Choosing a size of paver
Vandersanden offers clay pavers in a wide range of sizes. Which size best matches your project? Make a choice based on the application, technical requirements, and the look that you want to give to your public space.
Over 25 different paver sizes
Our standard range of clay pavers comprises no less than ten moulded and seventeen extruded sizes. In addition, we can supply bespoke wirecut pavers. You can read more about the difference between production methods for moulded and wirecut pavers here.
The standard sizes are the familiar 50 mm, Dik, and Kei sizes, but we also produce the unique Linge® size and other long sizes.
Which size should you use where?
The size that you choose will depend on how you're going to use it and the load upon it, as well as the look that you want. Let’s start with load and intensity.
Heavy, intense traffic puts a heavier load on the pavers than slow or even no traffic, thereby demanding a higher paver or one that is more robust. For heavier traffic, you should opt for a paver with a height of no less than 70 mm. This is sufficient for a residential area with primarily local traffic, while 80 mm is often used for heavy and intense traffic.
Street pavers with a reduced height can be used on cycle paths, footpaths, and low-traffic pedestrian areas. A paver with reduced height contributes to dematerialisation and the circular economy.
Pavers with a long, narrow shape such as the 50 mm size are less suitable for heavy traffic as they might get detached due to sideways forces. They have a less robust header/stretcher ratio. For water-permeable paving, there is a choice between the Drainflow® dik size 80 and kei size 80.
Dimensions determine the look
The ratio between the length and width of a paver determines the look of the paving. A long, narrow paver has a degree of elegance, giving an open space a chic character. Amsterdam’s Haarlemmerplein with its monumental gatehouse was clad in 50 mm size pavers for precisely this reason. A short, wide paver gives a more robust streetscape. The Dutch city of The Hague opted for the kei size paver for the Hellingweg in Scheveningen, for example. The robust appearance of this paver reflects the look and feel of the shipyards and fishmongers in the area. The dik size is typically used in public spaces in the Netherlands, giving a familiar and traditional look.
Create lifelike textures for paving
Select your size
There are a number of considerations that determine which size of paver is the most suitable. The following overview will help you to come to a decision. You can always contact your advisor for advice.
Size |
Dimensions in mm (approx.) |
Load |
Use |
Appearance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kei size 45 |
200 x 100 x 45 |
No traffic |
Garden |
Robust Traditional |
Kei size 52/62/65 |
200 x 100 x 52/62/65* |
Slow traffic |
Garden, driveway, cycle path, footpath |
Robust Traditional |
Kei size 70/71 |
200 x 100 x 70/71* |
Local traffic Heavier traffic |
Roadway, residential area |
Robust Traditional |
Kei size 52/62 XL |
240 x 118 x 52/62 |
Slow traffic |
Garden, driveway, cycle path, footpath |
Robust Exclusive |
Kei size 71 XL |
240 x 118 x 71 |
Local traffic Heavier traffic |
Roadway, residential area |
Robust Exclusive |
Kei size 80 |
206 x 102 x 80* |
Heavy traffic |
Central roadway, residential area |
Robust Traditional |
50 mm size 65 |
204 x 50 x 67 mm |
Slow traffic |
Garden, driveway, cycle path, footpath |
Elegant Nostalgic |
50 mm size 80/85 |
206 x 51 x 80/85* |
Local traffic |
Residential area, cycle path, footpath |
Elegant Nostalgic |
Dik size 65 | 204 x 67 x 67 | Slow traffic | Garden, driveway, cycle path, footpath |
Traditional Contemporary |
Dik size 80/ 85 |
206 x 67 x 80/85* |
Heavy traffic |
Central roadway, residential area, cycle path, footpath |
Traditional Contemporary |
Linge® size 60/80 |
245 x 60 x 80 mm |
Local traffic Heavier traffic |
Roadway, residential area, cycle path, footpath |
Elegant Modernising |
Linge® size 80/60 |
245 x 80 x 60 |
Slow traffic |
Cycle path and footpath |
Robust Modernising |
Linge® size 80/70 | 245 x 80 x 70 |
Local traffic Heavier traffic |
Roadway, residential area, cycle path, footpath |
Robust Modernising |
Linge® size 80/80 |
245 x 80 x 80 mm |
Heavy traffic |
Central roadway, residential area, cycle path, footpath |
Robust Modernising |
Kessels size 40/70 |
250 x 40 x 70 |
Slow traffic |
Cycle path and footpath |
Elegant Exclusive |
Kessels size 40/90 |
250 x 40 x 90 |
Slow traffic |
Cycle path and footpath |
Elegant Exclusive |
* The dimensions may vary slightly between moulded and extruded variants.
Whichever size you choose, remember that the sustainability of the ultimate streetscape is an interplay between the size, pattern, joint, and substructure. Has the trench size been calculated properly for the traffic load and has it been done properly? Have the joints been swept full completely? Has an appropriate laying pattern been used? Avoid damage to the stones and unevenness in the paving. Read the six tips for sustainable street paving.
Linge® large size
Linge® large pavers are unique to Vandersanden. With a length dimension of 245 mm, they give a public space a completely different appearance. As the stones are larger than the familiar standard sizes, they help to create a calmer streetscape. The sleek shape has an elegant appearance. In addition, the Linge® size helps to reduce maintenance thanks to fewer joints. The Houthavens project used the LF 80/80 size for a robust industrial appearance.