Sales & Installation Support

Discover our comprehensive step-by-step instructions on how to install block paving. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a contractor looking to enhance your outdoor spaces, our detailed guides will assist you in achieving professional results. From the initial preparation of the ground to the precise placement and jointing of the blocks, our instructions cover every essential aspect of block paving installation.

Please note: When installing textured block paving, such as Invicta & Lugano, the blocks needs to be kept clean through construction to stop any staining of the blocks which may be apparent at completion of the installation. It is therefore imperative that the installer does not store any of the laying course on the surface of the paving ready to screed out and if there is any excess material on the face of the blocks,  it needs to be removed immediately by sweeping.

This good practice will mitigate the potential for staining through Iron contamination which is not a fault with the block rather the installation process.

At Brett Landscaping, we take pride in the quality of our products which are manufactured using naturally extracted raw materials like aggregates, pigments, and cement. We use premium naturally occurring granite aggregates to manufacture some of our products such as Invicta & Lugano Block paving, Meltone Kerb, Trief & Kassel Kerb undergo secondary processes like shot blasting to achieve their final appearance.

We have several factory procedures in place to maintain consistency in shade, colour, and texture within and between batches. However, due to the natural materials and secondary processes involved, slight variations in the finished products are normal within and between batches. We believe that these variations enhance the character and natural beauty of the products.

• To ensure the best possible finish, we recommend following some guidelines to evenly distribute any slight variations in shade, colour, and texture over a large area. It's best to complete one area of paving using products taken from the same batch.
• Regardless of whether your product is from the same batch or different batches, it's essential to minimise possible colour banding/shading by mixing products from a minimum of three packs. Install product 'slice by slice' vertically down the pack rather than across each layer.
• We also recommend ordering all products at the same time, especially when purchasing larger quantities.

If you have followed the advice provided regarding batch checking and mixing products but still have unanswered questions, please contact our customer care team on 0345 60 80 577.

What is Efflorescence and how to treat it?

Efflorescence is a natural occurrence that can happen during the manufacturing and curing process of concrete products. This happens when a complex chemical reaction takes place between the cement, water, and carbon dioxide. It is a phenomenon that affects concrete products worldwide and is not specific to any one manufacturer. It's important to note that efflorescence is a temporary occurrence and is not harmful to the product, people, or pets.

Typically, it can take up to 12 months for efflorescence to dissipate, although it may take longer in some cases. Please note that efflorescence is not a product defect. In the event that efflorescence occurs, it may temporarily obscure the colour of the product, but it will eventually be washed away by rain and natural weathering.

Please note that efflorescence is not a product defect and as such, Brett Landscaping does not offer product replacements for efflorescence. Therefore, we advise that you allow nature to take its course and the efflorescence to naturally dissipate.

All Brett Landscaping products are carefully inspected through the production process up to and including loading onto the delivery vehicle. During the process of loading, transporting, offloading, and on-site handling, it is inevitable that a few blocks may develop minor chips along their edges. According to industry norms, it is considered acceptable for 2-5% of the total quantity to have such damage. These chipped blocks are typically suitable for cutting purposes and should be separated during installation. In cases where the percentage of chipped or damaged blocks exceeds 2-5%, they should not be installed and should be set aside for inspection by a Brett Representative. Any defects must be reported without delay. If your product has arrived broken please contact our Customer Service team on 0345 60 80 577 who will be in touch to quickly resolve this.

Brett Landscaping strictly adheres to the relevant British Standards, BS EN 1338:2003, for the manufacturing and testing of their concrete paving blocks.

While it is uncommon, minor surface imperfections may occasionally occur in concrete products despite the implementation of modern techniques and factory inspections. Typically, these imperfect blocks are identified and removed at the factory. However, there may be instances where they go unnoticed during inspection and find their way to our customers. In the majority of cases, any products with minor surface imperfections are detected during installation, allowing them to be set aside and used for cut pieces. If you receive a quantity of blocks with surface imperfections exceeding the industry standard of 2-5%, it is advised not to install them. Instead, set them aside for inspection by a representative from Brett Landscaping, and please consult your supplier for guidance. As a good practice, before adding the jointing material, the installer should conduct a final inspection and address any corrective measures by removing any blocks with surface imperfections that may have been missed during the installation process.

Brett Landscaping follows strict adherence to the relevant British Standards, BS EN 1338:2003, for the manufacturing and testing of their Concrete Paving blocks.

When Concrete Paving blocks are installed in direct contact with each other, known as butt jointing, there is a possibility of chipping occurring at the edges, this is known as spalling. To prevent spalling or chipping, it is essential to install Concrete block paving in line with BS 7533-3: 2005 + A1: 2009 recommends a typical joint width of between 2m to 5 mm. This joint width allows for the placement of the jointing sand within the joints. The jointing sand both transfers any load placed on the block to the adjacent blocks as well as maintaining the required space to stop block on block contact which causes chipping. The jointing material acts as a cushion between the blocks, minimising the risk of chipping/spalling.

