Laying concrete paving may seem straightforward at first glance – prepare the base, lay the tiles, fill the joints, and it's done. However, in practice, details make all the difference.
A small mistake is enough, and within months you can encounter irregularities, cracks, standing water, or encroaching weeds. The good news is that most problems can be easily avoided. From our experience, we know that the same mistakes repeat during reconstructions and repairs. Therefore, we have prepared an overview of the six most common mistakes and simple advice on how to avoid them.
1. Insufficient base preparation
⚠️ Problem: If there is soft soil under the paving, it will eventually sink and create unevenness.
How to do it correctly:
Remove soil to a depth based on the area load
Walkways min. 200–250 mm
Driveways 350–400 mm
👉 At this stage, create a slope of 2–3% for water drainage
The base must be firm, even, and well-drained
2. Weak or uneven compaction
⚠️ Problem: Poorly compacted layers will eventually "settle". The result is irregularities, tile movement, and loose joints.
How to do it correctly:
Compact in layers max. 100–150 mm.
Use a vibrating plate with sufficient weight.
Compact crosswise – longitudinally and transversely – always when dry.
3. Missing or poorly installed kerbs
⚠️ Problem: Without quality kerbs, the edges of paving will spread over time, and the area loses stability.
How to do it correctly:
Install kerbs before laying the paving.
Set them into a concrete bed with a minimum thickness of 100 mm.
Ensure precise height, direction, and firm anchoring.
4. Forgotten slope for drainage
⚠️ Problem: If the area doesn't have the proper slope, water remains standing, soaks into the base, and can damage the paving in winter.
How to do it correctly:
Slope min. 2% (i.e., 2 cm/m); for larger areas, add drainage.
Without slope, water stands, freezes in winter, and ruins the surface and substrate.
Establish the slope already at the base level and maintain it throughout all layers; do not rely on "adjustments" during laying.
5. Poorly executed jointing
⚠️ Problem: Too wide or poorly filled joints lead to tile movement and weed growth.
How to do it correctly:
The ideal joint width is 1–3 mm.
Use silica sand with a grain size of 0–2 mm.
After filling the joints, always compact the entire area with a vibrating plate with a rubber pad.
6. Use of inappropriate materials
⚠️ Problem: Poorly chosen subbase or jointing material can be unstable, absorb water, or be washed away.
How to do it correctly:
Select only certified materials with documented origin.
Follow the recommendations of the paving manufacturer and the technical sheets.
Quality material significantly extends the life of the entire area.
📌 Summary and Recommendations from FEROBET
Laying concrete paving is uncomplicated if the correct procedure is followed. Every detail – from base preparation to jointing – affects the durability and appearance of the paving.
💡 Tip from FEROBET: If you are not confident that you can manage all the phases yourself, it is better to consult a specialist. It will save you time, money, and nerves.
👉 Recommendation: When choosing paving, consider the purpose of use, material quality, and the correct technical solution for each layer.
