Herringbone, basketweave, and stretcher bond are the most common layout options for a patio area. A border pattern in a contrasting block colour can define the edge cleanly. The pattern is agreed before laying starts because it affects how cuts fall at the perimeter and how much waste is generated.
A compacted sub-base of at least 100mm is required on Cambridgeshire clay-heavy ground before any blocks are laid. Edging blocks are set and mortared first to hold the perimeter; without a fixed edge, the field blocks will spread and the pattern will open up. Surface falls are set during sub-base preparation, not corrected after laying.
Jointing sand is brushed into the joints and compacted down once the blocks are laid. This step is what resists weed ingress, gaps left unfilled allow seeds to establish quickly. The quote covers excavation, sub-base, edging, blocks, and jointing sand as separate line items so the full cost is visible before work begins.