Chipping can also happen when cut pieces are forcefully inserted during installation or when the joints are not adequately filled with jointing sand. It is important to ensure that any cut pieces are no smaller than 1/4 of a block and that the 2-5mm joint is maintained to prevent chipping. In cases where jointing material has been removed during cleaning, it is crucial to replace it to prevent chipping from occurring.  Please note, the nibs on our block paving products are not a laying guide, please refer to our step-by-step guidelines for details on how to install block paving.

Brett Landscaping manufactures and tests all their concrete paving blocks in strict adherence to the applicable British Standards, specifically BS EN 1338:2003.

According to this standard, manufacturers are allowed certain dimensional tolerances for concrete paving blocks. These tolerances include a range of + or – 2mm in length and width, as well as + or – 3mm in thickness/height. As long as the blocks comply with these specified tolerances, they meet the criteria outlined in the standard and are considered suitable for their intended purpose.

During the inspection process at the factory, blocks are measured using verniers. This method ensures accurate measurements, as opposed to using a tape measure or ruler, which may not provide precise results.When installing concrete paving blocks, it is important to follow the guidelines stated in BS7533. This standard specifies that a joint width of 2-5mm should be maintained and correct screeding layer to accommodate any height variations. This allowance enables the installer to adjust and camouflage any minor discrepancies that may arise from manufacturing tolerances.

Discover our comprehensive step-by-step instructions on how to lay porcelain paving as a patio using a traditional bedding mortar, or alternatively if you're looking for a permeable solution, view our guide on how to lay porcelain paving as a patio using a permeable bedding mortar. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a contractor looking to enhance your outdoor spaces, our detailed guides will assist you in achieving professional results whilst installing to British Standards.

Helpful Tips:

• Before laying any porcelain paving we would advise the backs of the slabs are scrubbed using a stiff brush (dry) to remove any dust / residue from the manufacturing process which may inhibit the bond of the primer and the laying course. 
• Brett Landscaping recommend using a dedicated primer to create a bridge bond between the slab and mortar bed. 
• Slabs should be laid on a full mortar bed and there should be full contact between the underside of the slab and the mortar. Avoid rippling the surface of the bed with a trowel as this creates valleys which water can become trapped in.
• Cutting the slabs should be done so using an appropriate cutting tool i.e. bench saw or hand grinder with a dedicated porcelain blade. A high blade rpm and slow and steady pace will help achieve a neat cut. Steps should be taken to minimise any vibrations which may lead to chipped edges or the slab cracking.
• Cutting blades can become dull after several cuts so it is advised to ‘dress’ the blade regularly removing the porcelain sediment and ensuring the best results from cuts.

The Brett Porcelain range is manufactured by the global leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of high-end, Italian ceramic tiles for over 80 years, Marazzi. Our product range is currently manufactured in Europe using superior raw materials and manufacturing processes, creating a high end, premium product range.

Why does this matter?

• Expertly sourced raw materials ensure the best performance results.  

• Fired at high temperature = lower chance of breaking during installation.  No False economy replacing broken/chipped slabs.

Porcelain and Ceramic are not the same!

Porcelain tiles generally come in thickness’ ranging from 18mm to 20mm. They are available in a range of sizes and shapes and are well suited to outdoor use being able to deal with the freezing winter temperatures experienced within the UK. All Brett porcelain is 20mm thick.

As a general rule ceramic tiles are 6-10mm thick and come in a variety of sizes, shapes and finishes. However, these are best suited to internal use as they do not have the same high levels of resistance to moisture as that of porcelain. 

• Water Resistance (0.5%) - High quality Porcelain has a low water absorbency (<0.5%), meaning the water will sit on / run off the surface instead of soaking in. This is why it is important to ensure porcelain paving is laid to the current falls (1 in 60) to ensure the water runs off and does not just sit on top of the paving.
• Stain & Scratch Resistance - Stain resistance and clean-ability are one of the major benefits of Porcelain paving, which is linked back to water absorption. There's no need to worry about unavoidable spills for the BBQ, or scratches from your patio furniture. Maintained correctly, your Brett Porcelain patio will look great for years to come.
• Frost Resistance - Our porcelain exhibits minimal thermal expansion, ensuring excellent dimensional stability. It possess remarkable frost resistance due to its low water absorption capabilities. Consequently, our porcelain paving ranges are entirely impervious to frost damage. 
• Slip-Resistance - There is a belief that porcelain is slippery, and most Porcelain manufacturers will supply a Slip Resistance figure such a ‘R11’. This is a German measure of slip/skid and is not recognised in the UK. Brett also provide a ‘UK Pendulum Test’ to prove the product’s suitability for the UK Market. Every product in the Brett porcelain range achieves a > 36 Slip Potential-LOW rating and an R11 rating.
• Precision Cut Slabs - Brett Porcelain is rectified. A secondary process that ensures the product is precision cut. Product is fired in a kiln at 1200+ degrees Celsius and all batches are completely in size with no variations within that batch.                   
• Strength & durability - The Breaking Strength of Porcelain against other paving materials are very high and provides a key benefit for a quality product. However, the 'Flexural Tensile Strength or Modulus of Rupture' is a characteristic that can be overlooked. In simple terms this is the likelihood of ‘Chipping’ upon impact and can be a real problem on an inferior product, especially for the contractor on site. For a quality Porcelain product, you really want as high a figure as possible for rupture. The material average minimum required is 35N/mm^2. Brett Porcelain value is 45 N/mm².
• Premium Aesthetics - Aesthetics account for a huge amount when making a Porcelain decision. At Brett, we can tell you exactly how many different surface aesthetics there are in our porcelain ranges. Depending on the style, the greater the number of variations the better the look. More variation in repeatable graphics ensures a more authentic replication of Natural Stones.  
• Did you know? Not only will Brett's high quality Porcelain be more reliable to install, you can also rest assured that it can withstand the weight of Hot Tubs, Garden Structures and Outdoor Kitchens

