Random slab design. Trial and error or mathamatical genius?

[brucie-boy]

Using 600mm x 300mm, 600mm x 600mm and 600mm x 900mm slabs I'm trying to lay my pation. I want a random design in order to avoid vertical and horizontal lines. Am I asking too much or should I revert to trial and error. perhaps there is a mathamatical solution or someone already has a design they can direct me to. The solution can't be easy to describe without a drawing! Please help the missus is giving me serious ear ache to finish the job!!

[rja211077]

assuming that your patio area is rectangular, you're always going to end up with vertical and horizontal lines as 300 mm is a common factor of all the measurements. an option might be to cut a 6 x 3 slab in half (lengthways) and stick the half pieces at either end of alternate columns (or rows). do you see what i mean? then there'd be a 150 mm offset between the cracks. can't guarantee it'd look good mind. are all the slabs the same colour?

[woodpam]

Have you had a look at www.pavingexpert.com? There are examples of patterns you could adapt, although they suggest that 5 different sizes are best for random paving.

[brucie-boy]

Thanks folks I think I'm there. The pavingexpert web site is brilliant.

[arm lock]

i am going to build a garden wall as a raised bed. then render the wall whats the best way to build it