Many benefits paving slabs makes it a material that is increasingly being chosen for the arrangement of paths and sidewalks. Regardless of the purpose of the sidewalk, we can find tiles that are thin and thick, in the form of paving stones. There are options to suit the requirements for sidewalks, access roads, and even making a road for heavy vehicles.

Unfortunately, despite the many advantages this material has, it also has a rather serious drawback. The cost of laying and leveling it is approximately two times its cost. Therefore, many people are looking for ways to save money on installation, trying to organize the whole process on their own, especially when laying sidewalk in their own yard, on the driveway to the house or on the terrace.

Is it possible to lay paving slabs on sand and without sand? How to prepare for work and what will be required for it? What kind of sand is better to put the coating on? How to avoid the most common mistakes and, finally, how to properly lay the paving stones on the sand step by step? In this article, you can find all the tips and tricks you need to know about these issues.

How to design a sidewalk surface?

Before you start laying, you should think about the layout of the track. The width and pattern should be planned in such a way as to minimize the need to cut the tiles. This will allow you to work faster and without unpleasant surprises in the form of cracking plates, curved elements or installation difficulties.

Photo. Cutting tiles is a tricky job, so it is best to avoid it whenever possible when planning a walkway pattern.

When planning the layout of a terrace or walkway, we must also take into account the drainage of water. You can organize different variants water drainage:

1. linear branch;
2. in the form of gutters in the sidewalk;
3. plan the elevation difference.

The height difference is planned towards the soil adjacent to the tiles, for example, into a lawn. It should be borne in mind that the surface of the sidewalk must be raised above the surrounding area so that we can avoid contamination by streams of water, in addition, this facilitates the penetration of water into the ground. Correct location will allow the tiles to dry quickly, even after rain, and be always clean.

When buying a tile, you need to pay attention not only to its decorative qualities, but also to its thickness. Various sizes suitable for various purposes. 4-6 cm thick tiles are used for paving walking paths, sidewalks, or decorative stripes around the house, while for surfaces with an increased load (entrances to the house and garage), you must choose an option with a thickness of 6 to 8 cm.

Before starting work, you need to prepare the following tools:

You will also need the following materials:

• sand;
• cement.

Execution of work step by step

The creation of a sidewalk always includes several stages, which, depending on many parameters (soil type, use of the sidewalk, pattern) may differ slightly from each other.

Stages

The following general stages can be distinguished:

1. Designation of the area of ​​work, preparation of tools and equipment.
2. Site marking and preparation.
3. Installation of borders.
4. Laying tiles.
5. Grouting and finishing work.

Most of the work done for different tiles will be the same, with the difference in step 4. Depending on the type of paving: stone, paving stones or paving slabs, the material is laid slightly differently using different reasons.

Designation of the area of ​​work, preparation of tools and equipment

Laying the tiles begins with transferring the project to the ground. It is important to plan the shape of the walkway or sidewalk, determine the location of the control points, preferably where it is important to make sure the pattern is correctly laid or where there are some changes to consider. For planning, pegs and a cord are used, with which they "draw" the shape of a track, platform or road.

Layout and preparation of the site

Work begins with the formation of a depression that matches the course of the sidewalk. The depth of the excavation depends on the use of the sidewalk - the higher the load, the greater the depth should be, since the thickness of the base must be greater. The following depth is recommended:

• for sidewalks, paths, terraces - the depth should be from 15 to 20 cm;
• for more loaded sites, for example, for roadways, this depth is at least 50 cm.

The excavation depth also depends on the type of soil:

• on sandy soils, it may be less;
• on clayey, where it is necessary to remove the impermeable layer, the depression should be larger.

On small areas usually perform excavation manually, and in large areas it is worth using specialized equipment that can be rented.

The soil from the recess must be carefully selected. The soil can be moved to the site, especially if its volume is large, and for transportation it will be required professional equipment... It is important to select the entire fertile soil layer, as it is very valuable and can be used to create flower beds and beds.

The bottom of the recess should be flat, smooth and regular in shape - if we plan drainage in the form of a difference in height, the bottom of the pit should be properly formed, planning the drain. The difference should be about 1 - 2%. After all the required soil layer has been selected, you can start tamping the site.

Installation of curbs for paving slabs

Curbs must be installed to clearly define the course of the pavement surface and give it the desired stability and durability. The edges of the curb are fixed to a cement foundation. Curbs take a heavy load from the surface, so they should be installed very carefully and diligently. They provide a framing that reinforces the surface of the sidewalk. Edges should be planned so that their surface is flush with the surface of the tile. The transition from the surface to the curbs should be smooth. The size of the curb, as well as the tile, depends on the type of substrate, as well as on the nature of the use of the surface. Curbs can vary in thickness, height and strength.

