Helpful Hints

A special hoggin type that forms a flat, compacted surface suitable for light traffic. It has a dusty appearance and is commonly used on golf courses and public footpaths. Known brands include Breedon Path Gravel or Coxwell Path Gravel.

Since gravel naturally varies by quarry, bringing a sample to a depot helps ensure colour consistency. Website photos aim for accuracy, but exact matches prove difficult as gravel loses shine over time. Ordering from the same batch minimises shade variations.

Avoid soft Cotswold on driveways as it crushes easily. For buff-coloured surfaces, consider South Cerney gravel or an Old English Chipping. Hard-wearing 20mm flint gravels offer good value for driveways.

Small 10mm stone shifts easily and gets lodged in tyres. Recommended sizes are 14mm or 20mm for driveways, 10mm around pipes, and 40mm for soak aways.

Weight conversion guidelines: Scalpings 1m³ = 2.2 tonnes; Gravel/Chippings 1m³ = 1.4 tonnes; Sharp Sand 1m³ = 1.6 tonnes; Building Sand 1m³ = 1.4 tonnes; 20mm Ballast 1m³ = 1.6 tonnes; 40mm Rejects 1m³ = 1.4 tonnes. One tonne covers approximately 12m² at 1.5-2 inches depth.

Pathways require excavation to 5 inches depth, a 3-inch scalpings base (compacted), optional weed-control membrane, then 1.5-2 inches of chippings. Driveways need 5 inches compacted scalpings base, optional geotextile, then approximately 2 inches gravel (deeper depths cause sinking).

Natural stone provides value but has colour variation. Concrete offers consistency but fades and exposes raw aggregate when chipped. Porcelain resists black spot and algae, requiring only light jet-washing. Rivar only source stone from suppliers who have a strong ethical trading policy.

Joint-It brushes into joints providing mess-free application. Patios must remain wet to prevent staining. Nexus Rapid Flow works similarly for porcelain; keep wet and follow manufacturer guidelines.

Sealers create barriers against dirt, oil, and spills while preserving original colours. They don't prevent moss but reduce dirt penetration. A selection is available in the paving sundries shop section.

Avoid acid-based cleaners on natural stone, especially limestone. Test cleaning products on small areas first. Medium-power jet washing removes algae and dirt; avoid blasting joints forcefully. Anti-algae products and black-spot removers are available; sealing reduces discolouring.

Sample laying patterns appear in supplier brochures and on the website. Staff can provide guidance; patterns serve as starting points rather than exact blueprints.

Concrete traditionally uses 6 sand to 1 cement ratio. Natural stone increasingly uses building sand in wet mortar beds at a 6:1 ratio. Porcelain requires a primer slurry on slab backs. Pointing uses 4 sand to 1 cement ratio; Jointex offers an alternative finish.

Excavate to 5 inches depth, lay 3 inches compacted scalpings, then apply a sand-cement mix. If laying natural stone it is essential to use a full bed of wet mortar. Position the patio 2 bricks below damp course level; consider a thin gravel drain between the house and patio.

This temporary white powdery substance results from water-cement chemical reactions, appearing on both concrete and some natural stone. Although most commonly associated with concrete paving products, efflorescence can also affect natural stone when it is laid on a full mortar bed. Allow natural weathering rather than using removers to avoid surface damage.

Required components include a sump/tub, supporting lid/grid, possibly support blocks, sand for levelling, an appropriate pump, tubing, permeable matting, and chippings. Position the grid level over the tub, add support blocks for large stones, insert the hose through the stone, and attach it to the pump. Ensure the tub size adequately catches splash water for recycling.

Avoid limestone and Cotswold as runoff affects water quality. Wash rocks, boulders, and cobbles before pond placement. Pre-bagged, fish-friendly cobbles and pebbles should also be washed beforehand.