High-quality laying of paving slabs with your own hands. Laying paving slabs on your own

Sidewalk modules have gained popularity among the population of the country. Properly selected instructions and installation paving slabs do-it-yourself, will reduce the cost of improvement adjoining territory and be proud of the builder's own achievements.

Tiled pavement pavement - affordable, inexpensive material to decorate the area around country house, driveways. Thanks to the options:

frost resistance;
practicality;
resistance to mechanical stress;
durability;
other.

The construction market presents a choice of tiles in terms of color, texture, shape, size. picking up type of coverage in accordance with overall design site, create a single harmonious ensemble that will turn Vacation home and the courtyard around it into a complete picture.

The advantage of tiles is durability in summer heat, this material is not:

softens;
fade;
deformed;
releases harmful substances.

The sand between the joints allows rainwater to freely seep into the ground, leaving no puddles and creating comfort in the area.

How to choose paving modules

When considering a beautification project suburban area mark zones of different load:

car parking area;
access part of the territory;
the area around the tile house;
footpaths;
recreation area.

Based on the estimate obtained, the thickness of the fragments, the amount of material for the sand and gravel cushion are selected. Color laying tiles harmonize or contrast with the background of the house. If it is difficult to determine the color, it is better to opt for light gray tones - this shade is considered universal.

The quality of the future tiles plays a special role. Therefore, it is better to purchase or order the coverage of the local area through the online market from manufacturers, on the basis of building materials. Read testimonials from former clients, look at certificates, talk to neighbors and friends who have already encountered this problem.

Do not save on the purchase of tiles, because this material serves for many years and looks attractive - the areas that are lined with this tile are located in plain sight.
Looks prettier and easier to install Not correct form- errors are not so noticeable. It is more difficult to lay square and rectangular fragments, here the deviation from geometric correctness is immediately evident!
If tiles are selected different shades, you can spend time, but lay out patterns or drawings.
Based on the draft, you should carefully calculate the number of tiles, the volume of sand, gravel or cement. You need to mark the area using a rope and pegs. Making such devices is simple and fast, so there will be no delays.
During tiling, a gap of 2 mm remains between the two segments. If the tiles do not fit snugly against the fragments of buildings, file them with a “grinder” using a stone circle.

Installation instructions

Properly selected types of paving slabs - great addition design solutions site, emphasize the relief of the territory and the originality of the created landscape. In order for this beauty to please the eyes of owners and guests, you should remember some installation rules on your own and competent instructions will help with this.

Necessary materials and tools

Depending on the use of the future site, tiles or concrete pad.
When choosing a coating, you need to take into account the external design, operational parameters of the product. A car parking area is more durable than a footpath.
Before starting work, you should carefully study the technical process, choose a tool that is convenient to use with your hands.
Before buying tiles for the site, they draw up a project for the location of sites and paths for the correct calculation of the amount of material.
During the installation of the tiles, a slope is made for the unhindered flow of water from the paths to the lawn. The slope is 5mm per 1m.

Laying process

When laying tiles by hand, do not miss important points and make it right. First step preparation of the base or cushion is considered. From the degree of quality preparatory work the beauty of the future site and the duration of the operation of the tile directly depend.

We select excess soil from those areas where the tiles are laid with our own hands. If these areas are planned for laying engineering networks, lay the pipes in advance. Crushed stone and gravel are chosen in small or medium fractions. If a footpath is laid, the pillow is made up to 15 cm deep. For parking - deepen the base to 20 cm. These dimensions will be obtained after careful compaction of the poured material. Next, we prepare a pillow of sand with our own hands, laid on a layer of gravel.

Step-by-step video of preparing the base for paving slabs:

However, there are situations when the soil on the site is complex, there are many irregularities and so on. Instructions on how to fix this moment are presented below.

After sealing the first layer cover the area with geotextile so that in the future the sand does not mix with rubble. Then the sand is compacted: a thick layer is not made here, 5 cm is enough. Check the levelness of the platforms with building level. Identified inaccuracies are additionally sprinkled with sand and again compacted.

If the soil in the work area is characterized as weak, the geotextile is laid in 2 layers: before and after the gravel. This once again enhances the strength of the base.

