height you want your paved area to be. This will tell you if you need to dig out any material so you can add your compacted base.

Once your compacted base is prepared, check out How To Lay Pavers for some guidance on the process.

Let me know if you have any further questions or details you can add. I'm more than happy to assist further.

Jacob

[Dani29]

Hi Jacob, 

Thank you so much for your reply. I really need some help and support. 

I'm happy to dig out and area- do I just allow enough for the paver to go in. i noticed it recommended mortar as well- do you need to use mortar? 

Do I need to grout between the pavers? 

Do I need to compact the ground also pre paving?

Thank you. I have sent a picture via email. 

[Dani29]

[JacobZ]

Hi @Dani29,

Thank you for sending through your photo and for the additional questions.

You'll want to excavate deep enough to accommodate 50-100mm of compacted road base and the thickness of your pavers.

Adding mortar on top of the road base will make levelling your pavers much easier as small adjustments to the level of the pavers can be made with a rubber mallet. If you take the time to get your road base perfectly flat and level, you can lay your pavers directly on top without any mortar but you won't be able to adjust your pavers easily like you will with mortar. If you plan on using mortar, add 50mm of depth to your excavation to account for the added material.

Typically for a paved area like yours, you would use polymeric paving sand like this Dingo Powerloc Polymer Paving Sand which is swept between the pavers and then wet down to activate the polymer which will bind the sand together.

Compacting your road base is essential to ensure the pavers do not sink. This can be done with a plate compactor or manually with a tamper.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jacob

[Dani29]

Hi Jacob, 

Thank you for your help and advice. 

Where would I get the compacted road base from please? 

What sort of mortar would I need on top of the road base? 

Thank you.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Dani29,

Thank you for the additional questions.

Road base can be purchased in 20kg bags such as this Ki Carma 20kg Road Base Landscape Stones and can often be ordered in bulk through your local Bunnings' Special Orders Desk.

If you'd like to purchase in bulk, give your local store a ring and speak with the team at the Special Orders Desk. They will be able to advise availability through local suppliers, quote on pricing and arrange delivery to the site.

You will have to compact the road base with a tamper or plate compactor which can be arranged through the Hire Shop. If you wish to hire a plate compactor, give the store a ring to check availability as they can be in demand around this time of year.

Either this Australian Builders Mortar Mix or this Bastion Mortar Mix will be fine.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob