At Materials In The Raw Sydney, we are passionate DIY enthusiasts who are always looking for new ways to improve outdoor spaces.

STEP 1 PREPARING YOUR AREA

Mark and measure out your area. You will need to get a m2 measurement to allow you to calculate materials needed. As an example if your area is 10m long by 3m wide your area is then 30m2.

Once your area is marked and you are happy, remove any excess grass, soil, debris etc. You may need to hire a bobcat or excavator for large spaces.

Excavate your area so that is not only level but allows for your sub base to be constructed & the thickness of your paving (note pavers are typically between 40mm-50mm depending on your paver choice). Materials In The Raw recommends allowing 100mm of road base or metal dust, both are heavily compactable materials designed to set rm under your paving to ensure little to no movement of your pavers. You will also need to cater for a skim layer 30mm max of bedding sand. Materials In The Raw recommends washed river sand which will allow you to get perfect levels for your paving.

STEP 2 PREPARING BASE

Distribute road base or metal dust evenly over the excavated area to a recommended depth of 100mm, ensure your levels allow for general fall to drainage points.

Compact the road base with a plate compactor (Wacker Packer). Materials In The Raw recommends wetting the metal dust or road base as it will allow you to compact better, and it is advised to compact your site twice to ensure that you have less movement once pavers are laid.

Begin to spread the sand over the compacted road base to a thickness of 25-30mm.

Screed the river sand with a timber oat or straight edge. Ensure level both ways using your spirit level.

STEP 3 LAYING THE PAVERS

Set up a string line running along the edge(s) of your paved area. The string line will help ensure your edges are straight and pavers are flush.

Begin laying pavers starting at one end of the project and working your way across. Leave a 3mm gap between the pavers for the Paving Gap Sand to be swept in later. Ensure each paver is square with the string line and level using the spirit level. Wriggle pavers into place and tap with rubber mallet where required to ensure level.

STEP 4 EDGING AND LOCKING IN THE PAVING

It is important to haunch or lock in the header courses that are not up against a wall using a sand and cement mix. This will assist in supporting the outer course of the paved area.

You can choose to mix up your own sand and cement mix or choose to buy a premixed bag - like our 20kg Sand & Cement Mix.

Screed the cement mix along the edge of your paving to lock your pavers into place.

Another helpful tip is to use the sand and cement underneath the outer header course, this will help set the pavers and give them even more strength.

STEP 5 LOCKING SAND AND SEALING

Once you have laid the pavers into place you need to lock them into place by sweeping a dry fine white sand or paverbond/gapsand product into the joining cracks between the pavers.

Materials In The Raw recommends you seal all your pavers both concrete pavers and natural stone, not only will it protect your pavers from staining and wear and tear, it will also protect your pavers from fading and ensure your pavers stay in perfect condition and remain easy to clean. Have a chat with our staff today with regard to what sealer will work best for you!

Shopping List

PaversMetal DustRiver SandSand Cement premix
Builders Cement / GP CementGap Sand / Paver bond / White sand bags
Sealer

tool Guide
Safety Gear - gloves, glasses, ear muffs
WheelbarrowSpadeRubber Mallet
Spirit Level
Wacker Packer
Straight Edge
Broom
TrowelScreeding Rail / Straight Edge

If you have any more questions don't hesitate to contact us or viist us in store! 

From

The Management and Staff

Materials in the Raw

About Materials in the Raw

Materials in the Raw (MITR) was established at Casula in 1988 as a bulk Landscaping materials distributor reselling sand, soil, gravel and mulches. MITR specialises in the supply of landscaping and building materials from multiple locations in the Sydney Metropolitan Area.

We deliver paving supplies to all Sydney regions including: Sydney City, Canterbury-Bankstown, Eastern Suburbs, Forest district, Hills district, Inner West, Macarthur, Northern Beaches, Lower North Shore, Upper North Shore, Northern Suburbs, South, western Sydney, Southern Sydney, St George, Western Sydney and Greater Western Sydney. If you are would like paving supplies delivered outside of Sydney please contact us for delivery prices

Our Sydney outlets are located at:

Chullora: Corner Hume Highway and Davidson Street
Guildford: Corner Ruby and Oxford Streets

At MITR, our customers are extremely valuable to us. It is our mission to help you build the very best with our diverse range of products and commitment to great service.

Our experienced and enthusiastic staff will work with you to make sure you get the job done in the right way. All MITR employees are trained on a regular basis so they are up to date with the latest products, trends and tips.

We are determined to be the best in the industry and we go beyond Landscaping Supplies and building materials. MITR has a genuine commitment to supporting local communities to keep them strong and their environments clean.