Drainage installation

Drainage is installed on the prepared surface.

Water diversion can take two forms:

After the above work, you can start preparing the substrate. This work takes place in several stages, depending on what kind of soil we have and what kind of surface we plan to create. Substrate preparation can be done in several ways. The base consists of several layers:

• native soil;
• crushed stone;
• bedding, sometimes without a layer of rubble.
  

After removing the fertile layer, the soil is strengthened. For this purpose, the substrate is removed with a shovel, and then this layer is mixed with cement. Mixing is done with a rake. After completing this work, compaction is carried out with a manual or mechanical rammer.

Then the base is made. This is a layer that can consist of a mixture of screenings, gravel, crushed stone or clay, the thickness of which ranges from 5 cm and more, depending on the use of the sidewalk. Then base layer leveled, rammed and the bedding is scattered on it.

What sand is best to work with? Fine sand or sand mixed with cement is usually used as a bedding. This layer is not tamped, it is simply leveled and laid. The sand will allow you to compensate for the possible curvature of the path, which should not be too large! Depending on the type of paving slabs - stone or concrete, as well as depending on the type of substrate, these steps differ from each other, which will be described below.

Laying of paving slabs should begin after all packages have been opened. This will avoid possible color differences from different batches. When laying sidewalk, use items from each package.

Laying tiles with your own hands - video

Laying stone paving slabs and paving stones

Stone paving slabs are used on open areas and in private households both for roads and on sidewalks, ramps or platforms. It looks very stylish and elegant and works well in both classic and modern styles... There are stone tiles on the market that vary in size, thickness and shape.

Stone paving

Stone sidewalks require the use of stone curbs. Sometimes cobblestone curbs work just as well with them, which, like others, must be attached to a concrete base. The basis for the paving stones is gravel, screenings or their mixture. A layer of fine sand is poured onto such a base and then paving stones are laid. If the soil is permeable, and it is planned to use it for footpaths or drive with a light load, then you can abandon the gravel layer and lay stone paving stones on a layer of sand with a thickness of 5 cm to 20 cm.

Stone paving stones are laid 2 cm above the level. After laying, each element is driven in rubber hammer, then fill the cracks with fine-grained sand, sweeping it into the cracks. This arrangement is ideal for patterns such as waves, fans, or circles.

If you plan to lay a long stone cobblestone, in a pattern with lines, you may need a substrate in the form of rubble 17 - 23 cm thick. A layer of sand is poured onto it and then laid.

Stone tiles

Laying stone tiles is most often used in pedestrian areas, the process is similar to the above laying of paving stones. The tiles are laid on sand, a layer of which has a thickness of 15 cm - on permeable soil. An area with impenetrable soil, where water stagnates - this is not very good decision... Therefore, in this case, two layers will be used as a foundation: the first (which is deeper) is a gravel mixture, i.e. a mixture of sand and gravel of various fractions (15 cm thick), and the next layer is sand with a layer having a thickness of 2 - 3 cm.

If we are installing large tiles, it is not always necessary to use curbs. Cementing can be used to stabilize the entire structure.

Concrete paving stones are the most popular sidewalk solution today, primarily due to their attractive price, but also due to their good technical parameters and large selection options. Unfortunately, sometimes due to excessive patterns and colors in the composition, we get an ugly tasteless and lurid result. Therefore, when choosing paving stones, it is important to think carefully about the design of the sidewalk or area with which it will be paved.

Concrete paving stones are currently produced in four thicknesses: 4 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm.

Depending on the purpose, choose a different material thickness:

• 4 cm - for sidewalks or decorative stripes around the building;
• 6 cm - for areas with low traffic (pedestrian and light transport roads for cars weighing up to 3.5 tons);
• 8 cm - for street roads and parking lots;
• 10 cm - roads for heavy vehicles, buses and other heavy vehicles.

Most often, concrete paving stones are produced in various colors. There are exquisite options, the surface of which is decorated with crumbs, and the texture can be more decorative. There are also products that are deliberately aged or stylized, hence their great popularity.

The advantages of this material include relatively easy assembly, disassembly or repair of any damage. The concrete blocks are also very resistant to stress, abrasion or external factors.

