Interlock paving is only as good as the base under it. Blocks laid on a poorly prepared base sink, rock and separate, especially where cars drive. A compact loader does much of the heavy work in base preparation: excavating to depth, bringing in sub-base material and spreading it. This guide explains the sequence and where the loader fits.
1. Agree the design first
The paving contractor or engineer sets the finished level, the falls for drainage, the thickness of the sub-base and the bedding layer, and whether the area will carry cars or only people. These decide how deep to excavate. Have the levels marked before the loader starts.
2. Excavate to the formation level
The ground is dug out to the finished level minus the block thickness, the bedding sand and the sub-base. The loader removes and loads the excavated material. Where the depth is significant or the ground is hard, a mini excavator may be quicker for the digging, with the loader handling the material.
3. Bring in and spread the sub-base
Sub-base aggregate is delivered and spread by the loader in layers. Each layer is compacted with a plate compactor or roller before the next, to the thickness the contractor specifies. Driving the loader over the compacted base can disturb it, so plan the route.
4. Edge restraints
Kerbs or edge restraints hold the paving in place. They are usually set before the bedding layer. Keep the loader away from freshly set kerbs until the concrete has gained strength.
5. Bedding layer and paving
The bedding sand is screeded to level by hand, and the blocks are laid, compacted and jointed. The loader’s job is usually finished by then, apart from moving pallets of blocks with forks and cleaning up afterwards.
Common problems to avoid
- Excavating by eye without marked levels.
- Placing all the sub-base in one thick layer.
- Letting rainwater or irrigation soften the base before paving.
- Running the loader over finished kerbs or paving.
Details for the quote
Area size, required excavation depth if known, whether excavated soil leaves the site, sub-base delivery arrangements, who compacts, and photos of the area and access.