Paving contractor glossary

Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a paving contractor provider in Cheltenham.

What are kiln-fired clay pavers?: Kiln-fired clay pavers are solid units of clay hardened in a kiln to high temperatures, used as individual blocks in paving installations. They are prized for colour permanence and long-term durability compared to concrete alternatives.
What are natural stone paving types?: Natural stone paving types are quarried rock materials including sandstone, limestone, granite, and slate, each with distinct geological origins and physical properties that affect durability, appearance, and suitability for outdoor surfaces.
What is a binder course?: A binder course is the middle asphalt layer in a pavement structure that sits between the base layer and the wearing course, bonding aggregate particles together and distributing vehicle loads downward.
What is a compaction plate?: A compaction plate (or wacker plate) is a vibrating machine that compresses soil, gravel, and paving units to create a solid, stable foundation for driveways and patios.
What is a damp proof course (DPC) level?: The damp proof course (DPC) level is the horizontal barrier built into a house wall to prevent ground moisture rising into brickwork; paving must be installed below this level to maintain a gap that protects the property from damp ingress.
What is a sub-base?: A compacted layer of aggregate material laid beneath paving surfaces to provide load-bearing support and drainage, typically using materials like MOT Type 1.
What is a wearing course?: The wearing course is the uppermost layer of a tarmac or asphalt surface, designed to withstand traffic wear and weather exposure.
What is block paving pattern (herringbone, basketweave, stretcher bond)?: Block paving patterns are standard arrangements in which rectangular or square paving blocks are laid to create distinctive visual and structural effects, with herringbone, basketweave, and stretcher bond being the most common.
What is dense bitumen macadam (DBM)?: Dense bitumen macadam (DBM) is a bituminous-bound aggregate base layer, typically 100-150 mm thick, that forms the structural foundation beneath a tarmac wearing course in road construction and resurfacing projects.
What is falls and gradients in drainage?: A fall is the slight downward slope incorporated into a paved surface to allow rainwater and surface moisture to drain away rather than pool or sit.
What is Indian sandstone?: Indian sandstone is a quarried natural stone imported from India, widely used for patios, paths, and outdoor paving in the UK due to its durability and varied colour range.
What is jointing compound and joint sealant?: Jointing compound and joint sealant are sand-based, resin, or polymeric materials applied between paving units to stabilize the surface, block weed growth, and prevent debris infiltration.
What is kerb edging?: Kerb edging is a linear restraint installed along the perimeter of paving to prevent lateral movement of blocks or stone and provide structural containment.
What is kiln-dried sand?: Kiln-dried sand is sand that has been heated in a kiln to remove all moisture, then brushed into the joints between block paving blocks to lock them in place and prevent weeds.
What is MOT Type 1?: MOT Type 1 is a graded crushed stone and dust mixture meeting BS 3882 specification, used as a compacted sub-base layer in UK driveways, roads, and foundations.
What is permeable paving?: Permeable paving is a surface treatment that allows water to pass through the material or its joints and drain into the ground beneath, rather than running off as surface water like traditional solid paving.
What is planning permission for driveways?: Planning permission for driveways is the regulatory exemption in England that allows homeowners to install or resurface domestic driveways smaller than 5 square metres without formal planning consent, provided the surface allows water drainage.
What is porcelain paving?: Porcelain paving is a manufactured ceramic tile product made from clay and minerals fired at high temperatures to create a dense, non-porous surface suitable for outdoor installations.
What is riven vs sawn stone finish?: Riven stone is split along natural fault lines to create a textured, uneven surface, while sawn stone is cut with machinery to produce smooth, uniform faces. The choice between them affects slip resistance, aesthetic character, and practical maintenance.
What is slip resistance rating (R-value and PTV)?: Slip resistance rating systems (R-value and PTV) measure how much friction a paving surface provides to prevent slipping, using standardised tests on wet or dry surfaces.
What is SUDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems)?: Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) are water management methods that reduce surface water runoff by allowing rainfall to drain naturally into the ground or be stored temporarily on-site, often required by planning authorities in the UK.
What is SuDS-compliant surfacing?: SuDS-compliant surfacing is paving that allows water to infiltrate through or beneath the material rather than creating runoff, meeting sustainable drainage system standards set by local planning authorities.
What is tarmac and asphalt?: Tarmac and asphalt are bitumen-bound paving materials used interchangeably in the UK, though they differ slightly in composition and manufacturing process.
What is the difference between resin bound and resin bonded?: Resin bound mixes aggregate throughout a resin layer for a smooth, permeable surface; resin bonded scatters aggregate across the resin top for a textured, non-permeable finish.