Paving designs and layout in Johannesburg
Patterns, borders, colours and levels. A good paving design looks right, drains properly and suits how the space is used. Here is what to think about before you ask for quotes.
Common laying patterns
Most rectangular pavers can be laid in a handful of standard patterns. The choice changes both the look and how the paving behaves under cars.
- Herringbone. Blocks at right angles in a zig-zag. It locks blocks against each other in every direction and is often recommended for driveways where cars turn.
- Stretcher bond. Rows offset like a brick wall. Simple and tidy. Better laid across the direction of traffic on a driveway.
- Basket weave. Pairs of blocks alternating direction. Decorative, best for patios and paths with light traffic.
- Random or mixed-size. Several block sizes in a repeating random look, often used with natural stone or cobbles.
Borders, edges and transitions
A border of a contrasting colour or a soldier course along the edge frames the paving and hides the cuts. It also sits on the edge restraint that stops the paving creeping. Plan where the paving meets the lawn, the house, the garage door and the street. Each of those is a level question as well as a looks question.
Levels and falls come first
Before any pattern, the design must decide where the water goes. Paving needs a fall so that rain runs off rather than ponding, and it must not run towards the house or onto a neighbour's property. South Africa's building regulations deal with stormwater disposal in SANS 10400 Part R. On a sloping Johannesburg stand that can mean channel drains across the driveway at the garage, or a low point with a drain. Our guide to driveway slopes and drainage explains the options.
Sight lines and access
A driveway should let you see the street as you reverse out and let a car turn without driving over the garden. Turning areas, the width at the gate and the angle at the garage all matter. If your property is in an estate or a complex, there may be rules about materials and colours. See estate and complex paving rules.
Pattern references
The illustration below shows the difference between a stretcher bond and a herringbone pattern.
What drives the cost
The contractor quotes you once they have measured the job. These are the factors that usually make the difference:
- The pattern: herringbone and basket weave need more cutting than stretcher bond.
- Borders and soldier courses in a contrasting paver.
- Curves, circles and feature panels.
- Level changes, steps and drainage channels.
- Mixing materials, which often means different bedding depths.
Our paving cost guide sets out the published Johannesburg price ranges and names their sources, and our guide on how to compare paving quotes shows what to check line by line.
Frequently asked questions
Which paving pattern is strongest for a driveway?
Herringbone is often recommended for driveways because it locks blocks in both directions. Ask your contractor which pattern they recommend for your traffic.
Do I need a designer?
For most homes, a good paving contractor can propose a layout. For large or complex properties, some people use a landscape designer first.
Can you give me a design?
We do not design or lay paving. We connect you with paving contractors who cover your area, and many of them will propose a layout with the quote.
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