Paving contractor glossary

Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a paving contractor provider in Cheltenham.

What are edge restraints and edging kerbs?: Edge restraints (edging kerbs) are fixed perimeter borders installed around block paving to prevent lateral movement and keep blocks from spreading or shifting.
What are paving flags?: Large flat slabs of concrete, stone, or composite material laid as a continuous surface to form patios, pathways, and terraces.
What are setts?: Setts are small rectangular paving blocks, usually made from granite or concrete, larger than standard block paving and commonly used for driveways, pathways and decorative edging.
What is a soakaway?: A soakaway is an underground pit or permeable crate filled with gravel or aggregate that collects and drains surface water into the surrounding soil.
What is a sub-base?: A sub-base is the compacted layer of aggregate (typically MOT Type 1) laid beneath paving surfaces to distribute loads and prevent uneven settling.
What is a whacker plate (plate compactor)?: A whacker plate is a portable, vibrating machine used to compact loose material such as sand, gravel, and soil during paving and groundwork, and to bed block paving after laying.
What is block paving?: Block paving is a surface constructed from small interlocking concrete or clay units laid on a sand bed over a compacted base, providing a durable and flexible finish for driveways and patios.
What is efflorescence?: Efflorescence is a white, chalky mineral deposit that forms on the surface of new concrete or clay paving as salts are carried to the surface by evaporating moisture.
What is falls and gradient in paving?: Falls and gradient is the intentional slope built into a paved surface to direct rainwater and surface moisture toward drains, gullies, or soakaway systems.
What is haunching?: Haunching is concrete or mortar placed against the rear face of a kerb or channel to provide lateral support and prevent movement or subsidence.
What is Indian sandstone?: Indian sandstone is a quarried natural stone imported for outdoor paving, prized for its naturally split riven finish and range of warm earthy colours, commonly used in Cheltenham for patios and garden slabs.
What is kiln-dried sand?: Fine, kiln-dried sand brushed into the joints of block paving to lock pavers in place and prevent weed growth and surface displacement.
What is MOT Type 1?: MOT Type 1 is a graded aggregate of crushed limestone or granite used as a compacted sub-base layer in UK paving and construction work, meeting Department of Transport specifications.
What is permeable paving?: Permeable paving is a surface system that allows water to drain through joints or the material itself into the ground below, rather than running off as surface water.
What is planning permission for driveways?: Planning permission is required in England when a new impermeable driveway or front garden surface exceeds 5 square metres, unless porous alternatives like permeable paving are used instead.
What is pointing in paving?: Pointing is the mortar or resin compound applied between paving joints to seal them and bind the stones or blocks together.
What is porcelain paving?: Porcelain paving is a man-made ceramic slab fired at high temperatures to create a dense, non-porous surface that resists stains and moisture, used for outdoor hardscaping in place of natural stone.
What is resin bonded surfacing?: Resin bonded surfacing is a permeable paving finish made by scattering loose aggregate chips onto a thin resin adhesive layer applied to a base.
What is resin bound surfacing?: Resin bound surfacing is a permeable paving finish created by mixing aggregate with clear resin and trowelling it to a smooth surface.
What is sharp sand?: Sharp sand is a coarse washed sand with angular grains used for bedding layers under paving slabs and in mortar mixes, offering better drainage and stability than soft sand.
What is spalling?: Spalling is the progressive flaking, chipping, or crumbling of a paved surface caused by freeze-thaw cycles, salt exposure, or moisture penetration into natural stone or concrete.
What is SuDS (sustainable drainage systems)?: SuDS are sustainable drainage principles that manage water runoff from hard surfaces like driveways and gardens in ways that reduce flooding and comply with UK planning requirements.
What is tarmac (asphalt)?: Tarmac is a surface material made from bitumen (a petroleum binder) mixed with stone aggregate, laid in layers and compacted to create a durable, cohesive driving surface.
What is York stone?: York stone is a naturally sedimentary sandstone quarried primarily in Yorkshire, prized for traditional British paving in period-style patios, pathways, and landscaping projects.