Plaspave standard 50 block paving - Are they different sizes?

[mlewarne]

Hello, I've seen some Plaspave 50 standard blocks that I like. I have spoken to a couple of installers and one of them has told me he does not install these blocks. He tells me that they are not that good quality and are different sizes. Therefore, they are a nightmare to keep straight and after about 5 blocks you are not straight anymore. Do you have experience of this? He also recommended I go for a 60 mm block. We will be parking two cars on the driveway. Thanks Martin

[mickg]

I can only speak for Plaspave and Marshalls manufacturing process as I have seen both, concrete block paving is manufactured to BS 6717 and stringent test are carried out throughout the manufacturing process by both companies to ensure strict quality control.

problems do occur and yeah blocks can and do vary in size from one batch to the next and especially when the mold is coming to the end of its life and has become worn you will get over sized blocks and possibly a slight mixture of 2 different batches, we are only talking half micron but over 5 rows yeah its true to say it escalates to 2.5 micons

its up to the block paving installer to use his skill and expertise to maintain straight lines which can happen with any manufacturers block paving from time to time, and if your going to have a problem with a 50mm block then you would still have a problem with a 60mm block ?

[mlewarne]

Thanks for your advice Mick. Do you think 50 mm would be sufficient to hold two cars with a herringbone design? The suppliers of the blocks say so, but they would say that wouldn't they? Thanks

[mickg]

absolutely 50mm block paving was brought out for the domestic driveway market, the most important part of the process of constructing a driveway using block paving is the sub base what in underneath your chosen colour or style of block paving

using MOT Type 1 well compacted, and I mean well compacted not just up and down twice with the vibrating plate, the sand laying course also well compacted and screeded to the correct level and falls.

for a driveway the strongest laying pattern is herringbone as the blocks interlock more than other laying patterns.

[lutonlagerlout]

with mick 100% on subbase
I prefer 60mm blocks,for a few quid more on an average drive i just find them to be better
but the 50 s are fine for light domestic use,which effectively means 2-4 motions per day
LLL

[ambient]

plaspave 50 or 60 mm standard block i found to be awful to lay kept getting fat blocks throwing lines out ended up having to space them out to get it straight which personally i like to lay it tight its stronger never get that problem with marshalls,
i prefer 60mm block can get them for same price.
other plaspave blocks like sorrento and modena are quality paving
???

[mlewarne]

Thanks for all your advice. I'm starting to think that it may be worth investing a little more money and getting the Marshalls 60mm blocks. Thanks

[carlbeardsmore]

I find Plaspave 50 a bit brittle. You can easily crack a few with the wacker at final compaction. Even though it is only 10mm extra, the 60's seem alot stronger.

[Tony McC]

If there is so much variation in the Plaspave blocks that the alignment is out after 5 blocks, then why was your man laying them? he should have been on the 'phone to whoever sold them to him demanding they come and remove this rubble and provide him with quality materials.

Plaspave, as a brand, are a budget operation. They don't try to outdo Marshalls or Brett or Tobermore, but they generally make an OK-ish block. I have a big problem with their colours and the rate of wear, but I can't recall any problems with sizing.

You should choose the blocks you like on their aesthetic appeal. Almost all blocks sold in Britain and Ireland are suitable for driveways, and while I would accept that recognised brands are often better quality, the difference is almost irrelevant on a low-traffic driveway. When contracting, I had my preferred choices (Ramsbottom 60mm Brindles best CBP ever made) but if a client preferred Plaspave or Lakeland or whatever, I had to accept their preference as it was *them* living with the drive for the next 20 years, not me.

You can lead a horse to water....