Pavers facts & stats

Question 1

Which paving pattern arranges rectangular pavers in a zigzag of V shapes?

Accepted Answer

Herringbone. Herringbone sets rectangles at angles to each other, forming a zigzag like a fish skeleton.

Question 2

What is commonly swept into the joints between pavers?

Accepted Answer

Sand. Joint sand fills the gaps, locking pavers together and helping to stop them shifting.

Question 3

Which famous Roman road, begun in 312 BC, ran from Rome toward southern Italy?

Accepted Answer

Appian Way. The Via Appia, begun under Appius Claudius Caecus in 312 BC, linked Rome with southern Italy.

Question 4

What is the job of an edge restraint around a paver patio?

Accepted Answer

Stopping the pavers from spreading apart. Edge restraints hold the outer pavers in place so the whole surface stays tightly locked.

Question 5

What is usually laid and compacted underneath pavers as a base?

Accepted Answer

Crushed stone or gravel. A compacted crushed stone base spreads loads and drains water, keeping pavers level.

Question 6

In a running bond pattern, each row of pavers is offset by about how much?

Accepted Answer

Half a paver. Running bond staggers rows by half a unit, like the bricks in a typical wall.

Question 7

What are roughly rectangular, quarried stone blocks used to pave many old streets called?

Accepted Answer

Setts. Setts are quarried stones cut into roughly rectangular blocks, unlike naturally rounded cobbles.

Question 8

What makes polymeric joint sand harden between pavers?

Accepted Answer

Wetting it with water. Polymeric sand contains binders that activate when misted with water, setting firm in the joints.

The basics