How to lay paving slabs and office chairs. Laying paving slabs yourself - process technology

Paving slabs are a universal coating that is ideal for both garden paths, and for large areas for parking a car. Despite the need to adhere to the technology for laying this material, independent landscaping local area can be carried out by a person who has no experience working with building materials.

Following simple rules, which will be discussed in detail in this article, will allow you to avoid common mistakes when laying paving slabs, but before you start mastering them, you should familiarize yourself with the recommendations for choosing this material.

On the market building materials You can purchase the following types of paving slabs:

Rectangular bricks are the most common type. The area laid with such material resembles paving stones. Higher aesthetic qualities can be achieved by loosely laying such a coating.
"Gzhelka" - has a very attractive appearance. As a rule, this type of paving slab has a rugged lateral surface, which perfectly connects with adjacent tiles during installation. The tile has 2 elements that differ in size, which, when combined, form decorative coating. This material is ideal for sidewalks and areas in pedestrian areas.
“Clover” - resembles “Gzhelka” in its design, but this type of material has products of the same size.
"Maple leaf" - has high decorative qualities. It can be used with a single-color design, but a greater effect can be achieved if you use a two-color option for laying sidewalks and garden paths.
“Parquet” has a ribbed surface, so it is ideal as an anti-slip coating for paths and sidewalks.
“Wave” - has a wavy side surface, thanks to which a perfectly monolithic coating is obtained. Can be used both for arranging narrow paths and for laying on a large area.

All of the listed types of tiles can have different sizes. If the surface of the path or platform has a rectangular shape, then in this case you can use tiles large sizes. To design rounded areas and paths, it is better to choose small tiles.

The small-sized material allows you to create a very complex pattern, which is absolutely impossible to do when using large tiles.

Having a basic understanding of the types of this material, you can still do right choice material can be difficult. To make it as easy as possible this process, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

If you need to lay it down quickly paving slabs, then you should purchase products of the same size and rectangular shape. Material with patterned edges and different-sized products significantly increases the installation time.
When using tiles in conditions where moisture on the surface is subject to frequent cycles of freezing and thawing, it is recommended to use only frost-resistant material.
The color of the tile is of no small importance, but if the material is too bright, a lot of dye is added, the presence of which affects not only the price of the product, but also does not have the best effect on its mechanical strength.
If you need to lay paving slabs in places where significant pressure will be exerted on the surface, then you should purchase products that are made by vibration pressing.

Materials required for installation

For correct installation paving slabs cannot be done without using the following materials:

border;
cement;
sand;
crushed stone;
geotextiles.

The amount of materials depends on the size of the area to be covered with tiles. In some cases, you can do without the use of curbs and geotextiles, but only on the condition that atmospheric moisture does not wash away the edges of the sidewalk or path too much. Cement for laying tiles is used grade M400, and crushed stone should not be larger than 40 mm. It is better to use river or washed sand.

Marking future paths

Before you begin laying tiles, it is recommended to draw a plan of the area where the path or platform will be located. The plan should indicate objects, trees or buildings in relation to which the distance will be measured for applying the main markings. Then you should draw the object itself, which will be built on the site. Only after such preparation can you begin the main work.

To mark a future path or site, you will need the following materials and tools:

roulette;
wooden pegs;
hammer;
nylon cord.

The marking process will not take much time; it is enough to drive pegs along the future path on both sides and stretch the cord between them to lay this material perfectly evenly. The width of the path usually does not exceed 1.2 m, but if using a curb you will need to add to given value 20 cm. The size of the paving slab area can be arbitrary.

How to lay paving slabs with your own hands

All work on laying paving slabs can be completed in several stages:

First of all, you should prepare the base for laying the material; for this, 30 cm of soil must be removed along the entire marked perimeter.
Then a thin layer of sand is placed on the bottom, which must be leveled and mixed with the soil remaining in the recess.
A layer of geotextile is laid, which will protect the base from grass sprouting and being washed away by groundwater.
A layer of crushed stone about 15 cm thick is poured onto the geotextile. Such drainage will remove atmospheric moisture, which winter time may cause heaving of the soil. The crushed stone layer is carefully compacted, leveled and sprinkled with a small amount of sand.
Another layer of geotextile is laid on top of the drainage soil.
The curb is being installed. If a path is being laid, then for this purpose it is better to use a pieced curb made of concrete, but if desired, the edge of the sidewalk can be made independently from sand-cement mortar.
Laying the base under the tiles.

