- Select an area that’s firm, level and well drained
- Remove 125mm (plus the depth of the paving) of top soil/vegetation
- Create adequate falls for drainage
- Install edge restraints, these should be sufficiently robust
- Lay a minimum of 100mm sub base
- Thoroughly compact each layer with a plate vibrator
- Wash the units with a sponge and clean water
- Prime the back of the flags with cement based primer
- Add a mortar base layer of 4:1 sand to cement
- Lay Sandstone Paving in the bed, 8-10mm apart
- Fill in the joints with 4:1 sand to cement mix and leave to set
What tools do I need?
- Wheelbarrow
- Sprit level
- Rubber mallet
- Tape measure
- Protective gloves
- Spade
- Rake
- String line
- Plate vibrator
- Pointing tool
- Trowel
- Sponge
What materials do I need?
- Sandstone Paving
- Sand
- Cement
- Water
- Spray paint
- Sub-base material (Crushed Stone 40mm – dust)
IN DETAIL: HOW TO LAY SANDSTONE PAVING SLABS?
Make your selection
Choose the area where you want to lay your Sandstone Paving, making sure it’s firm, level and well-drained. Mark out the area with spray paint.
Get digging
Dig the spray-painted area to a minimum depth of 125mm, plus the depth of the paving, removing all vegetation and top soil (finished surface depth should be a minimum of 150mm below damp proof course of house).
Level playing field
Use string lines to measure falls and rake area to create levels, then compact the whole area using a garden roller or tamper.
Space for base
Fill and compact a 50mm layer of sub-base material (Crushed Stone 40mm – dust), repeat this process again so the sub-base has an overall depth of 100mm. Ensure the area has falls that are adequate surface water runoff.
Wash them
Wash the units with a sponge and clean water to remove any dust and dirt.
Prime time
Prime the backs of the units with a proprietary priming product or fine mortar slurry.
Mixing it up
Create a mortar mix of four parts sand to one part cement and water. The mix should be of a “wet” workable consistency.
Spread it on thick
Working in a small area, add a full mortar bed to the area and level it off so the bed is approximately 30mm in thickness.
Lay it down
Begin laying the sandstone paving in the mortar bed, placing them 8 to 10mm apart. Bed the paving down firmly into the mortar by tapping them lightly with a rubber mallet.
Case in joint
Use a trowel to fill the joints with a mortar mix of four parts sand to one part cement. The mix should be of a “wet” workable consistency. Compress mortar mix into the joints with pointing tool.
Leave it be
Leave your Sandstone Paving to set for at least 24 hours before walking on it – allow longer in wet weather.
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