Patio and Entertainment Area Paving
South Africans spend a significant amount of time outdoors, and an entertainment area that's properly paved makes that time more enjoyable and more practical. Whether you have a lapa, a braai area, an outdoor dining space, or a general garden patio, good paving transforms how the space works and looks.
Aztec Paving has installed patios and entertainment areas throughout Alberton and the broader Gauteng South region. We can advise on materials, patterns and finishes that suit the style of your home and the way you use your outdoor space.
What Makes a Good Patio Paving Job?
A patio needs to be practical as well as attractive. Key considerations include:
- Drainage — paving must slope away from the house or lapa structure so water doesn't pool or run towards the building
- Load bearing — especially around braai areas where heavy outdoor furniture or gas bottles will sit
- Grip — paving that becomes slippery when wet is a problem in an outdoor entertainment area
- Visual cohesion — the paving should complement the house, lapa, pool (if any) and garden
- Ground preparation — without the right base, paving will shift, crack or sink
Paving Options for Patios and Lapas
Corobrick Clay Pavers
Clay pavers are widely used for patio paving and work well in outdoor entertainment areas. They're durable, colour-stable (because the colour goes all the way through the brick), and the natural texture provides good grip. The Cederberg, Nutmeg and Namaqua ranges from Corobrick are all suitable for patio use and offer distinct colour options to complement different home styles.
Cement Pavers — Bevel Bond and Colonial Stone
Bevel bond pavers are a practical, cost-effective option for patios. They're uniform in size, straightforward to lay, and widely available. Colonial stone (a textured cement paver) gives a slightly more traditional look and is popular for entertainment areas that connect to established gardens.
Flagstone Paving
For patios where you want a more natural, less formal appearance, flagstones work beautifully. LaCotta flagstones in particular — available in different sizes that can be combined for an irregular, natural-looking finish — are popular for garden patios and around lapas. See our flagstone paving page for full details.
Broken Brick Cobble
Broken brick cobble is a reclaimed brick product that's sometimes used for rustic-looking patios and garden paths. It has a characterful, aged appearance that some homeowners prefer in garden settings.
Lapa Paving Considerations
Paving inside and around a lapa has specific requirements. The area directly under a lapa structure tends to be protected from rain but exposed to braai smoke and grease, while the paving immediately outside the lapa is exposed to full weather. We've written a more detailed article on this topic — see our lapa paving guide.
Key points for lapa paving include ensuring the paving extends adequately beyond the lapa footprint, getting the levels right relative to the lapa floor, and selecting a surface that handles the specific conditions inside the lapa (heat from the fire, possible grease, etc.).
Combining Patio Paving with Other Features
Patio paving rarely exists in isolation. Many entertainment areas combine a paved patio with a pool surround, paved pathways connecting different areas, or a driveway that feeds visually into the entertainment space. We can handle all of these areas and ensure a consistent, planned result rather than a patchwork of different materials and finishes.
See also:
- Pool Paving — frequently combined with patio paving
- Pathway Paving — connecting different areas of the garden
- Driveway Paving — completing the picture
Getting the Levels Right
One of the most common complaints we hear about existing paving is that it doesn't drain properly — water pools somewhere it shouldn't, or runs towards the house during heavy rain. Getting the levels right from the start is far easier than trying to correct them later, and it's a non-negotiable part of how we plan and install every patio.
Patio Paving FAQs
It depends on your budget and the look you want. Clay pavers (Corobrick) are durable and low-maintenance. Flagstones give a more natural look and are popular for garden settings. Cement pavers are more affordable and come in a range of sizes and finishes. We'll discuss the options with you and give you a practical recommendation based on your specific situation.
A patio base should typically be 100–150mm of compacted crusher run or suitable base material. The exact depth depends on the existing subsoil conditions — clay soil may need more depth than well-draining sandy soil. We assess this during our site visit before quoting.
Yes, larger paving projects can sometimes be phased. However, it's generally better to plan the full project from the start even if you only complete it in stages — this ensures the levels, drainage and design remain consistent throughout.
Standard patio paving at ground level typically does not require planning permission in South Africa, but regulations can vary by municipality. If you're building a structure above the paving (a pergola, lapa or similar), different rules may apply. It's worth checking with your local municipality if you're unsure.