This activity can be carried out in several ways:

The concrete mixture is used under significant loads. It is filled using reinforcing mesh, which should be installed in such a way that its plane rises above the surface of the base by 3-5 cm.
Sand-cement mixture is used most often. Paving slabs laid on such a base can withstand medium loads. The sand-cement mixture is prepared in a ratio of 5 to 1 and laid on geotextiles in a layer of 12-15 cm.
A sand cushion is used only when there is a slight load on the decorative coating. After filling the sand, it is poured clean water and compacted thoroughly.

When the base is prepared, the tiles are inspected and if defects are found, they are set aside for laying in inconspicuous areas or completely eliminated. Immediately before laying the material, it is recommended to treat it with a hydrophobic substance, which will significantly increase frost resistance and mechanical strength.

Laying tiles on concrete is carried out using a small amount of cement-sand mixture, which is laid on a horizontal base. Leveling the tiles is done using a rubber mallet and level. Upon completion of installation, additional mixture is sprinkled on the cracks between the tiles until the shrinkage of the mixture stops.

The material is laid in a similar way on sand-cement and pure sand mixtures.

Laying tiles with your own hands is not difficult at all. If you follow the advice outlined in this article, this process will not take much time, and the quality of the work performed will be at the highest level.

In contact with

The many advantages of paving slabs make it a material that is increasingly being chosen for arranging paths and sidewalks. Regardless of the purpose of the sidewalk, we can find thin and thick tiles in the form of paving stones. There are options that meet the requirements for sidewalks, driveways, and even allow you to make a road for heavy vehicles.

Unfortunately, despite the many advantages that this material has, it also has a rather serious drawback. The cost of its installation and leveling is approximately twice its cost. That's why many people are looking to save on installation costs by trying to handle the entire process themselves, especially when installing paving in their own yard, driveway, or deck.

Is it possible to lay paving slabs on sand without sand? How to prepare for work and what is required for it? Which sand is best to cover? How to avoid the most common mistakes and, finally, how to correctly lay paving stones on sand step by step? You can find everything in this article necessary advice and recommendations on these issues.

How to design a sidewalk surface?

Before you start laying, you should think about the layout of the path. You need to plan the width and pattern to minimize the need to cut the tiles. This will allow you to work faster and without unpleasant surprises in the form of cracking slabs, curved elements or installation difficulties.

Photo. Cutting tiles is quite a fiddly job, so it's best to avoid it if possible when planning your path pattern

When planning the layout of a deck or walkway, we must also consider water drainage. Can be arranged different variants water drainage:

linear outlet;
in the form of gutters in the sidewalk;
plan for elevation changes.

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

When purchasing tiles, you need to pay attention not only to their decorative qualities, but also to their thickness. Various sizes suitable for various purposes. Tiles with a thickness of 4-6 cm are used for paving walkways, sidewalks, or decorative strips around the house, while for surfaces with increased load (entrances to the house and garage), you should choose an option with a thickness of 6 to 8 cm.

Before you start, you need to prepare the following tools:

You will also need the following materials:

sand;
cement.

Carrying out the work step by step

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

Stages

The following general stages can be distinguished:

Designation of the work area, preparation of tools and equipment.
Marking and preparation of the site.
Installation of curbs.
Laying tiles.
Grouting and final work.

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

Designation of the work area, preparation of tools and equipment

Laying the tiles begins by transferring the project to the ground. It is important to plan the shape of the path or pavement, determine the location of control points, preferably where it is important to ensure that the pattern is laid correctly or where there are some changes that need to be taken into account. For planning, pegs and string are used to “draw” the shape of a path, platform or road.

Marking and preparation of the site

Work begins with the formation of a recess that corresponds to 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 should be greater. The following depths are recommended:

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

The depth of the excavation also depends on the type of soil:

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

On small areas usually performed excavation manually, and large areas It is worth using specialized equipment that can be rented.

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

The bottom of the recess must be level, smooth and of regular shape - if we are planning drainage in the form of a height difference, the bottom of the pit should be properly formed when planning the drainage. The difference should be about 1 - 2%. Once all the required soil layer has been selected, you can begin compacting the site.