Concrete paving stone

This type of coating is laid in accordance with the type of substrate and the purpose of the surface (pedestrian, travel):

The paving stones should be placed 1.5 cm above the level, the seams should be about 2-3 mm. The seams are filled with sand and the surface is moistened so that it settles. This is repeated until the seams are completely filled. Then the surface is cleaned and, if necessary, compacted with a vibrating plate with a plastic cover.

Paving stones have many advantages, which is why they are often used as paving paths and sidewalks in private homes.

Arrangement adjoining territory is a very important process. And maximum attention should be paid here not only to green spaces, but also to pedestrian paths, which will not only improve the external aesthetics of the site, but also make it more comfortable in all respects. Recently, it has been used as a material for footpaths special tiles- the material is reliable and practical, as well as fairly easy to install.

Choosing paving slabs

Paving slabs are distinguished by high quality characteristics - they are much stronger than concrete, and during intensive use and heavy loads, unlike other materials, they do not crumble and do not lose their attractiveness.

Laying tiles is not a quick process, but simple enough to do it without the involvement of specialists. It is enough to purchase a sufficient number of paving slabs in advance, prepare the necessary tools and expendable materials, and you can start arranging the yard area. If you have no experience in construction activities and do not know how to lay paving slabs, a video on the Internet will help you understand the details in more detail.

If you are interested in how to properly lay paving slabs with your own hands, then first you need to learn how to choose a tile so that the end result does not disappoint you. On the modern market there is a huge variety of paving slabs samples, different in:

• size
• volume
• pattern
• quality characteristics

Before purchasing the material, you must carefully measure the area of ​​the sidewalk, and calculate the number of tiles based on their dimensions. The most difficult thing is to buy tiles with curly elements or a complex pattern. Here you need not only to calculate its amount, but also to approximately determine its consumption, taking into account the undercuts. Since its drawing will need to be combined, a lot of scrap is formed in the process, which can also be used in the future.

When calculating the number of paving slabs, you need to take into account the masonry method. For example, with the diagonal technique, the material consumption increases significantly. Therefore, it is much easier and more profitable to do the installation of the sidewalk in the traditional way.

When choosing paving slabs, the main criterion is its strength, determined by its thickness. For example, forty millimeters thick tiles are fine for a footpath. And if you plan to pave a path to the garage, along which cars will drive, then it is better to choose tiles at least five centimeters thick.

What is required to install the tiles?

Before you study the instructions on how to properly lay paving slabs, you need to prepare the tools that you will definitely need in the process. The list is quite long:

• building level(you can use modern laser models that allow you to make the markings as evenly as possible)
• rubber hammer- it is necessary to fit the tiles to each other during the laying process
• wooden pegs(spacers) and nylon thread - with their help, marking is done
• Master OK- needed to level the sand layer
• ramming- necessary for compaction of layers
• sand and fine stone- from them you will need to make a mixture that acts as a "pillow"
• angle grinder- tool for adjusting the size of paving slabs

Also, do not forget to prepare the paving slabs and the curb itself - with its help, you can arrange the path more efficiently.

How to lay paving slabs straight?

When all necessary tools and consumables will be ready, you can start installation sidewalk... But, even if you have an idea of ​​the procedure itself, still watch at least one video on the Internet on how to lay paving slabs - the video will become your best assistant. By the way, there are a lot of literary sources and visual aids on how to lay paving slabs correctly, which you can also use.

So, laying paving slabs with your own hands begins with preliminary preparation territory. Professional craftsmen usually draw up a plan of the territory, measure out all sizes, transfer them to paper, and only after that they start work.

• nylon thread
• pegs
• hammer

With their help, you will need to designate the boundaries of the territory where you plan to lay paving slabs. Within the indicated boundaries, you need to carefully remove the sod to a depth of about twenty centimeters, and then remove the soil. Make sure that there is no debris or grass residues in the prepared area.

After the soil is evenly removed, it is necessary to make a pillow of small stone, which is filled up, leveled and carefully rammed. Then you need to start laying the next layer of sand or sand-cement mixture. The sand is stacked up to forty centimeters thick. If you will lay a sand-cement mixture, then a layer of twenty or thirty centimeters will be enough. The sand is mixed with cement in a 3: 1 ratio. To make the layer dense, you can slightly moisten the mixture of sand and cement with water. If you want paving slabs to last their maximum life, you need to make sure that no plants grow from the soil. This can be done with the help of a geotextile layer, which is placed between the paving slabs themselves and a cushion of sand and cement.

We do the markup of the site

If you are interested in how to properly lay paving slabs, you should know that paving slabs should be laid strictly according to the markings. To do this, you need to measure the level of the slope of the territory where the track will be settled. It is better to do this in the direction from the house to the street.

