What goes under block paving?
Under every good paved surface there are several layers, each with a job. From the bottom up, a typical build-up for a residential area looks like this:
- The natural ground, cleared of topsoil, roots and soft material, then compacted.
- A sub-base of graded aggregate (zahorra), laid in layers and compacted.
- Where the use calls for it, a stabilised layer or a concrete base.
- A bedding layer of fine grit, screeded level.
- The pavers, followed by jointing sand brushed in and a final compaction.
The thickness of each layer depends on the ground and the traffic, and a designer would set it for heavy loads; we do not invent figures for it here. Our guide to layers and base goes through each layer in detail.
When is a concrete base worth it in Torrox?
A concrete base is not always necessary, but it helps in particular cases. If your drive takes heavy vehicles, if the ground is poor or has been disturbed by old trenches, or if the paving has to bridge areas that were filled in, a rigid base spreads the load better than aggregate alone.
The photo above shows a concrete base being finished inside timber formwork. Here it is the foundation for paving; when an owner wants a finished concrete surface instead, we also pour new stamped concrete (hormigón impreso). Our page on the concrete base for paving explains the trade-offs, including that rainwater must still have somewhere to go.
Which parts of Torrox do we work in?
Torrox Costa, El Morche, El Peñoncillo, Torrox Park, Castillo Bajo-Conejito and the rest of the municipality. If your property is in a development with shared streets or paths, those are usually common elements of a community of owners and need its approval. On your own plot, the paving is normally your decision, within any rules of the urbanisation.
For the town hall, the procedure for outdoor paving in Torrox is set by its current ordinance, which can be checked at the town hall. Our permits and rules guide summarises the regional framework.
Older plots sometimes hide surprises: buried rubble from earlier building work, an abandoned pipe or the remains of a previous patio. We dig a small test area early in the job when we suspect something, so any change to the plan is discussed with you before the base is built.
How can you get started in Torrox?
Tell us what is there now – earth, gravel, old concrete or tiles – and send a few photos with the approximate m². For the surface itself, concrete block paving and clay pavers are the two most common choices; kerbs and edging hold everything in place.
For terraces and pool areas, see terraces and pools in Torrox; for refreshing a sound surface without lifting it, surface renovation in Torrox. Both are run by the same contractor. Cost factors are on paving prices per m², and the Axarquía hub lists the comarca's other municipalities. Send us a photo and the approximate m² – free, no-obligation quote: contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Do you work in Torrox Costa and El Morche?
Yes. Torrox Costa, El Morche, El Peñoncillo, Torrox Park and Castillo Bajo-Conejito are all part of Torrox and within our area. We cover the whole province of Málaga from our base in Marbella.
Can you lay pavers straight onto soil?
No. Pavers laid on bare soil sink and rut quickly. We remove topsoil and soft material, build a compacted aggregate sub-base and a bedding layer, and only then lay the pavers.
Do I need a concrete base under my driveway?
Not always. A well-built aggregate base is enough for many residential drives. A concrete base makes sense for heavy vehicles, poor or disturbed ground, or areas over old trenches. We advise after seeing the site.
Will a concrete base cause drainage problems?
It can if water has nowhere to go, because a rigid base does not let water through. Falls must be built into the base, and drainage points provided, so water does not sit in the bedding layer under the pavers.
Do you pour concrete slabs without paving on top?
Yes, as new stamped concrete (hormigón impreso), which we pour as a finished surface in its own right. Otherwise concrete appears in our work as the base under paving. For renovating existing concrete without replacing it, see our sister renovation site.
My gravel drive is always messy. Can it be paved?
Yes. The existing gravel can sometimes be reused within the sub-base after we check its condition. We level, compact and add new aggregate, then the bedding and pavers, with kerbs at the edges to keep it tidy.
What about weeds coming through the joints?
A well-compacted, fully jointed surface leaves less room for weeds. Seeds still land in joints over time, so sweeping and topping up the jointing sand occasionally keeps weeds down.
Is permission needed to pave in Torrox?
The procedure depends on the current ordinance in Torrox, which the town hall can confirm. Many minor private works in Andalusia use a responsible declaration; work on the street or a dropped kerb needs specific authorisation.
Can you work on a plot with a septic tank or cistern?
Yes, as long as we know where it is. We leave access covers at the surface, keep heavy compaction away from fragile structures and plan the levels so the covers sit flush with the new paving.
Can I get the quote in English?
Yes. Our written quotes, questions and photo updates are available in English, which is useful if you manage your Torrox home from abroad.