Commercial Paving

With over 30 years of experience in landscaping and paving, we at RF have been proud to support an array of commercial paving and tiling projects, including the Galley Bay Resort and Spa in Antigua and the landscaping for the East One Apartment Complexes. 

Our paving materials are expertly sourced for consistent, high-quality results. Our stone pavers are imported from India and Egypt by a trusted SA8000-Certified supplier, while our porcelain is imported from environmentally conscious manufacturers in Italy. 

We also provide laying systems, pedestals, cutting tools and more to ensure your paving perfectly fits your property’s needs.

Choosing the right paving material for a commercial space requires considering the following.

• Exposure to the elements determines choices around porosity and slip resistance.
• Desired aesthetic, eg, modern, rustic, minimalist. For example, natural stone paving may lend itself better to a rustic, classic style, while porcelain may suit modern minimalism better. 
• Level and type of traffic, which informs decisions around paver thickness and durability.

Our guide to choosing paving for a commercial project can help you to navigate this criteria.

As a car park sees a high level of heavy traffic, paving must be dense, robust and durable. Natural stone cobble setts or concrete provide excellent strength, while aggregate is a low-maintenance option that still allows you to enjoy the sustainability and colouring of a natural stone car park. 

Slip resistance is also vital for vehicle safety, which is why flamed granite setts are a popular choice. 

Matching your interior tiles and exterior pavers creates a sense of seamless cohesion in your commercial space, offering consistency in visual branding throughout the property. This is particularly desirable in high-end commercial spaces, such as luxury shopping centres, restaurants, boutique apartment complexes and hotels. Explore our matching internal and external tile collection or contact us to discuss if this option is right for you.

When paving or tiling a commercial property, the laws are primarily designed to ensure public safety (slip resistance), environmental sustainability (drainage), and structural integrity.

Health & Safety

Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, a commercial property owner has a legal “duty of care” to ensure floors are safe. If a customer or employee slips, your compliance with British Standards (BS) is your primary legal defence.

The Pendulum Test is the standard used by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and is rated in PTV (Pendulum Test Value). 

• PTV 0–24: High Slip Potential (Illegal/Unsafe for most commercial traffic).
• PTV 25–35: Moderate Slip Potential (Suitable for dry, low-risk areas).
• PTV 36+: Low Slip Potential (The Legal Gold Standard for commercial wet areas, kitchens, and external walkways).

R-Ratings: You will often see tiles rated R9-R13. For commercial outdoor paving or entryways, you should generally aim for R11 or higher. We at RF have a number of R11-rated porcelain pavers to choose from. 

Building Regulations

Building Regulations require that the approach to a commercial building is level and hazard-free.

Accessibility: Paving must be suitable for wheelchair users and those with visual impairments. This often includes the use of blister/tactile paving at crossings or changes in level.

Resistance to Moisture: Part C of the Building Regulations requires that any tiling or paving does not allow ground moisture to seep into the building structure (requiring proper damp-proof membranes).

British Standards (BS)

While BS codes are technically “recommendations,” they are used in court to determine if a contractor or owner was negligent. The codes pertaining to paving and tiles include:

• BS 7533-101 (updated 2021): The current code for the design of pavements using natural stone or concrete.
• BS 5385: The standard for wall and floor tiling, specifically detailing the types of adhesives and movement joints required for commercial loads.

At RF, we are happy to assist and advise with selecting the right pavers to keep your commercial property safe and compliant.

Since 2008, the law has heavily regulated how water drains from your property to prevent local flooding.

You generally do not need planning permission if you use permeable (porous) materials that allow water to soak into the ground (e.g., permeable block paving, porous asphalt). At RF, we have a number of porous paving solutions, including sandstone and limestone pavers. 

If you are paving an area larger than 5m² with non-porous materials (such as standard concrete, tarmac, or large porcelain tiles), you must obtain planning permission unless the water is directed to a lawn or border to drain naturally.

Most commercial projects must follow Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) standards. Local authorities can issue enforcement notices requiring the removal of non-compliant paving.

Our RF experts are happy to advise you on drainage for your commercial landscaping project. Be sure to explore our landscaping drainage product range.