Drive in two pegs along the line and pull the nylon thread between them. Make sure the thread is horizontal and level. This can be done using a level. Next, tie the free end of the thread to the third peg and pull it perpendicular to the first. The third peg must be driven higher than the first two. Then the fourth peg is driven in, the thread is pulled, as a result of which a rectangle is formed - this is the site for laying paving slabs with your own hands.

Laying paving slabs

After preparatory work are completed, you can proceed to the direct laying of paving slabs. There are several ways to lay tiles with your own hands, for example:

• traditional
• diagonal
• combined

If you are not a professional, then it is better to use the traditional one. First, prepare a solution - mix six parts of sand with one part of cement. It is important that the sand is sufficiently moist. If the sand is dry, moisten it a little and spread the mixture on a prepared area for laying paving slabs.

Tamp down the layer thoroughly. Place two pipes on the sides - at this stage they will play the role of limiters. To make sure that the layer is absolutely even, take a fishing line or thread, pull it over the pipes and drag it a little to the side - so you will see where you need to remove a little, and where, on the contrary, add.

How to lay the paving slabs correctly with your own hands: tile inspection and installation

Before laying tiles with your own hands, you should carefully examine the material itself. Take the tiles and carefully check that there are no cracks, chips and other defects on them that can negatively affect the final result and the quality of the sidewalk.

Laying the tiles correctly is not difficult. Just lay them on the prepared substrate with minimal clearance. Use a rubber mallet to fit the tiles closer together. Do not forget that paving slabs, although durable, are prone to defects, therefore, tapping with a rubber hammer should be light.

If tiles need to be trimmed, use an angle grinder. For this you need:

• make a mark
• cut the tiles
• lay the tiles flush with the rest

Check the level of the masonry periodically - the tiles should be level and in line.

After laying all the tiles yourself, you need to sprinkle the paths with fine gravel and grind thoroughly with a stiff broom or brush. Then you can start grouting. To do this, it is better to use special grouts that are sold in stores. At this point, the process of installing the sidewalk path with tiles can be considered complete. The only thing you need to do next is to install the curb.

Installation of curb slabs

It has already become clear how to properly lay paving slabs. Now you need to figure out how to install the curb. Here you should pay attention to the fact that you can lay the curb flush with the paving slabs, or raise it a little.

The main task of the curb is not the aesthetic appeal of the track, as many think, but the prevention of tiles from creeping on soft ground. To install them, you need to dig special trenches, the width of which will be slightly larger than the size of the curb itself. Next, a sand pillow must be laid in the trenches. A layer of five centimeters will be enough. The sand is carefully compacted and a plate is installed on top, which must be leveled and secured.

Paving slabs are produced today in large quantities, which is facilitated by the development of mini-productions. Thanks to this, paving slabs are becoming more and more affordable and popular: today, most of the paths on personal plots and sidewalks near the cottages are laid with it. But before starting the improvement of the territory adjacent to the house, you need to figure out how to properly lay paving slabs.

Laying paving slabs

Paving slabs are also called paving stones. She most often has rectangular shape... There are many styling schemes. Most often, the most traditional ones are used: a column, a herringbone, a brickwork.

Paving stones are attractive because they are easy to lay, so they are used for the improvement of paths of any type. Areas where several colors of the material are used look especially good.

The tile can serve for a very long time provided correct styling... The basis for the paving stones should be a cushion of sand and gravel. It is arranged in any case, regardless of the chosen method of installation: on a solution or on a dry mixture.

In order to further strengthen the base, a concrete screed is placed on top of it.

Paving slab laying technology

The type of base (crushed stone or concrete) depends on the thickness of the tiles and the requirements for the material. First of all, sod is removed from the site to a depth of at least 15 cm. The site is cleared of roots, debris and plant seeds. After that, the site is subjected to longitudinal and transverse planning, taking into account the slope necessary for the drainage of rain and melt water. If necessary (for example, in the case of clayey soil).

The next step is tamping or rolling the site: any of the known methods is suitable for this. Grooves are dug to lay the curb. After that, a five-centimeter sand pillow... A side stone (curb) is installed in the grooves, and it is also poured liquid concrete in small quantities.

In order to avoid deformation of the paved area during operation, the subgrade is covered with geotextiles, which are 2 layers of black mulching material such as Agrotex, Spandbond or Agril. This is especially important in slightly heaving soils.