Installation of curbs for paving slabs

To clearly define the course of the pavement surface and give it the desired stability and durability, you need to install curbs. The edges of the curb are fixed to a cement foundation. Curbs take a lot of load from the surface, so they should be installed very carefully and diligently. They are a frame that enhances the surface of the sidewalk. The 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 border, as well as the tiles, 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 drainage can take two forms:

After the above work, you can begin 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. Preparing the base can be done in several ways. The base consists of several layers:

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

After removing the fertile layer, the soil is strengthened. For this purpose, remove the backing with a shovel, and then mix this layer with cement. Mixing is done using a rake. After completing this work, compaction is carried out using a manual or mechanical tamper.

Then they make the base. 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 above - depending on the use of the sidewalk. Then the base layer is leveled, compacted and the bedding is scattered on it.

Which sand is best to work with? The backfill is usually fine sand or sand mixed with cement. This layer is not compacted, it is simply leveled and installation begins. Sand will compensate for any possible curvature of the path, which should not be too large! Depending on the type of paving slabs - stone or concrete, and also depending on the type of substrate, these steps differ from each other, which will be described below.

Laying paving slabs should begin after opening all packages. This will avoid possible color differences between products from different batches. When laying the sidewalk, you should use elements 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 households decorated in both classic and modern styles. You can find stone tiles in the market that vary in size, thickness and shape.

Stone paving stones

Stone sidewalks require the use of stone curbs. Sometimes they also work well with curbs made of cobblestones, which, like others, must be attached to a concrete base. The base for paving stones is gravel, screenings or a mixture of both. A layer of fine sand is poured onto such a base and then the paving stones are laid. If the soil is permeable and you plan to use it for walking paths or driving with light loads, then you can abandon the gravel layer and lay stone paving stones on a layer of sand 5 cm to 20 cm thick.

Stone paving stones are laid 2 cm above the level. After laying, each element is driven in with a rubber hammer, then the cracks are filled 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 long stone cobblestones in a pattern with lines, you may need a base in the form of crushed stone 17 - 23 cm thick. A layer of sand is poured onto it and then laying is carried out.

Stone tiles

Stone paving is most often used in pedestrian areas and the process is similar to the paving stone installation above. The tiles are laid on sand, a layer of which is 15 cm thick - on permeable soil. An area with impermeable soil where water stagnates is not very good decision. Therefore, in this case, two layers will be used as the 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 in a layer having a thickness of 2 - 3 cm.

If we are laying large tiles, it is not always necessary to use borders. To stabilize the entire structure, cementitious fixation can be used.

Concrete pavers are the most popular paving 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 tacky 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 different thickness material:

4 cm – for sidewalks or decorative strips around the building;
6 cm – for areas with low load (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 Vehicle, buses and other heavy-duty vehicles.

Most often, concrete pavers 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 simple assembly, dismantling or repairing any damage. Concrete cubes are also very resistant to stress, abrasion or external factors.

Concrete paving stones

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

The paving stones should be placed 1.5 cm above the level, the joints should be about 2-3 mm. The seams are filled with sand and the surface is wetted 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.

Paving slabs are an aesthetic and functional decor personal plot. It allows you to give a well-groomed appearance to the garden space and facilitates the movement of people and equipment. Attractive price, ease of use and ease of installation have made it a popular material among developers. Such paths and platforms look very attractive. Provided on the market a wide range of types of paving slabs from various materials, various shapes and color solutions. And the varied texture will allow you to choose a material to suit any design and landscape.

Paving slabs are very popular because they have a number of positive qualities. In addition to its low price and ease of installation, it is environmentally friendly and has durable properties. If necessary, you can always replace the damaged area without compromising the integrity of the entire coating.

Main advantages:

Paths and platforms can be laid in any shape and configuration;
It is possible to remove the covering and move it to another place;
Environmentally friendly material;
Does not injure tree roots, allowing moisture and air to pass through;
No fumes occur in hot weather;
Resistance to sudden temperature changes;
Strength and wear resistance.

The disadvantages include slipping on the tiles during frosts. To avoid an undesirable effect, purchase material with a rough surface. When choosing a coating, you need to decide for what purposes the tiles will be used. There are 2 types of material, differing in the production method: vibropressed and vibrocast. The first option is purchased for sites with increased load. Vibrocast is suitable for laying paved paths in the garden.

Depending on the design imagination and preferences of the owners, tiles can be laid in several ways:

In a checkerboard pattern;
Herringbone styling;
Braided;
In the circle version;
Chaotic pattern.

A beautifully laid out project will add zest to the site and emphasize the individuality of the owners.

What is the best way to lay paving slabs?