The base is ready, now it remains to prepare the mixture on which the tile will lie. This mixture is prepared in the ratio: 1 part cement and 5 parts sand. Spread the composition on top the last pillow with a layer of 5 cm and compact.

Now proceed to, during which follows constantly check the levelness of the site with a building level.

Video: laying paving slabs with your own hands

The process of laying the tiles is completed, now it remains to cover the surface of the laid coating with fine sand and wipe it along the joints between the modules.

Paving slab repair

Care for such a coating: you can overcast, wash even using chemicals. If one or more tile fragments are damaged, it is easy to repair the coating:

Get the corrupted fragments;

Align the sand cushion;

Lay new tiles;

Fill the seams with new sand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to show one video on how not to lay paving slabs:

In order for paving slabs to serve for a long time, do not work in wet weather, do not use other backfill other than sand, and do not hammer cement into the seams. After the laying work is completed, a trench is dug along the perimeter of the site, crushed stone is poured and a curb stone is installed. For strength, it is poured with cement. The construction of the curb will prevent the modules from spreading and loosening. A cushion made of a 2.5 cm mortar, under which there is a reinforced concrete base, will give the site special strength.

The many benefits of paving slabs make them the material of choice for paths and sidewalks. Regardless of the purpose of the pavement, we can find tiles, thin and thick, in the form of paving stones. There are options to meet the requirements for sidewalks, driveways and even make the road for heavy traffic.

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

Is it possible to lay paving slabs on sand without sand? How to prepare for work and what is required for it? What kind of sand is best to cover? How to avoid the most common mistakes and, finally, how to lay paving stones on sand step by step? Everything can be found in this article necessary advice and recommendations on these issues.

How to design a pavement surface?

Before you start laying, you should think about the layout of the track. It is necessary to plan the width and pattern in such a way as to minimize the need to cut the tile. This will allow you to work faster and without unpleasant surprises in the form of cracked plates, crooked elements or installation difficulties.

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

When planning the layout of a terrace or walkway, we must also consider water drainage. Can arrange different variants water outlet:

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

The elevation difference is planned towards the ground adjacent to the tile, for example, into the lawn. It should be borne in mind that the surface of the sidewalk should be raised above the surrounding area so that we can avoid it being polluted by water flows, in addition, this makes it easier for water to penetrate into the ground. Correct location will allow the tile, even after rain, to dry quickly and be always clean.

When buying a tile, you need to pay attention not only to its decorative qualities, but also to the thickness. Different sizes are suitable for different 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 need to choose an option with a thickness of 6 to 8 cm.

Before you get started, you need to prepare the following tools:

You will also need the following materials:

sand;
cement.

Work step by step

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

Stages

The following general steps can be distinguished:

Designation of the area of work, preparation of tools and equipment.
Site marking and preparation.
Installation of curbs.
Laying tiles.
Grouting and finishing 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 a little differently, using different bases.

Designation of the work area, preparation of tools and equipment

Laying tiles begins with the transfer of the project to the ground. It is important to plan the shape of the walkway or pavement, determine the location of control points, preferably where it is important to make sure that the pattern is laid correctly or where there are some changes that should be taken into account. For planning, pegs and lace are used, with which they “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 case of the pavement - the higher the load, the greater the depth should be, since the thickness of the base should be greater. The recommended depth is:

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 excavation also depends on the type of soil:

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

In small areas, usually excavation manually, and on large areas it is worth using specialized equipment that can be rented.

The earth from the recess must be carefully selected. The soil can be moved to the site, especially if its volume is large, and transportation will require 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 must be flat, smooth and regular in shape - if we are planning drainage in the form of a height difference, the bottom of the pit should be properly formed, planning the drain. The difference should be about 1 - 2%. After all the necessary soil layer has been selected, tamping of the site can begin.

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 on a cement foundation. Curbs take on a large 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 must 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. Borders 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 begin to prepare 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. Foundation 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 varies from 5 cm and above - depending on the use of the pavement. Then the base layer is leveled, compacted and the bedding is scattered on it.

What is the best sand to work with? The backfill is usually fine sand or sand mixed with cement. This layer is not compacted, it is simply leveled and laying begins. The sand will compensate for the possible curvature of the track, which should not be too big! Depending on the type of paving slab - 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 opening all packages. This will avoid possible differences in the color of products from different batches. When laying the pavement, use the elements from each package.