At the bottom of the site, crushed stone of the middle fraction (5 ... 20 mm) is poured in a layer of 20 cm: this is necessary wherever vehicles can enter. Water is poured directly from above and compaction is performed. It is enough to cover a non-heaving soil with a 15-centimeter layer of moistened coarse sand. The following options are possible here.

1. Backfilling of moistened sand with its further leveling using a lath.
2. Moistening sand, rolling it, leveling and laying a reinforcing mesh with a cell of 50 × 50 (a binder is not used in this case). Then a dry mixture 3 ... 4 cm thick is poured over the mesh with further moistening.
3. A cement mortar 2 ... 3 cm thick is laid on the crushed stone without tamping. At the same time, sand is not poured. The mortar is prepared from cement grade M150 in the proportion: 1 part of cement to 3 parts of sand. In some cases, tile adhesive can be used: the rise in price is justified by greater strength and reliability. In this case, the glue is applied to a concrete screed with a thickness of 5 ... 10 cm.

The paving stones are laid on ready-made pillow, after which it is rammed using a vibrating plate or mallet. It is required to observe the level of laying the tiles and form the profile of the track immediately. A slight slope to the edges from the center is necessary: ​​this is necessary for the drainage of water. After that, the dry cement-sand mixture is poured onto the tiles and distributed along its seams. Then the excess mixture is swept out with a brush and the paving slabs are poured with water, which must necessarily penetrate all cracks and seams. After a while, the mixture will harden.

Some nuances and tricks

When purchasing paving stones, you should take into account the waste generated during pruning. The amount of waste depends on the method of laying paving slabs, as well as on its shape. For example, laying diagonally increases waste compared to parallel laying.

If it is necessary to split a tile, it must be pre-cut with a grinder. That is, only cut it, not cut it completely. This method helps to prevent the large amount of dust generated during cutting.

The tiles, laid on a concrete base with a reinforced cushion, are capable of supporting the weight of a heavy vehicle (including a truck). It is necessary to select the thickness of the tile depending on the conditions of its use: the thinner one is intended for pedestrian paths, and the thicker one is for the roadway (entrance to the garage, parking lot). However, in any case, the preparation of the base should be taken seriously, and the tile laying technology should be strictly observed: the service life of your path or site depends on it.

Video with site preparation.

Before ennobling the area in front of the house, many owners are wondering what material to choose for this. Paving slabs are great. It can be used to create a functional, durable finish that is unmatched.

Positive sides

Do not assume that you will have to shell out an impressive amount for such material. The market price is very reasonable. But if you still do the work yourself, then the cost of the track or site will be significantly less. When thinking about the question of how to lay paving slabs, you must remember what stages you have to overcome. Compliance with certain technology standards is very important to achieve a positive result, however, installation of this material it may well be carried out even by a master who has not previously encountered such manipulations. After the completion of the work, you will receive a path or territory that will become worthy decoration exterior.

Features of paving slabs

If you are thinking about how to lay paving slabs, you will probably be interested to know that this cover popular all over the world. This is due to the fact that products of this type have a number of advantages. Among the positive qualities, one can single out a variety of shades, textures and shapes. This allows professional craftsmen and home craftsmen to create unique harmonious ensembles that combine the elements of the site into one whole picture. Paving slabs allow you to embody any, however daring design and architectural ideas. If you are faced with the question of how to lay paving slabs, then when purchasing the material, you should know that it is environmentally friendly and will not emit volatiles during operation. harmful substances that would be hazardous to health.

Marking

If you are faced with the task of how to lay down correctly, or lay paving slabs (more precisely), then you should inquire about the features of the marking. Before carrying out these manipulations, it is necessary to roughly calculate the estimated dimensions of the future track and site. If this is not done, then there is a high probability that the tiles will have to be cut, and this will not only make the site unaesthetic, but also add laboriousness to the work. In order not to face such a problem, the length and width of the site must be made multiples of the dimensions of the purchased tiles. If you do not exclude the need for trimming the tiles, the coating is less durable. For accurate marking, you must use a tape measure.

Before using the dry mixture, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarity that a stock must be supplied for the curb, according to its dimensions. For its installation, a shallow ditch is laid along the perimeter. As soon as the track or platform is located, it is recommended to walk along and feel how comfortable the route is, which will have to be done more than once during operation. Listen to the feelings: if they suit you, then you can proceed to the next stage of the work.

Cover with natural drainage system

Paving slabs allow you to create a surface, the seams of which allow excess moisture to pass through, eliminating the formation of puddles. It will be very easy to serve which territory, and it can be exploited for more than 15 years. If any part of the surface is accidentally damaged, it can be repaired by replacing individual products.