Laying paving slabs can be done on a bed of wet sand, a mixture of sand and cement, or on a concrete base. The first 2 options involve easy dismantling of the paving stones. Installing the material on concrete will make the site stationary.

The easiest and most popular installation option in dachas and garden plots sand is considered.

The advantage of this paving is the passage of moisture into the ground through layers of sand. Sometimes it is mixed with gravel and pieces of brick to compact the substrate. Any paving stones, ceramics or bricks can be placed on such a layer. A mixture of cement and sand is pre-prepared based on proportions of 1:5 and distributed over the prepared surface. Then they spill water and begin to lay the tiles. This method allows you to firmly strengthen the coating and, if necessary, easily dismantle it. It is recommended to lay the material on a concrete base in cases of heavy loads on the surface. This coating is used in parking lots and as a garage area.

The advantages of the screed include:

Strength;
Evenness of laying;
No shrinkage during operation.

Cement, sand and water are mixed in a concrete mixer, then the mixture is poured and compacted. It is necessary to take care of water drainage before installation; after hardening, it will be problematic to remove the permanent coating. Depending on the purpose of use, the owner of the personal plot chooses suitable option bases for tiles.

Installation of paving slabs: technology for performing the work

There are various ways to lay tiles, but experts recommend sticking to the general sequence.

Work stages:

Clearing the area. Stumps are uprooted, plants are removed, soil is removed from 15 to 20 cm.
The surface of the earth is treated with herbicide.
Markings are made along the length of the path or the perimeter of the site using pegs and beacons.
Form slopes for water drainage.
Install curbs.
Fill the work surface with a layer for laying tiles.
Compact and level the mixture.
Lay the tiles.
Seams are sealed.

These principles apply during installation regardless of what the source material is laid on. Consistent steps will help you lay the sidewalk correctly.

Tools for laying paving slabs

Laying out a beautiful path will not be difficult even for a beginner, the main thing is to have desire, patience and accuracy. In order to start construction work, you need to prepare materials and tools. Draw up a drawing with a sidewalk plan, then calculate required amount tiles, depending on its size and configuration.

Necessary materials:

Tiles or paving stones;
Side stones;
Crushed stone;
Sand;
Cement;
Waterproofing film.

Tools for work: grinder for cutting tiles, shovel, tamper, trowel, mallet, hammer, broom, building level, tape measure, pegs, cord or rope. For work, it is advisable to have gloves and special knee pads. Access to water and electricity must be ensured.

How to lay a path from paving slabs on a sand base

You can lay out a path with your own hands by following step by step instructions. The main thing is that when arranging it, good drainage is ensured. This will prevent water from stagnating and destroying the structure. To do this, make a slight slope of 5 mm every 1 - 1.5 meters.

The first step is preparing the work surface. Remove unnecessary plants and remove the layer of soil, clearing the area for future installation. The ground is leveled with a rake and pegs are placed at the nodal marks, between which a cord is pulled. The markings should be every 1 - 1.5 meters. The distance between the ground and the markings should be equal to the thickness of 2 tiles folded together. Next, provide a slight slope for water flow towards the street.

On the sides of the paths it is necessary to make trenches for installing curb stones.

The second stage of work will be preparing the layer. To do this, you need to lay geotextiles, which will prevent grass from growing through the tiles and will prevent the coating from sagging. Crushed stone is poured on top over the entire surface of the path and compacted so that the layer does not exceed 15 cm.

The third stage is the installation of side stone. Pre-dug trenches are filled with cement mortar, then a curb is installed. Its height can be flush with the path or protruding slightly. This design will allow you to hold the entire array and emphasize geometric shapes. Next, pour a damp sand cushion, level it with a rake and compact it again. If the owner wishes to further strengthen the structure, next stage Apply a mixture of cement and sand, level and compact.

The tiles begin to be laid from the curb, according to the diagram. In order not to damage the leveled surface, work is carried out away from you, moving gradually forward. The intermediate distance between tiles should not exceed 3 mm. Beginners can use special crosses. Using a mallet, each element is sunk, focusing on the level.

First, lay the main area, then all the other parts that need to be adjusted to size. After paving the path, you can additionally walk with a vibrating plate for perfect compaction and a smooth surface. Next, the seams are filled with wet sand and passed with a broom to fill all holes. Laying out the path yourself is not difficult and exciting process, which will make the owner proud and create the necessary aesthetic appearance for the garden plot.