Porcelain stands out as a very strong and durable choice. As with any paving or tiling products, Porcelain paving tiles can chip or even crack if handled incorrectly. During the process of loading, transporting, offloading, and on-site handling, product may develop minor chips along their edges. Any defects must be reported without delay. If your product has arrived broken please contact our Customer Service team on 0345 60 80 577 who will be in touch to quickly resolve this.

All of Brett Porcelain is available in a 20mm thickness, which is suitable for outdoor use. 

Some of our products within GeoCeramica® Porcelain are available in; 

• 10mm - internal use / external wall cladding 
• 40mm – footpaths and patios
• 60mm - suitable for driveways and vehicular traffic.

On occasion larger format, rectangular shaped slabs can develop a slight bow (convex). In order to minimise lipping between two neighbouring slabs we would advise laying these either straight bonded or offset by either a quarter or a third. 

Brett Landscaping specialises in the production of paving products known for their exceptional aesthetics and durability. These products are manufactured in batches using naturally sourced raw materials, including aggregates, pigments, and cement. While we have implemented various factory procedures to control shade, colour, and texture within and between batches, we cannot guarantee absolute consistency. This is because of the inherent nature of the materials used and the secondary processes involved. Therefore, slight variations in the finished products are considered normal both within and between batches. In fact, these variations contribute to the character and natural beauty of the products. To ensure the best possible result, we recommend following the following guidelines to evenly distribute any slight variations in shade, colour, and texture over a larger area:

• If circumstances permit, it is advisable to complete an installation area using products from the same batch. This can be achieved by verifying the batch code label on the packs.
• We highly recommend ordering all products, especially in larger quantities, at the same time to ensure consistency.
• Please be aware that the colour of new products may differ from those that have been installed for some time due to weathering effects and variations in the natural aggregates from one part/seam of a quarry to another
• Colour illustrations provided are as accurate as possible within the limitations of the printing process. For a more precise colour match, we encourage referring to actual product samples, which can be provided upon request. It is important to note that the colours and textures depicted in illustrations are representations and should not be expected to be an exact match.

What is Efflorescence and how to treat it?

Efflorescence is a natural occurrence that can happen during the manufacturing and curing process of concrete products. This happens when a complex chemical reaction takes place between the cement, water, and carbon dioxide. It is a phenomenon that affects concrete products worldwide and is not specific to any one manufacturer. It's important to note that efflorescence is a temporary occurrence and is not harmful to the product, people, or pets.

Typically, it can take up to 12 months for efflorescence to dissipate, although it may take longer in some cases. Please note that efflorescence is not a product defect. In the event that efflorescence occurs, it may temporarily obscure the colour of the product, but it will eventually be washed away by rain and natural weathering.

Please note that efflorescence is not a product defect and as such, Brett Landscaping does not offer product replacements for efflorescence. Therefore, we advise that you allow nature to take its course and the efflorescence to naturally dissipate.

 All Brett Landscaping products are carefully inspected through the production process up to and including loading onto the delivery vehicle. Any defects or damage must be reported without delay. If your product has arrived broken please contact our Customer Service team on 0345 60 80 577 who will be in touch to quickly resolve this. Important: If products are installed despite clear defects that were noticeable before installation, the installer will be held accountable for all expenses associated with resolving the problem.

Cracking of Brett Landscaping kerbs in their installed position is highly uncommon. There are a couple of potential reasons for cracks to appear. One is the use of overly strong mortar for bedding and jointing, while another is the omission of movement/expansion allowances during the initial joining process. To ensure consistency in colour, texture, and dimensional tolerance, it is recommended to carefully sort the products. Any defects should be promptly reported.

If products are installed despite having noticeable defects before installation, the installer will bear the responsibility for all expenses associated with resolving the issue.

Another potential cause of cracking is the installation of kerbs with butt joints, where they are placed in direct contact with each other. This can lead to chipping, also known as spalling. For proper installation, kerbs and edgings should be laid with close joints ranging from 2 to 4mm, either without mortar or with wider joints of 5 to 10mm that are pointed with mortar. In cases where mortared joints are used, it is important to allow for expansion by excluding mortar from a joint every 15 meters.