Depending on the location and purpose of the coating, the material can be laid both on mortar and on sand or crushed stone. For example, if you don’t know how to lay paving slabs to get garden path or a recreation area, then remember: best of all the base will do from rubble and sand.

Preparatory work

Initially, you will need to select products and prepare required set tools. Before laying paving slabs in the country, you need to visit the store and ask the seller what performance characteristics possess products. If a covered carport is to be installed, the material must be able to withstand heavy structures and constant loads. To carry out the installation, it will be necessary to prepare rubber mallet, trowel, hand rammer, wooden pegs, building level, I-beam. You will need a watering can or garden hose. It is important to prepare the broom, cement, rake and sand.

Features of the work

Thinking about the question of how to lay paving slabs in the country, every master must take into account the need to ensure the slope of the surface. For each meter, the slope should be 5 millimeters, this will allow water to freely flow into the lawn or well area. Work must begin with the arrangement of the base. From reliability base surface the successful outcome of the entire construction will depend. Before laying paving slabs with your own hands, wedges must be hammered along the edges of the location of the future path. At a height of 7 millimeters from the surface of the earth, you need to pull the cord. Rubbish, construction waste and stones are removed from the designated area. Next, the base is carefully leveled, the surface must be compacted, and then it is important to check the horizontal alignment at the building level. To make alignment easier, a rake can be used.

Features of working with soft ground

Before laying paving slabs with your own hands, the soft soil must be moistened, tamped down and leveled. The uniformity of sidewalk laying will depend on the high-quality ramming of the base. The depth of the base should be determined with some margin of 2 centimeters, they are necessary for further shrinkage, which will certainly occur after the completion of the installation work. For the installation of a layer of sand and the tile itself, you will need about 30 cm.At this stage, it is important to carry out work on laying communications, if any.

Some of the nuances of preparing the foundation

Before laying paving slabs on the sand, it is imperative to check the presence of all layers. Thus, prior to backfilling the aggregate, it is necessary to lay geotextiles to prevent weed growth. Using sand will help improve the stability of the sidewalk. Among other things, the placeholder acts as drainage system... After the sand is filled up, it can be leveled with a rake, spilled with water, continuing to do this until puddles form on the surface.

After 4 hours in warm sunny weather, the preparation from sand can be given a flat, smooth surface using a profile. As the latter, you can use a beam or regular pipe... The pipes should be positioned like rails, removing them at a distance of three meters from each other. In the intervals between them, sand should be poured to an equal height. In order to give a more impressive strength to the coating, you can lay the tiles on a crushed stone base. For this, a solution is often used. If you are thinking about how to properly lay paving slabs using this technique, then a sand-cement dry mixture is prepared for this, which will be obtained using a ratio of 3 to 1.

The composition must be laid out in an even layer, and then screed with a channel. If paving slabs are to be laid on a complex foundation, then it is advisable to use combined laying, which involves the use of a layer of cement and sand, as well as concrete.

Laying tiles

Before you start installation work, you need to pull the cord between the pegs. It is necessary to start work from the curb, this will be the most convenient. The first row should be laid out according to the level, since it is on it that you will have to navigate when carrying out further work... It is necessary to mount products in the direction away from you.

It is necessary to arrange the tiles so that one product fits snugly against the other. This will eliminate the receipt of seams of different sizes. Before laying paving slabs on concrete, it is important to stock up on crosses, which will allow you to form equal gaps of 2 millimeters between the products. If the tile was laid unevenly, then using a trowel, you can remove the product and put a layer of sand under it. After the surface is compacted, leveled, and the tiles are laid on top again. After the completion of the work, the joints must be filled with a mixture of cement and sand, and then everything is poured with water.

If you are thinking about how to properly lay paving slabs, then it is important to take into account every nuance. Experts advise to rub the seams with quartz sand to give the surface a more aesthetic and attractive appearance. If the tile does not fit well with other elements landscape design or buildings on the territory, you can trim the edges. To do this, you must use a grinder.

After the completion of the laying work, it is necessary to remove all debris and sand residues from the finished walkway. The border is installed on a liquid solution of the M 100 brand. It plays not only an aesthetic role, but also a practical one. It lies in the fact that this element prevents the tiles from loosening. The elements are supported on both sides and do not spread out in different directions, even when exposed to heavy rain. During operation, you will only have to update the sand in the seams, which will come out with water.