Do-it-yourself tile laying - 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 sites. It looks very stylish and elegant, and works well in homes decorated in both classic and contemporary styles. On the market you can find stone tiles that vary in size, thickness and shape.

stone paving

Stone sidewalks require the use of stone curbs. Sometimes cobblestone curbs also work well with them, which, like others, must be attached to a concrete base. The basis under a stone blocks is gravel, elimination 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 to drive with a small load, then you can abandon the gravel layer and lay stone blocks 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 mallet, 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 it is planned to lay a long stone cobblestone, in a pattern with lines, a substrate in the form of crushed stone 17–23 cm thick may be required. A layer of sand is poured on it and then laid.

stone tile

Laying stone tiles is most often used in pedestrian areas, the process is similar to the laying of paving stones above. The tile is laid on sand, the layer of which has a thickness of 15 cm - 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 a foundation: the first (which is deeper) - gravel mix, 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 laying large tiles, it is not always necessary to use borders. To stabilize the entire structure, cement mortar fixation can be used.

Concrete pavers are the most popular pavement solution today, primarily because of their attractive price, but also because of their good technical parameters and a wide range of 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 the platform with which it will be paved.

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

Depending on the purpose, a different thickness of the material is chosen:

4 cm - for sidewalks or decorative strips 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 Vehicle, buses and other heavy vehicles.

Most often, concrete pavers are produced in various colors. There are refined options, the surface of which is decorated with crumbs, and the texture can be more decorative. There are also pieces 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 pavers

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 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, so they are often used as paving paths and sidewalks in private homes.

In the design of access roads, the organization of sidewalks and the ennoblement of the courtyard area, probably not the best material than paving slabs. Strength, durability and stylish appearance This material makes it the most popular coating for decorating a suburban area.

Do-it-yourself technology for laying paving slabs. Photo

The tile is produced in a wide variety of types of any size and design, so arrange the tracks in desired style won't be difficult. Despite the apparent complexity, the process of laying paving slabs is a fairly simple job, so you can pave garden paths over the weekend. Of course, it will take more time to ennoble a large yard, but with an assistant, such an event can be completed in a couple of weeks.

Don't rush to get to work. First, understand the main types of paving slabs, choose the material that is best suited for doing the work yourself and will be in harmony with the design of other objects on your site. Note that now on the building materials market you can find stamped and vibrocast samples. Despite the higher price of the latter, they will add beauty and fundamentality to your sidewalks, as well as please with their durability.

When choosing a material, you will also face the issue of thickness, which different types finishes vary from 20 to 60 cm. Please note that the paths of paving slabs that will be driven cars, should have a minimum coverage of 40 mm, and access roads for goods transport should be equipped with material of the maximum thickness.

Do not chase patterns of tiles such as "paving stones", "rhombus" or "brick". Remember that strict geometry will not forgive the flaws inherent in beginners. The color of the product can be any, but practice shows that concrete without dyes better tolerates the harmful effects of low temperatures. In addition, the cost of colored tiles is slightly higher.

What materials and tools are needed for laying tiles

The consumption and amount of materials needed to improve the yard depends on the sheltered area and landscape features. You will have to prepare:

Paving slabs. The more accurately the calculation is made, taking into account trimming, the less waste will remain, which will save a little.

Getting started with tiling

The first thing to do - analyze the landscape and determine in which direction the slope of the site will be made. A slight slope should always be present, otherwise puddles after rain and snow melt cannot be avoided. It is best to make a slope towards the street, taking its level as a reference line. Laying tiles step by step will help you avoid mistakes and speed up your work.

Along the zero line, towards which the slope will be made, it is necessary to hammer in two pegs and pull the cord, checking its horizontal position with the help of a level.

From each peg to the starting point of the sidewalk, extend another cord, driving in a couple of additional supports. At the same time, check that they are slightly above the zero point. This will provide the necessary bias. By the way, just a couple of degrees is enough so that the water does not stagnate in the area.

Pull the cord between the starting pegs, parallel to the zero line. Remember the need for accurate measurements and horizontality, which must be constantly monitored by the building level. If you did everything correctly, then the plane of your future paving slab track with a slope in the right direction will be indicated with threads.

