Pattern page

Running bond calculator

In running bond, pavers are laid in rows and each row is shifted by half a paver. It is quick to lay, needs few different cuts and suits patios, paths and terraces. The calculator starts with a 200 × 100 mm paver and the Pedestrian load class.

Row direction

Rows running away from the house make a patio look deeper, rows running across make it look wider. Switch between them with the rotation angle, 0° or 90°. Where cars drive, lay the rows across the direction of travel, so the long joints do not line up with the wheels. For heavy use, herringbone is the stronger pattern.

Half or one-third offset

Classic running bond uses a half offset. With long slabs, a slight bow shows up as a lip where the middle of one slab meets the ends of its neighbours. That is why large formats are often laid with a one-third offset instead. The one-third offset template covers that case.

Edge cuts

On a straight edge, every second row ends in a half paver. The start corner decides where the full pavers sit, so put them on the edge people see most.

FAQ

How many pavers per m² in running bond?

50 pavers per m² at 200 × 100 mm, without joints or waste.

Is running bond suitable for driveways?

For light use, with the rows laid across the direction of travel. For a driveway in daily use, herringbone holds up better.

Key figures for this scenario

The figures come from the same formulas the planner uses. They leave out joints and waste; the planner's shopping list adds both for your surface shape.

Paver format
Standard rectangular paver (200x100 mm)
Laying pattern
Running bond
Pavers per m²
50
Load class
Pedestrian
Base layer
20 cm crushed stone 0/32 mm
Bedding layer
4 cm grit 2/5 mm
Excavation depth
30 cm

Example: a 20 m² surface

For 20 m² you need about 1,000 pavers, 4.8 m³ of crushed stone (about 8.16 t, including a 20% compaction reserve) and 0.8 m³ of grit (about 1.2 t). Dig about 30 cm deep: 20 cm of base, 4 cm of bedding and 6 cm of paver.

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