Conclusion

In front of each owner of a private house or suburban area sooner or later the question arises of how to properly lay paving slabs with your own hands. This aesthetic and durable finish is the most common. It is quite difficult to use other materials, in addition, many of them cannot be repaired. The same cannot be said about paving slabs, which can be purchased in any quantity.

Before starting work, it is quite simple to make calculations of the required amount of material. It will be quite easy to repair the coating at any time. Moreover, the path or parking area for a car can be enlarged or expanded without loss of aesthetic and operational qualities. It is for these reasons that the modern consumer increasingly chooses paving slabs, which during operation only show their own positive traits... You can also choose this type of coating, but think before that what external qualities the tile should have.

Manufacturers today building materials release a large number of types of paving slabs that differ in color, shape, raw materials from which they are made, as well as their technical characteristics... It's easy to get lost in this variety.

The question of choice is most often based only on the financial capabilities of the owner of the site, since good paving slabs are expensive, and cheap ones are short-lived and not too beautiful. Modern market building materials offers classifying its main types according to raw materials, that is, made from:

• natural natural stone hard rocks;
• soft natural stone such as sandstone or flagstone;
• artificial stone;
• ceramics and other firing materials;
• colored and monochrome concrete;

Most often, individual developers purchase tiles made from colored concrete mixtures. This material is affordable and sold in almost any hardware store.

High-quality colored concrete slabs are made by vibrocasting or vibrocompression. Piece products made differ bright color and a smoother surface. Vibro-pressed material is more durable and frost-resistant, but not as bright.

Stamped tiles are also sometimes offered. Be very careful with your purchase, as it is most likely a poor quality material made by a handicraft method.

A very important issue is the thickness of the material, which you must decide on before laying paving slabs with your own hands. For footpaths on personal plot a thickness of 40 mm is recommended, and at least 60 mm for a car park.

If you decide to pave the sidewalk on the street along your site, then use 60 mm tiles, and on the road (but this will be too noble on your part) you need to take products with a thickness of 80 mm.

Materials required for installation

Before laying the paving slabs with your own hands, in addition to it, you must purchase such materials as:

• stone or plastic curb;
• cement grade PC400;
• crushed stone, fractions no more than 40 mm;
• sand, best of all river or washed;
• geotextile.

The required amount of these building materials is determined separately and directly depends on the structure of the base, the type of soil and the expected operating conditions.

Marking future tracks

It is recommended to take a copy of the site plan with structures, trees, flower beds and other elements of the arrangement applied to it. Draw a diagram on it. This will be the instructions for laying paving slabs, according to which you will work further. When drawing up such a scheme, the direction of the slopes should be taken into account for the free flow of water from the tracks.

When deciding on the width of the tracks, it is necessary to provide so that 2 people can easily disperse on it. Usually this value is 1.0 - 1.2 meters.

In the event of a vehicle passing through, the possibility of the presence of a person who should not be forced to leave the paved surface is also taken into account.

Marking and excavation.

The marking is done according to the drawn up plan using a tape measure and a cord, which is pulled along the pegs hammered along the planned path. When pulling the cord, it is necessary to add 10 cm to the width of the track on each side, with a gap for the subsequent installation of curbs.

Excavation and protective layer

The amount of work performed depends on the density of the top layer. In the event that the surface is dense clay or any other similar soil, in connection with which it is planned to import bulk soil, then preparing a path for laying tiles is reduced to simple alignment surface.

In all other cases, it is necessary to remove 30-35 cm of the surface layer along the entire marked perimeter.

At the bottom of the trench, it is necessary to pour a thin leveling layer of sand and tamp it well together with the soil. This underlayment will then be needed to prevent germination. weed, will allow water to be diverted from the drainage layer and will not allow the penetration of groundwater that rises in the spring.

The strips of geotextiles are laid out in such a way that the neighboring canvases overlap by 15-20 cm, and at the edges of the trench there is a turn up by at least 20 cm.In this case, the technology of laying paving slabs with your own hands will be fully observed, and the result of your work will be incomparably better ...

Drainage device

On the tamped bottom of the trench, lined with geotextiles, a layer of rubble 15-18 cm thick is poured. It will serve as a drainage system for collecting and removing melt and surface water. The presence of a drainage layer will prevent possible accumulation of moisture in the base of the track and subsequent swelling in the event of freezing of the soil.

Crushed stone should be well tamped and sprinkled with a thin layer of sand. A second layer of geotextile should be laid on top of the drainage. It will let moisture down, preventing it from returning.

