Concrete Padstone 300mm x 140mm x 102mm – PAD02
The Concrete Padstone 300mm x 140mm x 102mm, also known as PAD02, is a high-strength precast concrete unit designed to provide a stable bearing beneath structural beams and lintels. It helps spread concentrated loads over the supporting brickwork or blockwork, reducing the pressure applied to a small area of masonry.
Structural beams can carry significant loads from floors, roofs and walls. These forces are transferred through the ends of the beam into its supporting structure. Ordinary bricks and standard building blocks may not always be suitable for accepting this concentrated pressure directly.
A correctly specified concrete padstone creates a stronger intermediate bearing between the structural element and the masonry below. It helps distribute the load across a larger area and transfer it more effectively into the supporting wall.
PAD02 measures 300mm long, 140mm wide and 102mm high. Its compact, low-profile dimensions make it suitable for particular structural details where this specific size has been calculated and approved.
Common padstone applications
Concrete padstones are used across residential, commercial, new-build and renovation projects. PAD02 may be suitable for applications such as:
- Supporting structural steel beams
- Providing bearings beneath concrete lintels
- Supporting steel lintels where specified
- Creating new structural openings
- Load-bearing wall alterations
- Residential extensions
- Property renovation and refurbishment
- New-build construction
- Creating bearing points within masonry walls
- Supporting suitable structural elements
Padstones are structural components rather than general-purpose building blocks. Their size, position and orientation should always form part of an approved structural design.
PAD02 dimensions
The nominal dimensions are:
- Length: 300mm
- Width: 140mm
- Height: 102mm
- Product reference: PAD02
- Approximate imperial size: 12″ x 5½” x 4″
- Material: High-strength precast concrete
The 300mm length provides a useful bearing area while remaining more compact than the longer 440mm and 600mm padstone formats. Its 140mm width can be incorporated into compatible masonry arrangements, while the 102mm height produces a relatively low-profile bearing.
The product should not be selected from its dimensions alone. Its structural suitability depends on the imposed load, beam reaction, available end bearing, masonry strength and wall construction.
High-strength precast concrete
PAD02 is manufactured from dense, high-strength precast concrete. This provides a stronger bearing surface than an ordinary brick or conventional building block and helps it withstand concentrated structural loads.
Factory production provides greater consistency than mixing and casting an individual concrete bearing on site. The completed padstone arrives ready to be incorporated into the masonry, reducing the labour and preparation associated with forming an in-situ padstone.
Benefits of precast manufacture include:
- No on-site concrete casting required
- No individual shuttering or formwork needed
- Reduced preparation and waiting time
- Consistent factory-manufactured dimensions
- High-strength concrete construction
- Ready for incorporation into suitable masonry
- Suitable for permanent structural applications
Although the padstone is supplied as a cured precast unit, the bedding mortar and supporting masonry must still be allowed to develop sufficient strength before the full structural load is applied.
Choosing the correct padstone
The appropriate padstone size must be established as part of the structural design. Relevant factors include the load carried by the beam, the reaction at its bearing point, the required bearing area and the strength of the surrounding brickwork or blockwork.
PAD02 should only be installed where a 300mm x 140mm x 102mm padstone has been specified or approved by a qualified structural engineer or another suitably competent professional.
Do not select a padstone simply because its dimensions fit the available opening or match the width of the wall. Likewise, PAD02 should not be substituted for another padstone size without professional approval.
Always consult the structural calculations and drawings before ordering. These documents should confirm the product dimensions, installation position, orientation and required beam-bearing arrangement.
Installation guidance
The supporting masonry should be sound, stable and capable of accepting the transferred structural load. Install the padstone on a continuous, even bed of suitable mortar so that the entire underside is properly supported.
Position the unit level and in the orientation shown on the approved structural drawings. The beam or lintel should sit correctly on the padstone and achieve the specified end-bearing distance.
Inspect the product before installation. Minor surface marks are normal on precast concrete, but a unit with severe cracks or damage that could affect its structural integrity should not be installed without professional assessment.
Do not cut, drill or otherwise modify the padstone unless the alteration has been specifically approved by the structural engineer. Allow the bedding mortar and surrounding masonry to achieve adequate strength before applying the full load.
Colour, finish and size variations
Concrete is produced using cement, water and naturally sourced aggregates. Variations in raw materials, manufacturing batches and curing conditions can affect the appearance of individual units.
Please note: Colours and sizes may vary slightly due to the manufacturing process. Product images should be treated as a representative guide only.
Minor shade differences, surface marks, small air pockets and slight edge irregularities are normal characteristics of precast concrete. These cosmetic differences do not necessarily indicate a defect, provided the padstone remains structurally sound and falls within the manufacturer’s permitted tolerances.
Padstones are functional structural components rather than decorative products. Exact colour, texture and finish matching between units cannot therefore be guaranteed.
Key benefits
- High-strength precast concrete padstone
- Creates a stable bearing beneath beams and lintels
- Helps distribute concentrated structural loads
- Ready to install without casting concrete on site
- Compact and practical 300mm length
- Nominal dimensions of 300mm x 140mm x 102mm
- Commonly identified as PAD02
- Suitable for new-build and refurbishment projects
- Factory manufactured for consistent performance
- Suitable for residential and commercial construction
The Concrete Padstone 300mm x 140mm x 102mm PAD02 provides a compact and dependable structural bearing for suitable masonry applications. Always confirm the correct padstone dimensions, position and orientation against the structural engineer’s calculations and drawings before ordering or installation.
