A concrete paver is a precast block made from a mixture of cement, sand, aggregate, and pigments, used as a surface material for driveways, patios, pathways, and other paved areas. Concrete pavers are a popular and cost-effective alternative to traditional clay brick pavers (clinkers), offering a vast range of shapes, sizes, colours, and surface textures.
How They Are Made
Concrete pavers are manufactured by compressing a semi-dry concrete mix in steel moulds under high pressure, then curing the blocks under controlled conditions. This process produces dense, strong units with consistent dimensions. Some manufacturers add a wear-resistant top layer or tumble the finished pavers to create an aged, natural-stone appearance.
Advantages of Concrete Pavers
- Affordable: Generally cheaper per square metre than clay pavers or natural stone.
- Wide variety: Available in dozens of colours (from grey and anthracite to red, yellow, and brown) and shapes (rectangular, square, interlocking, cobblestone-effect).
- Strong: Good-quality concrete pavers have compressive strengths suitable for driveways and even light vehicle traffic.
- Easy to replace: Individual damaged pavers can be lifted and replaced without disturbing the surrounding surface.
Things to Consider
Concrete pavers can fade slightly over time, especially lighter colours exposed to direct sunlight. They are also more prone to surface wear than clay clinkers, which are fired at higher temperatures. However, modern concrete pavers with hardened top layers have largely closed this gap.
Application
Concrete pavers are laid on a compacted bed of sharp sand over a stable sub-base of crushed aggregate. Joints are filled with kiln-dried jointing sand. For DIY builders, concrete pavers are an excellent choice for garden paths, patios, and driveways. Ensure the sub-base is properly compacted and sloped for drainage — a fall of about 1-2 cm per metre away from the house is recommended.
Related terms
- Paving
- Concrete
- Clinker
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