Concrete Padstone 440mm x 140mm x 215mm – PAD07
The Concrete Padstone 440mm x 140mm x 215mm, also known as PAD07, is a high-strength precast concrete unit designed to create a substantial and stable bearing beneath structural beams and lintels. Its extended length and deep profile help distribute concentrated loads through the supporting brickwork or blockwork.
Structural beams may carry significant loads from floors, walls, roofs and other parts of a building. These forces are transferred through the ends of the beam into the supporting structure below. Ordinary bricks or standard building blocks may not always be able to accept this concentrated pressure safely.
A correctly specified concrete padstone creates a stronger intermediate bearing between the structural element and the supporting masonry. It helps spread the imposed load across a larger area, reducing localised pressure and transferring the load more effectively into the wall.
PAD07 measures 440mm long, 140mm wide and 215mm high. Its combination of an extended 440mm bearing length and deep 215mm profile makes it suitable for structural details requiring a substantial concrete bearing within a 140mm-wide section of masonry.
What is PAD07 used for?
PAD07 Concrete Padstones may be incorporated into various residential, commercial and general construction projects. Typical applications include:
- Supporting structural steel beams
- Providing bearings beneath concrete lintels
- Supporting steel lintels where specified
- Forming new structural openings
- Load-bearing wall alterations
- Residential extensions and conversions
- Property renovation and refurbishment
- New-build construction
- Creating deep bearing points in masonry walls
- Supporting suitable structural elements
A padstone is a specialist structural component rather than a standard concrete block. Its size, position and orientation should always be determined through an approved structural design.
PAD07 dimensions
The nominal product dimensions are:
- Length: 440mm
- Width: 140mm
- Height: 215mm
- Product reference: PAD07
- Approximate imperial size: 18″ x 5½” x 9″
- Material: High-strength precast concrete
The 440mm length provides a substantial load-distribution area. Its 140mm width is suitable for compatible masonry configurations, while the 215mm height creates a deeper concrete section than lower-profile 102mm and 140mm padstones.
Product dimensions alone do not confirm whether PAD07 is appropriate for a particular application. Suitability depends on the imposed load, beam reaction, required end bearing, masonry strength and overall wall construction.
High-strength precast concrete
PAD07 is manufactured using dense, high-strength precast concrete. This provides a stronger bearing surface than an ordinary brick or conventional building block and helps the unit withstand the concentrated forces created beneath beams and lintels.
Controlled factory manufacture helps provide consistent dimensions and material performance. The padstone is supplied as a finished component ready for incorporation into the masonry.
Using a precast unit avoids the need to build individual formwork, mix concrete and cast a bearing on site. It also eliminates the separate curing period that would be required for an in-situ padstone before construction could continue.
Practical benefits include:
- High-strength concrete construction
- Consistent factory manufacture
- No on-site concrete casting required
- No separate shuttering or formwork needed
- Reduced preparation and curing delays
- Ready to incorporate into suitable masonry
- Suitable for permanent structural applications
- Defined dimensions for straightforward specification
The bedding mortar and supporting masonry must still be allowed to develop adequate strength before the full structural load is applied.
Selecting the correct padstone
Padstone selection is an important part of the structural design. The correct dimensions depend on factors including the beam reaction, available bearing length, wall construction and compressive strength of the surrounding brickwork or blockwork.
PAD07 should only be used where a 440mm x 140mm x 215mm padstone has been specified or approved by a qualified structural engineer or another suitably competent professional.
Do not select the product simply because it fits within the available wall. A padstone that physically fits may not provide the bearing area or structural performance required by the engineer’s calculations.
PAD07 should not be exchanged for another padstone size without approval, even if the alternative unit appears larger. Always check the structural drawings and calculations before ordering or installation.
Installation guidance
The supporting masonry must be sound, stable and capable of carrying the transferred load. Install the padstone on a full, even bed of suitable mortar so that its 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 required end-bearing distance.
Inspect the product before installation. Minor surface marks are common on precast concrete, but a unit with severe cracks or damage that may affect its structural integrity should not be installed without professional assessment.
Do not cut, drill or otherwise modify the padstone unless the proposed alteration has been expressly approved by the structural engineer. Allow the mortar and surrounding masonry to achieve sufficient strength before applying the full structural load.
Appropriate handling arrangements should be used when moving and positioning this heavy concrete component.
Colour, finish and size variations
Precast concrete is produced from cement, water and naturally sourced aggregates. Variations in these materials, together with different production and curing conditions, can affect the appearance of individual units.
Please note: Colours and sizes may vary slightly due to the manufacturing process. Product photographs should be treated as a representative guide only.
Minor differences in colour, shade, surface texture and finish are normal characteristics of concrete. Small air pockets, casting marks and slight edge irregularities may also be present.
These cosmetic characteristics do not necessarily indicate a product fault, provided the padstone remains structurally sound and falls within the manufacturer’s permitted tolerances. Exact colour or surface matching should not be expected from structural concrete products.
Key benefits
- High-strength precast concrete construction
- Provides a deep, stable structural bearing
- Helps distribute concentrated loads through masonry
- Suitable for supporting specified beams and lintels
- Ready to install without on-site concrete casting
- Nominal dimensions of 440mm x 140mm x 215mm
- Commonly identified as PAD07
- Suitable for new-build and renovation projects
- Factory manufactured for consistent performance
- Suitable for residential and commercial construction
The Concrete Padstone 440mm x 140mm x 215mm PAD07 provides a substantial structural bearing for approved masonry applications. Always confirm the correct dimensions, position and orientation against the structural engineer’s drawings and calculations before ordering or fitting the product.