How to make a platform from paving slabs on a concrete base

Set up a permanent site on concrete base under a car or for other significant loads you can do it yourself. To prevent water from stagnating, concrete covering the sites will need to be made with a slight slope.

Step-by-step instruction:

Prepare the surface for the site, remove debris and plants.
Mark its boundaries with pegs and stretch the twine between them.
Remove the top 20 cm of soil, pour water on it and compact the designated area.
Dig a trench along the width and length for the curb stone, fill it with cement and place the curb stone.
Put it on the ground waterproofing film which will prevent moisture from rising to the top.
Pour crushed stone on top of the film and fill the voids between it with sand. Compact everything well.
Fix the prepared reinforcement or mesh between each other and the side rods.
Do cement mixture in a ratio of 1:3:2 cement, sand, crushed stone. Then mix it with water until smooth and pour onto the prepared surface. Level it, not forgetting the slope, and leave it to dry for several days.

Laying the tiles is carried out only after the cement base has completely dried. Its installation is carried out using cement-sand mortar; some craftsmen use glue. Concrete base moisten, apply the solution with a trowel in a small layer of 2-3 cm and begin laying the tiles.

Laying paving slabs

If you decide to pave the surface on the site yourself, then you need to know what technology fits better for the selected option. Smart device sidewalks, design diagrams and some instructions reflect routing for laying paving slabs.

Regardless of which installation method is chosen, you must adhere to general rules paving:

Masonry is carried out in dry, preferably cloudy weather;
Sawdust is not used to fill joints;
If large loads are expected on the laid surface, the cushion is made of concrete with reinforcement;
Soils with a complex structure require reinforcement with 80 cm of concrete, and then a mixture of cement and sand of 40 cm to prevent the site from moving;
At the porch it is better to lay the tiles on cement base, since the daily load is increased;
Be sure to make a slope of 5° for water outflow.

Correct laying of paving slabs (video)

High-quality construction of paths and sidewalk areas with proper drainage and drainage, will allow the structure to last long years, maintaining the original aesthetic appearance.

Covering paths and areas with paving slabs is the most common. There are rules on how to lay paving slabs in the yard yourself and do it efficiently, while saving on the work of craftsmen. There are universal schemes for laying one type of paving or another. More complex options Laying tiles will require a careful approach and independent development of the scheme. But even this is quite possible for a novice master to master.

Properly laid tiles will last for many years.

Methods for laying paving slabs

There are several ways:

On a sand cushion. With this method, the tiles are laid on a layer of wet sand. Paths laid out in this way are suitable for decorating a garden. Thanks to the seams between the tiles filled with sand, water will easily drain away and not stagnate.
For cement-sand mixture. Cement and wet sand are mixed in a ratio of 1:5 and distributed over the surface of future paths. This method is used most often due to its reliability, ease and availability of coating repairs.
For cement-sand mortar. Cement, sand and water are mixed in a concrete mixer. The resulting solution is applied to the surface with a trowel. The tiles are laid and compacted with a mallet. This method is the most reliable, but care must be taken to ensure drainage. Repairing damaged areas of paving laid in this way will be problematic.

Options for laying paving slabs

There are many schemes for how to lay paving slabs. Here are some of them:

Herringbone or wicker. This option is one of the most common. Tiles are laid out at an angle of 45° or 90°. Wickerwork is a type of herringbone masonry in which the elements alternate to form an interlacing.
Chaotic masonry. This method is very easy to work with, and such paths will look very interesting. Tiles are suitable for it different colors and sizes, which will be placed arbitrarily.
Checkerboard laying. For this method, square or figured tiles of 2 colors are suitable. You can also lay out squares of 2 rectangular tiles laid in different directions in a checkerboard pattern.
Laying in a circular pattern. This method of laying paving slabs is more complex than the previous ones. Thanks to this installation, you can create very beautiful multi-colored areas by making certain circular patterns. Such paths and platforms will look beautiful both from close distance and from above.
Combination of tiles with lawn. Very original solution will make paving of paths and areas in combination with a lawn or flower beds. You can make small flower beds framed with tiles, or you can use specially shaped tiles that are designed specifically for such laying. This method will make your site very attractive.

Preparing to lay paving slabs

Materials for laying paving slabs:

Before laying paving stones, it is necessary to mark the area.

paving slabs;
curbs;
crushed stone fraction 20-50;
sand;
cement M400 or M500;
geotextiles.