If the width of the area to be built is wider than the rule used, then the surface must be divided into strips. Their width is made 10-20 cm less than the length of the tool used. Marking is carried out by driving in additional pegs along the starting and zero lines, pulling the cords parallel to the boundary markings. At the same time, strictly observe the levels on both sides.

Align the paving slab path so that it is parallel to the imaginary plane that the cord system forms. To do this, remove the soil in places that are close to the threads and add a level to the depressions. As for the distance from the ground to the cords, it is taken equal to twice the thickness of the tile. It should be said that this work is rough, not requiring high precision.

Tamp the soil along the marked area. Special attention should be given to sprinkled areas with a loose structure. The rammer used must be solid. For example, an excellent tool is obtained from the support paw of an excavator, to which a handle is welded.

Critically assess the degree of preparation of the territory and proceed to the preparation of the sand-cement mixture. To do this, mix 6 parts of sand with 1 part of cement. I must say that this does not require special accuracy and accuracy, so the components can be measured "by eye", and the composition itself can be prepared directly on the ground. Work is best done in the off-season, since high humidity is required from the sand.

Distribute the prepared composition evenly on one strip and tamp. In this case, the height of the sand-cement layer should be approximately equal to the thickness of the paving slabs.

Under the side cords that mark the edges of the strip, lay metal pipes, providing a gap to the stretched threads, about a centimeter less than the thickness of the tiled coating. Observe the parallelism and slopes of cords and pipes.

For the next step, you will need knee pads, and since you will have to literally crawl on the ground, change into shoes and pants that are not a pity. Kneeling, pass the rule under the cords and set its edges to steel pipes. Now to level the site, it is enough to run the tool along the steel guides. Add the prepared mixture to the depressions and tamp it down, then draw the rule again. Thus, you will get a perfectly flat strip.

Discard convex, propeller-curved and concave tiles - they can be used when trimming. Distribute even copies, if necessary, by type and color and lay them out next to the prepared place.

Laying of paving slabs begins with the extreme element, carefully aligning its edges with the cords. After that, tap the surface of the tile with a rubber mallet, sinking it flush with the markings. You may need to add or remove some of the mixture with a trowel or trowel.

Lay the next instances in the same way, alternating the elements if necessary to match the color or shape. Laying lead "from yourself". This will allow you to move forward without destroying the prepared layer of sand-cement mixture.

After finishing one strip, proceed to the preparation and installation of the next. Obstacles that may be on your way, it is better to bypass whole tiles. The remaining gaps will require trimming and fitting in place. This work is best left for later.

Cracks that cannot be avoided when laying tiles are filled with the same mixture of sand and cement that is used to prepare the base. Make it a rule at the end of the working day to evenly cover the surface of the laid area with a loose composition, and then sweep it a couple of times with a broom, stuffing the gaps with the mixture. The process of eliminating gaps is called - sweeping. If used colored tiles, sometimes an unaesthetic cement coating may remain on it. This feature does not indicate a low-quality coating and is due to the use of dyes and the specifics of production. In this case, it is better to refuse cement, sweeping the gaps with clean sand.

Even if your site has a perfectly rectangular shape, and you calculated the width of the strips in strict accordance with the dimensions of the paving slabs, you can’t do without trimming with your own hands. To do this, in each case, determine desired configuration fragment and cut it off using an angle grinder and diamond disc for concrete work.

If your plans include the arrangement of flower beds, then their boundaries must be marked with a cord and a beat. At the same time, the protruding parts of the tiles are cut off with a grinder.

The edges of the paths with laid tiles, flower beds and lawns will never look complete without edging. To install restrictive elements, dig a trench along the entire junction line. Its depth is chosen individually, based on the size of the curb stone and its height above the level of the site.

Stretch the cord for the edge, keeping the same distance to the tile throughout the entire area. Thus, the necessary slope necessary for the aesthetic perception of the picture will be observed.

Using a rubber mallet and removing or adding soil, install the curb sections along the cord. To prevent them from moving, fix the fringing elements with a thick sand-cement mortar.

