Is it possible ?

[bluffer]

Hi there, a few lads round our way tell me that they lay block paving edgings last. they lay the stone blind lightly with sand rake it out with a wooden spazel then lay the blocks. i kno you do not reccomend this type of construction but was wondering if it is actually possible to pave this way ? maybe not all of their methods are correct but is there a way similar to theirs that would be acceptible ? many thanks........

[danensis]

You can also do brain surgery with a rusty saw and a teaspoon. There's a right way and there's a wrong way.

[Tony McC]

Making the edge courses suit the paving is a method of laying much favoured by cowboys and ne'er-do-wells, as it helps them avoid cutting-in.

If it's done properly, with the edge courses laid on and haunched with concrete, there's no actual construction problem, other than it being arse-about, but all to often, the edge courses themselves are laid onto the sand laying course and then braced with a trowelful of mortar or concrete. This is NOT a good construction but is what I see on far too many iffy driveways and patios.

If you read this page you'll get a good overview of the pros and cons of both methodologies. Personally speaking, I've always found it much easier to define the borders first, thereby establishing falls and levels, and then infill with paving, rather than eff about with screed rails and hope that all works out well.