Reclaimed & Recycled Paving
A definition of ‘reclaimed’ paving, is paving that has been used before, either in buildings, streets,
factories, wharfs, temporary or other uses, and may have been used as construction materials
without processing. They may be adapted and resized as necessary, cleaned and presented in a
re-usable condition. Essentially though, they are being re-used in their original form and format.
They may be purchased for their original purpose, or for an alternative, but similar purpose.
Bricks or paving for example, may have salvaged from internal walls and floors, but provided
they meet the various requirements of density, porosity, crushing strength, frost-proofness etc,
there is no reason why they cannot be used for garden projects.
Paving, provided it has not been salvaged from certain factory floors, where flags may have
become contaminated with oils, chemicals and other toxins, that may only become evident
once subjected to heat and sunlight, should be carefully inspected prior to purchase and use.
Check too, for evidence of delamination, which is caused by the layers of stone becoming
separated, as this may indicate weakened stone, liable to split even when once laid.
Many reclaimed paving materials, especially tiles, may be warrantied by the supplier as being
fit for purpose. It is important to advise the supplier of your intended use in writing prior to
the sale to ensure there are no objections or qualifications.
Recycled paving may be considered those products that have been sawn down or resized
from larger units. Some, such as granite setts, may have been formed into ‘croppings’ or
chopped into segments from standard size 100 x 100mm or 100 x 200mm reclaimed setts that
may have become damaged an unusable. These may be square or rectangular, and are useful,
versatile additions to the paving palette available to designers. Be aware that sandstones,
especially Yorkstone flags, that have been sawn six sides may have been reconfigured to hide
internal problems disguised as ‘newly faced’ paving. Those that have been sawn on four sides,
effectively removing damaged or chipped corners, may be liable to delaminate if they are not
re-fettled to trim their edges. Be aware of water penetrating the sawn edges, causing damage
through frost/thaw action.
The main difference between reclaimed and recycled paving, is that the reclaimed will have
a known quality, much as ‘new’ paving, whilst recycled may be less than ideal for the project
in hand. There is no simple way of obtaining a product quality statement in writing from a
supplier of recycled or resized paving, whilst sellers of reclaimed materials may be willing to
give you a warranty, even arranging tests for the buyer (at your own expense perhaps).
What may appear to be an ideal solution, could become problematic without thought and
research beforehand. It may be necessary to arrange for laboratory tests to be carried out to
check the Slip Rating of reclaimed or recycled paving for certain projects.
The texture, colours, antiquity and integrity of Victorian clay pavers – Stafforshire Blues and
Reds, Southwater Reds and Stable ‘cobblestone’ bricks are things of beauty, and may be so well
suited to the surroundings in a domestic garden that no modern materials can match. Reclaimed
York stone flags are peerlessin their beauty, and will lastformany,many years when laid correctly