Stone products are fixed with mortar, and plastic ones - with the wedges supplied with them.

Placement of enclosing curbs

At the next stage of work, curbs are installed. For this, you can use almost any material. External fencing of paths is made of stone, concrete, plastic, brick, wood, slate and any other flat materials.

The traditional option is a ready-made piece of concrete curb. Recently, manufacturers have offered on the market several types of plastic curbs, which are distinguished by their durability, low cost and ease of installation.

The curb is installed after the drainage layer is installed.

Applicable types of bases

For the device of pedestrian paths on the site, one of three is used possible types support base:

• concrete;
• cement-sand;
• from compacted sand.

A concrete base is the most expensive, and therefore it is advisable to use it only in the case of expected large loads on the surface. The cement-sand base is the most common and versatile. Sand base can be used with low surface loads and no heaving soils and their progress.

Schematic representation concrete base.

Pouring a concrete base

Work on the concreting of the base, before laying the paving slabs, begins with reinforcement. For this, it is best to use a ready-made welded metal mesh with a cell size of 100x100 mm. If you have the remains of the old metal pipes, wire, bar with a thickness of more than 5 mm or other similar metal residues, then the reinforcement can be done with their help.

To do this, lay out the metal in the form of a lattice and tie its individual parts at the intersections with wire. Reinforcing mesh it is advisable to raise it above the surface by 3-5 cm, placing it on metal or stone supports.

A layer of concrete should be 10-12 cm thick, and its surface should be below the surface of the earth by a tile thickness of minus 3 cm, since we then have to put paving slabs here with our own hands.

If, after the device of the drainage layer, the depth of the working trench remains quite large, then the excess is covered with sand, which is then rammed. Concrete mix using PC400 cement is prepared in cement, sand and crushed stone as 1: 3: 5.

The concrete is poured in one go. In the case when the volume of concrete for pouring is very large, it is advisable to order concrete mix with delivery to the place. The cost of concrete in this case is slightly higher, but you will save a lot of time and effort. Paving slabs are laid within 3-5 days after the initial setting of the concrete.

Step by step process stacking FEM.

Sand and cement base

Cement- sandy base.

This type of base provides for laying tiles on a dry cement-sand mixture prepared in a 1: 5 ratio. The thickness of such a layer is 12-15 cm. To reach the desired level, clean sand is poured under the cement-sand layer and thoroughly rammed.

It is important that at the time of laying the tiles, the base material is dry. Therefore, before laying paving slabs, you need to make sure that there will be no precipitation in the next couple of days. The poured mixture must be well tamped and leveled.

For the device of a sandy base, river or quarry washed sand is used. The presence of lime or clay elements in the sand is not allowed. After filling the sand, it, again, must be spilled with water, tamped and leveled. Next, paving slabs are already laid.

Tile processing before laying

Before you lay the paving slabs yourself, it is recommended to treat it with a hydrophobic compound, which will further protect the material from moisture, increase its frost resistance and durability. In addition, they give the tiles a more attractive look, prevent the appearance of mildew, mold and salt stains on the surface.

To process the tiles, they are dipped in a hydrophobic solution, dried, and this operation is repeated. During preliminary processing, the tiles must be carefully inspected and all products containing defects must be set aside, since we will then lay them out in other, inconspicuous areas.

Laying paving slabs

Laying paving slabs: photo of the process.

The technology of laying paving slabs on a concrete base provides for its fixing to a layer cement mortar... It is necessary to put the paving slabs on the mortar so that it fills the seams as much as possible, and the thickness of the seams does not exceed 3 mm.

Leveling is done with a rubber mallet and checked. building level... Advancement during laying occurs "from yourself", that is, you are always on the already laid tile, and you are laying the mortar in front of you. At the end of the laying, all seams must be sealed with mortar to obtain a continuous monolithic coating.

The stages of laying paving slabs on a cement-sand and pure sand base are the same. The paving slab stacker works on the self-method, that is, you move along the sand and lay the material in front of you. If it is necessary to level the surface, sand or a mixture is poured or, conversely, removed.

Each stone must be tapped with a rubber mallet to securely fit into place.

After finishing the installation, a small amount is poured onto the surface cement-sand mixture which is then brushed to fill in the seams.

Then the surface of the newly-made path must be watered and this procedure must be repeated after another 2-3 days.

Below is a video tutorial on the topic "Laying paving slabs with your own hands: step-by-step instruction". The process of laying paving slabs, considered in it step by step, will tell you about the procedure for laying paving slabs, the features of this process and methods further care behind the cover.