We have a problem with concrete pavers we are using to make an outside bar-b-que area.

They are 400mm square, 40mm thick and 'poured wet' in construction. There are other pavers that are of a damp tamped mix construction, a little cheaper, but somewhat pourous. These poured wet ones are supposedly better quality, and therefore a little more costly.

The area we are paving is 8.8 mtrs by 4.4 mtrs,, needing 242 for the job. At 108 pavers on a fork lift pallet, our supplier had three pallets, and they will keep what is left of the third pallet.

Area prepared with a mini excavator, and leveled with what is called B grade crushed rock. [fine dust with small stones about 50/50 - packs down hard.]

Opened the first pallet [shrink rap plastic] and started setting them in place.

As can be seen [I hope!] in the photo, moisture [ from being stored outdoors at the supply yard - normal practice] started to dry off, leaving some whiter discolouration.

Much to-ing and fro-ing involving our paving contractor, the suppliers both local and wholesale, and the first 'answer' was "Sort them, and only lay the good ones!"

Problem -  what came off the pallet 'good' could be discoloured next morning!

More three way discussion !!!!

Final answer from supplier [seemingly a reputable company operating the length of Australia's East coast - three States] " Lay them as they come, and we will come and use a commercial "cleaner" to remove the discolouration.

Now  - on spare pavers we tried scrubbing with a brush and running water = slight improvement.

Tried pressure washing with plain water = also slight improvement.

Tried pressure washing with truck wash detergent = same slight improvement.

So NAT'ers.! What do you think our chances are of getting satisfaction - as in all pavers the one colour?

The ones discoloured in the photo look evenly discoloured, but as we proceeded, there are some that are partially discoloured, with multiple variations, edges, centers, one half good, the other not !!.

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Pavers. (full).jpg (129KB - 152 downloads)