To correctly calculate the amount of material, first make a site planning project, in which you indicate the location and dimensions of all paths. When calculating the amount of paving slabs for direct laying, add a 20% reserve for trimming and in case of damage. If you plan to lay tiles diagonally, the margin should be 30%.

To lay paving slabs you need the following tools:

grinder with a diamond blade for cutting tiles;
shovel;
tamping;
Master OK;
mallet;
hammer;
rake;
broom;
building level 1.5-2 m long;
roulette;
wooden pegs;
cord for marking.

Work on laying paving slabs must be carried out wearing special knee pads and waterproof gloves.

Provide access to water and electricity.

Step-by-step instructions for laying paving slabs

The most important rule when constructing paths is to ensure normal drainage so that water does not stagnate and destroy the coating.

For this purpose, the paths are made with a slight slope - 5 mm per meter.

For Instructions (suitable for laying paving slabs on sand and cement-sand cushion): safe work

, knee pads must be used.
Mark future paths and areas. Use pegs and a cord stretched between them for this. This will determine the boundaries of the tracks. The marking of sites should be carried out in strips 1-1.5 m wide.
Provide a slope for the outflow of rain and melt water. It is advisable to do it towards the street, taking this point as the zero mark.
Using the markings, level the platforms. To do this, remove excess soil and fill the depressions with it. The distance between the ground and the markings should be two thicknesses of the tiles. Compact the soil.
Spread the crushed stone in an even layer and level it over the entire area of the paths and platforms.
Lay geotextiles on top of the crushed stone, which will prevent the sand from subsiding and prevent the future coating from sagging.
Add an even layer of sand and compact it. For his uniform distribution Convenient to use a rake. Sand must be compacted after it has been moistened.
To further strengthen the base, you can make a thin screed.
Next, pour a laying layer of cement and wet sand in a ratio of 1:5. Spread this mixture evenly using a rule or a flat board and tamp it down.
Sort the paving slabs. Set aside defective or damaged items. Move the material closer to the work site.
Proceed to laying paving slabs according to the chosen pattern. Try not to disturb the already laid coating while working. Tap each tile over the entire surface with a mallet until it reaches the desired position at the required level.
Drains and manholes located on platforms and paths must be skipped. You will lay the tiles around them at the end from scraps and leftover elements.
After the covering is laid, the seams between the tiles are filled with a cement-sand mixture (1:5). To do this, pour it onto the surface of the paths and mark it with a broom, carefully filling the seams.
To install curbs, a trench is dug. Curbs are installed in it, and the outer side is filled with cement-sand mortar.
When the work is completed, you need to check the surface using a level and level the protruding elements of the coating using a mallet. The sunken tiles need to be removed, added with a cement-sand mixture and laid again, compacting them.
At the end of the work, the paving areas and paths are watered with water so that it saturates the paving layer and seams. If the cement-sand mixture in the seams has sagged, you need to repeat the procedure for filling them and spill water again.

After 2 days, the tracks can be put into operation.

General rules for laying paving slabs that must be followed, regardless of which method and installation option you choose:

laying paving slabs is not carried out in wet weather (in extreme cases, you can make a canopy); it is best to work in cloudy, cool weather;
It is not recommended to use sawdust to fill joints;
complex soils require a concrete pad 80 mm thick so that the base with the tiles does not move, after which a layer of cement-sand mixture 40 mm thick is made;
for heavy loads, paving is done with a 25 mm layer of cement-sand mortar applied to a reinforced concrete pad;
in places near the gates and porch of the house, it is better to lay the tiles on the mortar, since there the greatest load is placed on the paving;
paths and areas must have good drainage and a slope of 3-5°.

High-quality paving slabs, laid with your own hands on the territory of a private house according to all the rules with high-quality drainage, will serve for many years and will not lose their original aesthetic appearance.

Arrangement of the local area is a very important process. And maximum attention here should be paid 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. IN Lately Special tiles are used as a material for walkways - the material is reliable and practical, and also quite easy to install.

Choosing paving slabs

Paving slabs are distinguished by high quality characteristics- it is much stronger than concrete, and under intensive use and heavy loads, unlike other materials, it does not crumble and does not lose its attractiveness.

