Paver patterns

[Solerpower]

We are currently prepping our yard to lay some Anchor pavers, London cobble to be more precise, and we have chosen four different sizes for the pattern; 3x6, 6x4.5, 6x6, and 6x9. Four different sized pavers was probably not a very good idea for our first diy project on pavers, but what the hell.

The yard that sold us the pavers gave us a printed copy of a pattern to follow but none of the sides line up if we try to repeat it. The pattern is based on utilizing a percentage for each size to come up with the total. For instance the 3x6=13%, 6.x4.5=20%, 6x6=27%, and the 6x9=40%.

Is there a pattern that is used or do you just wing it?

What should we do?

I would appreciate any help.

Thanks

Carlos

[ckcland]

I'm not familiar to anchor pavers but I'm certain someone at this site is and will respond more in depth than I can. That being said, if you get stuck it sounds like you can definately do a running bond pattern and use all material. Just remember to stagger joints. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[HRLand]

Can you show us the pattern they gave you?

[PSUscaper]

If you want a 'no cut' job, run them in some sort of alternating running bond, or block off in square units that repeat themselfs (ie, different units forming one square unit)

Being you bought the four different sizes, I'd imagine you wanted a random pattern, in which case, run them as you please....BUT...

keep this in mind. There is a ratio used, and if you don't keep track of it, you will end up with tons of one size, none of some, and a little bit of the others, causing you to go back and buy more of the size you used to much of.

If the pattern is a %, you have to figure out what percent of each size you ordered...and then.........take that percent and turn it into 'number of bricks'.

this means, if it is 10% 6x6 lets say....you don't use one 6x6 and 9 others. The % is based on square footage, not individual bricks.

If all the math is confusing, just make sure the guy handing you bricks keeps a eye on which ones he's using, and tell him to cut back or to hand you more of the ones you see are running out or are too many of.

[AZTLANLC]

Just like Penn said.
Trying to follow the manufacture patter will take so much time.
If I were you I'd just do like penn says and also don't worry of using the exact percentages, since you can use all left over paver as your border, they all are the same (6")

[Lanelle]

Regardless of how you lay out the pavers, figure on doing some cutting at the edges. It's easier than fussing over the exact way to come out 'even' and then put your soldier course around the perimeter and then the paver edging.

[Fine Edge]

With those sizes, we just run a random mixed pattern but use the least of the 3" x 6". One thing you will want to keep in mind while you're laying is not to end up with a small square ( 1/2 the size of the 3" x 6" ). It's easy to do if you're not paying attention and although you could cut a small size in half, that is not the size that was made to be in the pattern so it looks out of place.
You will find yourself backtracking once in awhile, especially on your first project, but just take your time.
Also, if several people are laying the pavers, work from a common starting point on the pattern ( in the middle ) and work out towards the edges. You do not want to end up trying to piece together in the middle of the paver project.

[springfever]

Put the 6"x4.5" Pavers aside. They are called 3/4 pavers. Use them for the soldier course around the edge. Take the 3x6, 6x6 and 6x9 pavers and start laying them in a random pattern. Don't put two of the same size together and break up your seams going both ways at least every 2 to 4 feet. Because they are ALL multiples of three, the pattern will work itself out. The 3/4 pavers dress up the edge nicely whether you have a straight pattern or cut in a curve. Don't be intimidated. Let the math do the work. Hope this helps. You can view some of our pics in the gallery section of our website to help you see what I mean. That address is www.getspringfever.com.

[Solerpower]

I want to thank everyone for their input. Your replies made me think a little harder about it and I think figured it out. Those Excel skills come in really handy.

In order to maintain the proper ratio all I need to do is work with the equal amount of bricks of each size(i.e., 10 of each size and work it into the pattern, or 20). I guess it really doesn't matter what pattern I follow, just as long as I work with equal amounts of each brick at a time.

Now its time to put the theory into practice. I'll let everyone know how everything worked out.

I even emailed Anchor and they still have not responded.

Thanks,

Carlos

[Solerpower]

Well, I finally completed the patio, 1600sf, and I must say that looking back at all the responses I got. I should have taken S
pringfever's advice. Those damn 6x4.5 (the 3/4 pavers) made the whole project take a lot longer than it should have. We kept back tracking and ended up using a lot more of the 3x6 size. The first paver was laid on friday 9/8 at 11am and by 8pm we were 2/3 complete with the patio, and there was seven of us working to complete this. Had I taken Springfever's advice I'm sure we would have knocked it out in a day. My idea of working with an equal amount of pavers for each size was difficult to keep track of since the help kept bring pavers over to the guys laying them and by the next day I had over 600 of the 6x9 and 350 of the 3x6. In the end we made it work. Some of my friends helping learned a thing or two for their future project...stay away from the 6x4.5 size paver. I'll be including some pictures soon. I have a retaining wall to finish.

Carlos