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Most of the links in this article go to places in our catalogue page about 40 mm Modular Paving Sets. If you like, you can open that page now in a separate window or tab rather than clicking on each external link in the rest of this article. Links marked Jump to are internal links, i.e., they go to different places in the present article.
The main considerations: Modularity and texture
When you buy standard 40 mm paving moulds from us, you’re always buying from a Modular Paving Set. The modularity allows you to add modules to your range over time with the confidence that everything will work together. Read about Modularity in paving
Although the modules in a set fit together neatly with each other, they do not necessarily fit together neatly with the modules from other sets, so choosing your set is an important first step.
Choosing the texture is easy. There are several standard textures to choose from. (Jump to Texture.) But how do you decide which Modular Paving Set to choose? The following considerations will help you decide on a Modular Paving Set.
Overall approach
- Choose the set that contains the modules which will give you the best balance between the largest and the smallest module you expect to sell. Jump to Large modules and Patterning modules
- Decide which of the modules from that set you want to be able to make first. Jump to Starter modules
- We recommend that you add moulds for border modules to your first order. Jump to Border modules
Starter modules
Although you can order as many moulds as you like, we suggest that you begin with just one or two sizes. Read how the measurements work, then use the lists to select the module size you’re likely to sell most.
EXAMPLE
“I expect to sell mainly large blocks for patios and courtyards. I’m looking for something about 500 x 500 mm. The MCM 990 set has a module which is 490 x 490 mm. This is ideal, because it translates to 500 x 500 mm from grout-centre to grout-centre.”
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Many startup manufacturers think cobble-sized modules make good starter modules, but this isn’t always the case: established manufacturers often already offer competitive pricing on cobbles, because they manufacture in large quantities for commercial contracts. We suggest instead that you consider sizes that give you a high return per cubic metre of wet-cast concrete.
Border modules
Besides a basic starter module, you may also want to select some modules which would allow your customers to create neat borders to an installation.
Most manufacturers need only one or two border moulds to start with, because one mould casts several product units, and you can cast them daily. Similarly, you may need only one mould for the corner module, unless you want to also sell those units to pave larger areas. (A mould for these modules casts four units at once.)
Large modules
Large, neat paving blocks create an elegant, calm atmosphere. Here are some considerations which influence the choice of a set, even if you won’t be ordering moulds for large modules right away.
EXAMPLE
The set with the largest module is the MCM 990 Set. The largest module is 990 x 990 mm (1000 x 1000 mm, if you consider the space allowed for grouting). However, if you’re looking at using patterning as a sales stategy, the MCM 890 Set would be a better choice, because it includes cute small and slim modules for creating amazing patterns. (See Patterning modules below.) Choosing the MCM 890 Set means that your largest module would be 890 x 890 mm (900 x 900 mm including grouting).
Patterning modules
When we say patterning modules, we mean mostly smaller modules, or modules with extreme proportions, used between “ordinary” modules such as squares or half-squares to create interesting patterns (scroll down to see a picture). Although you won’t sell huge volumes of these blocks, the advantage of having patterning modules in your range is that they help you to sell all the blocks needed to make the patterns. (A person who likes a hat because of the flower on the hat will buy the whole hat!)
Because there are so many patterning modules, not all of them are shown in the catalogue. However, you can assume that a module exists by looking at the measurements of the other modules in the list.
EXAMPLE
In the MCM 890 Set, there are modules measuring 440 x 440 mm and also modules measuring 65 x 140 mm. This means that you can also have modules which are 65 x 65 mm, or 65 x 440 mm (the long thin module and the tiny square module seen in the layout below). Some theoretical modules (e.g. 890 x 65 mm) don’t exist as standard modules in the real world because they would be difficult to demould and handle.
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When you discuss your mould requirements, ask us to supply you with printable layout sheets which you can customise with your own branding to share with your customers.
Swimming pool coping and other auxiliary modules
For every MCM Modular Paving Set, there are swimming pool coping sets which will allow you to create a seamless installation that lines up with the coping modules.
See Modular swimming pool coping
Talk to us if you need channels and edging in matching textures.
Texture
For a start, you may want to ask yourself: Would most of my customers want a traditional stone-like appearance, or something more neutral? For a traditional stone-emulating look, you may want to consider our Sandstone textures, where we’ve drawn the textures from a variety of real sandstone surfaces (on the right in the picture above). For a more modern or neutral look, go for a Medium or Fine Quartz (on the left above).
Consider the size of your largest blocks, though: The standard textures shown on the paving sets page are available for all sizes, whereas additional textures are available only for small and medium-sized blocks.
See Standard textures for 40 mm paving modules and matching coping
Summary and tips
- Decide on a texture for your range.
- Choose one or two starter modules which will best meet the needs of your customers, and which will make you money while you prepare to expand your range.
- Consider ordering moulds for border modules as part of your first order.
Contact us for a talk-through of your choices!