Laying tiles is not a quick process, but it is simple enough to do without the involvement of specialists. It is enough to purchase a sufficient amount of paving slabs in advance, prepare the necessary tools and Consumables, and you can start arranging the yard area. If you do not have experience in construction 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 find out how to choose tiles so that the end result does not disappoint you. On the modern market there are huge variety samples of paving slabs, varying in:

size
volume
pattern
quality characteristics

Before purchasing material, you must carefully measure the area of the sidewalk and calculate the number of tiles based on its size. The most difficult thing to buy is tiles with figured elements or complex patterns. Here you need to not only calculate its quantity, but also approximately determine its consumption, taking into account undercuts. Since its design will need to be combined, quite a lot of scrap will be generated 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 laying method. For example, with the diagonal technique, material consumption increases significantly. Therefore, it is much easier and more profitable to install the sidewalk in the traditional way.

When choosing paving slabs, the main criterion is its strength, determined by its thickness. For example, for a walkway, tiles with a thickness of forty millimeters are quite suitable. And if you plan to pave a path to the garage along which passenger vehicles will travel, then it is better to choose tiles at least five centimeters thick.

What is required to install 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 markings as evenly as possible)
rubber hammer- necessary for adjusting the tiles to each other during the laying process
wooden pegs(spacers) and nylon thread - markings are made with their help
Master OK- needed to level the sand layer
rammer- necessary for compacting layers
sand and small stone- from them you will need to make a mixture that serves as a “pillow”
angle grinder- tool for adjusting the size of paving slabs

Also, do not forget to prepare the paving slabs and curbs themselves - with its help you can design the path better.

How to lay paving slabs evenly?

When all necessary tools and the consumables will be ready, you can begin installation sidewalk path. But, even if you have an idea about the procedure itself, still watch at least one video on the Internet about 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, which can also be used.

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

nylon thread
pegs
hammer

With their help, you will need to mark the boundaries of the area where you plan to lay paving slabs. Within the designated boundaries, you need to carefully remove the turf to a depth of approximately twenty centimeters, and then remove the soil. Be careful to ensure that no debris or grass remains remain in the prepared area.

After the soil has been evenly removed, it is necessary to make a cushion of small stone, which is filled in, leveled and thoroughly compacted. Then you need to start laying the next layer of sand or sand-cement mixture. Sand is laid up to forty centimeters thick. If you lay sand-cement mixture, then a layer of twenty or thirty centimeters will be enough. Sand is mixed with cement in proportions 3:1. To make the layer dense, you can slightly moisten the mixture of sand and cement with water. If you want your paving slabs to last their maximum lifespan, you need to ensure that plants do not grow out of the soil. This can be done using a layer of geotextile, which is laid between the paving slabs themselves and a cushion of sand and cement.

We mark the site

If you are interested in how to lay paving slabs correctly, you should know that laying paving slabs must be done strictly according to the markings. To do this, you need to measure the level of slope of the area where the path will be built. It is better to do this in the direction from the house to the street.

Drive two pegs along the line and stretch a nylon thread between them. Make sure the thread lies evenly in a horizontal plane. 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 needs to be driven in higher than the first two. Then the fourth peg is driven in, the thread is pulled, resulting in a rectangle - this is the area for laying paving slabs with your own hands.

Laying paving slabs

After preparatory work will be completed, you can begin direct installation 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 sand with one part cement. It is important that the sand is sufficiently wet. If the sand is dry, moisten it a little and lay the mixture on the prepared area for laying paving slabs.

Compact the layer thoroughly. Place two pipes on the sides - on 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 move it a little to the side - this way you will see where you need to remove a little, and where, on the contrary, you need to add.

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

Before laying tiles with your own hands, you should carefully inspect the material itself. Take the tiles and carefully check that they do not have cracks, chips or other defects that could negatively affect the final result and quality of use of the paving path.

Laying tiles correctly is not difficult. Simply lay them on the prepared base with minimal clearance. Use a rubber mallet to push the tiles closer together. Do not forget that paving slabs, although durable, are susceptible to defects, so tapping with a rubber hammer should be light.

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

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

Periodically check the level of the masonry - the tiles should be located evenly and in one line.

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

Installation of curb slabs

It has already become clear how to lay paving slabs correctly. Now you need to figure out how to install the border. Here you should pay attention to the fact that the curb can be laid flush with the paving slabs, or raised slightly.

The main task of the curb is not the aesthetic appeal of the path, as many people think, but to prevent the tiles from spreading 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, you need to lay a sand cushion in the trenches. A layer of five centimeters will be enough. The sand is carefully compacted and a slab is installed on top, which must be leveled and secured.