Cobbles and Setts

Introduction-

Cobbles and Setts can comprise of three main rocks that are-

Sedimentary Rocks– Such as sandstone or siltstone, are relatively easier to cut and shape.
Metamorphic Rock– Such as Gneiss, Quartzite or Marble, may retain some of the cleavage planes of its sedimentary ancestor, which is not always a desirable trait, and so this type is rarely used.
Igneous Sett– Such as basalts and granites, are usually much harder and have few, if any, cleavage planes.
Sizes of cobbles– (3 ½” x 3 ½” x 3 ½”) +/- & (8″ x 4″ x 2″) +/-

Uses and applications-

Nowadays, new setts are produced to regular dimensions in a wide variety of finishes and are often laid in the same manner as modern concrete block paving. The reclaimed stones can be difficult to lay, mostly because of their inherent randomness, but whether new or reclaimed, when they have been laid correctly, they are a beautiful sight and make superb paths, patios, and driveways, as well as visually stunning areas of civic paving.

As with many other small element paving units, they offer superb possibilities for design. Their natural coloring, which will not fade as do some concrete dyes, and the range of textured finishes bring an extra dimension to paving design, whether it be the re-creation of traditional cobbled streets or a unique and original design for a public area.

Patterns-

Although it is possible to lay cobble setts and cubes in almost any configuration or design, there are four key patterns that are seen time and time again with sett work. These are:-

1) Coursed–A coursed pattern is very simple to lay. The newly-quarried and sawn stone sett paving now widely available, is cut to accurate rectangles and is

ideally suited to being laid in courses.Reclaimed setts and hand-hewn materials are much more irregular and so need to be laid to a taut string line to ensure the courses remain parallel and true to level. Coursework looks even better when cambered. Different sett widths help to create a more random and natural appearance to the work..

Size : Single Quantity crate

Length Width Thickness

4″ X 4″ X 1X½ to 2X½ 1000 Pieces per crate

2) Random– Unlike the straight ‘rows’ of a coursed pattern, a random layout is basically a jumble of cobble stones positioned wherever they will fit. This

method of laying was typically used only on low-status work, such as industrial yards, stables, haul roads and other places where the presence of a hard surface was far more important than appearance, and/or where the budget was tight but who knew the finished project will look so much better and natural.

Size: Mix Quantity crate
Length Width Thickness
4″ X 6″ X 1X½ to 2X½ 195 Pieces (approx.) per crate
6″ X 6″ X 1X½ to 2X½ 195 Pieces (approx.) per crate
8″ X 6″ X 1X½ to 2X½ 195 Pieces (approx.) per crate

2) European Fan– This pattern, also known as Belgian pattern or Florentine pattern amongst others, is the most complicated pattern to set out, European fan only really works with cobble cubes or sets of smaller plane dimensions. However, it is such a visually pleasing layout that it’s easy to see just why it has been so popular for so long. It is a frequently used pattern in Europe and is a fairly common choice of the pattern.

Size: Single Quantity crate
Length Width Thickness
4″ X 4″ X 1X½ to 2X½ 1000 Pieces per crate
8″ X 4″ X 1X½ to 2X½ 500 Pieces per crate

4) Bogen– It’s worth noting that there is often some confusion regarding these “arc” patterns. In this layout, there are a number of repeating ‘shapes’ that

interlock and cover a larger area. However, on the continent, one of the more popular layouts is the Bogen also known as a segmental arc or even radial-sett paving, which is often mistaken for a fan but is actually a series of stacked arcs.

Size: Single Quantity crate
Length Width Thickness
4″ X 4″ X 1X½ to 2X½ 1000 Pieces per crate
8″ X 4″ X 1X½ to 2X½ 500 Pieces per crate