The edge course

[Baron Von Marlon]

I've read the page on here but I've just got a couple of questions.

1)What's the order of play? Sub-base, bedding layer, concrete edge course, blocks?
2) After I've laid the edge course, do I need to wait for the concrete to dry before I lay the blocks?
3) How do I set the egde securely in the concrete and still have enough bedding layer for the first line of blocks next to the edge?

[84-1093879891]

Three is a couple? I must tell Mrs Taz! ;)

1 - you can do sub-base, then edge course, then bedding/blocks, or you can opt for edge courses, sub-base, then bedding/blocks. This is explained in full on the Edge Courses: First or Last? page

2 - Ideally, yes, but it's not absolutely necessary. You can be laying the blocks to the body of the pavement while the edge-course concrete is a-curing.

3 - Eh? I don't follow you here. Can you clarify?

[Baron Von Marlon]

It didn't make sense does it, sorry!

Having read the page you suggested, I think it's just clicked.

Edge course last is the puppy for me!

[84-1093879891]

Edge course last??? Do you mean last as in "after the sub-base", or last as in "after the rest of the paving"?You can't put the edge course in after the rest of the paving without making a lot of work for yourself.

[Baron Von Marlon]

I'll lay the sub-base, then blocks (starting at a solid wall) until the penultimate row. Then I cut a nice clean trench into the bedding layer after the last line of blocks, pour in the concrete, add the final line of blocks and haunch them in!

What do you reckon?

I should say this is path from gate to front doorstep, probably no more than 2 metres long and less than 1 metre wide. At the moment the blocks are lying on the mud with no edge course at all on one side.

[84-1093879891]

It's easier to lay the sub-base, then do the edge courses, both the one against the wall and those at the free edges, and then use the edge courses to guide the screed level as you prepare the sand bed for the rest of the blocks.

[Baron Von Marlon]

I see what you mean. I'll let you know how I get on!

Thanks.

[84-1093879891]

Well, looking out of the window, you've got the weather for it! :)

[Baron Von Marlon]

Job done, It's nice to know I've finally grown up enough to listen to some advice!

Great site, great help, and I've now got a great new pathway. Thanks.

[84-1093879891]

Any photos??