Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 9:13 pm
Having done much of the groundwork, I intend to make some progress with my block paving project over the next few weeks after starting it last year. It’s more than my life is worth to leave it any longer. I must also add that I am a DIY’er and a complete novice.
While I have the basic idea of what I want to achieve, I thought I would bounce my plans off you (the experts) as you may be able to advise if I’m heading for disaster or not.
Below is a photo of my house in its current state and a plan of the work. (I can almost hear breath being sucked between teeth already)
The general concept is for Marshall Driveline 50 brindle block paving in 45 degree herringbone with a charcoal border (boring, I know). However, so that the finished article does not look like a desert of brindle, I want to incorporate several features the break up the monotony.
Firstly, I want to separate the driveway from what was once the lawn with a back-to-back double row of small charcoal key kerbs. The idea is that the raised profile of the kerbs will enhance the impression of separating the 2 elements of the project.
The ‘lawn area’ will incorporate an approximate 1.5 metre gravelled square bordered by large charcoal key kerbs. This is integral to the drainage of this area as there is a perforated drain below this which leads to the SUDS. I had originally intended this to be diamond shaped but am worried that if my 45 degree herringbone does line up precisely with the 45 degree edge of the diamond then it will look shabby and I will end up having to cut lots of darts to fill the gaps. I would prefer a diamond as I think this would look better. But, is it practical to start laying the paving from the edge of the diamond, thus ensuring that the diamond & herringbone are parallel.
The whole of the ‘lawn area’ will be bordered by a soldier course of charcoal blocks.
The half finished wall you can see in the photo will be topped with buff coloured copings and pier caps. The rendered wall of the house (needs repainting) is a similar colour. Now, this is where I’m currently indecisive. I’m thinking of adding buff coloured blocks to the paving to tie-in the wall to the house by means of either a single or double stretcher course between the charcoal edging (of the driveway, lawn area and gravelled square) and the main brindle body. However, would introducing this 3rd colour to the paving be too much and make the whole thing look a muddle of colours ?
I’m sure I will have lots of questions in the coming weeks but at the moment I would welcome any suggestions, comments or criticisms to help me on my way.
Thanks
Paul
While I have the basic idea of what I want to achieve, I thought I would bounce my plans off you (the experts) as you may be able to advise if I’m heading for disaster or not.
Below is a photo of my house in its current state and a plan of the work. (I can almost hear breath being sucked between teeth already)
The general concept is for Marshall Driveline 50 brindle block paving in 45 degree herringbone with a charcoal border (boring, I know). However, so that the finished article does not look like a desert of brindle, I want to incorporate several features the break up the monotony.
Firstly, I want to separate the driveway from what was once the lawn with a back-to-back double row of small charcoal key kerbs. The idea is that the raised profile of the kerbs will enhance the impression of separating the 2 elements of the project.
The ‘lawn area’ will incorporate an approximate 1.5 metre gravelled square bordered by large charcoal key kerbs. This is integral to the drainage of this area as there is a perforated drain below this which leads to the SUDS. I had originally intended this to be diamond shaped but am worried that if my 45 degree herringbone does line up precisely with the 45 degree edge of the diamond then it will look shabby and I will end up having to cut lots of darts to fill the gaps. I would prefer a diamond as I think this would look better. But, is it practical to start laying the paving from the edge of the diamond, thus ensuring that the diamond & herringbone are parallel.
The whole of the ‘lawn area’ will be bordered by a soldier course of charcoal blocks.
The half finished wall you can see in the photo will be topped with buff coloured copings and pier caps. The rendered wall of the house (needs repainting) is a similar colour. Now, this is where I’m currently indecisive. I’m thinking of adding buff coloured blocks to the paving to tie-in the wall to the house by means of either a single or double stretcher course between the charcoal edging (of the driveway, lawn area and gravelled square) and the main brindle body. However, would introducing this 3rd colour to the paving be too much and make the whole thing look a muddle of colours ?
I’m sure I will have lots of questions in the coming weeks but at the moment I would welcome any suggestions, comments or criticisms to help me on my way.
Thanks
Paul