Cut tiles are installed in empty cells near the curb and unfilled places near obstacles. In this case, the decision on the degree of trimming is made in each individual case. Since the soil may have crumbled when digging a trench to border the area, restore the base using a tamper.

In those places where the tile borders the gate, use not a loose cement-sand mixture, but a mortar. This will avoid shifting the extreme rows of tiles in especially loaded places.

Our instructions should be taken as the most complete and thorough way of laying paving slabs, which is used when arranging a yard or other large areas. If you need to improve sidewalks and garden paths, then preparation and some aspects of laying tiles can be simplified.

Schemes for laying paving slabs

A wide range of colors, a variety of shapes and design solutions make tiles an excellent tool for arranging a yard area. Opportunities in terms of design and affordable cost are complemented by practicality and reliability, which allows this material to occupy a leading position among finishing coatings for many years.

The variety of modern paving slabs makes it possible to create various color and geometric patterns with your own hands, which significantly increases the aesthetic value and helps to adhere to the chosen style in the design of a suburban area.

You can create an interesting pattern by applying several types of paving slabs, laying it in a certain way. You can come up with a drawing yourself or use the options below:

the first pattern is characterized by laying paving slabs in a row with alternating colors, placing one color along the borders of the path, and distributing others between them;
in the second case, the alternation of two colors of different thicknesses is performed in the form of a stretched letter M;
a complex geometric pattern in the form of a labyrinth or an alternating twisted spiral looks very impressive, made in a color different from the base;
a pattern of repeating squares, rhombuses or rectangles will help to design your yard in a simple style, however, precise geometric shapes will not tolerate bumps and will require you to be especially careful when laying;
diagonal or checkerboard two-color paving slabs exist in huge variations with different line thicknesses, sizes and shapes of staggered parts.

The proposed pictures have quite simple, but spectacular patterns, available for repetition by beginners. Using rectangular or figured tiles, you can emphasize certain advantages of your yard.

It should be understood that the paving will look great even with the most uncomplicated two-tone pattern. It is best to lay the tiles in steps, carefully and in full accordance with the recommendations of specialists, achieving a perfectly even and neat surface. Conversely, even the most expensive and beautiful finishing material, laid according to an intricate pattern, will look clumsy and unsightly if you do the work somehow, with bumps and elevation changes over the entire surface.

Photo gallery

In the photographs below, you can see what possibilities ordinary paving slabs laid with soul have. Combination colors and pattern on the surface of the tracks makes them bright and unforgettable. The implemented projects will help you decide on the color and shape, serve as inspiration, push you to start active actions to improve the local area.

Do you want to spruce up your yard? In this case, you should figure out how to organize the laying of paving slabs. It may seem to you that it will take a lot of time and effort, however, in fact, everything is quite simple. You can pave the paths literally over the weekend, and you don’t even need a helper. Today, there are many types of pavement tiles, so choosing the right color and texture is not difficult.

Deciding on tiles. Assembling the tool

When choosing a tile, focus not only on your preferences, but also on operational properties material. What part of the yard do you need to equip? Ask the manufacturer: can paving slabs withstand heavy equipment, such as a car? Or is it designed solely for the weight of a person? This is important because the path that your car will drive on must be especially strong, unlike a regular garden path that will only be walked by a human foot.

To successfully pave paving slabs, you will need the following tools and building materials:

Cord-order.
Master OK.
A mallet made of wood or metal.
Manual or mechanical tamper.
Building level.
Pipe of any diameter or I-beam.
Pegs wooden or metal.
Broom and rake.
Sand and cement.
Watering hose or watering can.

Before purchasing the right amount of pavement tiles, calculate the dimensions of future paths and areas, and also consider the layout of the site. To do this, you may need a drawing of the tracks. The easiest way to create it is to transfer the plan of the territory adjacent to the house to graph paper, and then draw the proposed paths on it.

It is very important that the paving slab paths are paved under a certain slope, with a calculation of 0.5 cm per meter. Thus, water will be freely discharged onto the lawn or into wells.

We mark the paving area

After the drawing is ready, and the necessary construction material and the tool is purchased, you can start marking the tracks and sites.

Try to stick to the created project as closely as possible. When it comes to paving paving slabs in the garden, it is better to make the path winding.

To avoid cutting tiles, make the length and width of the paving plane a multiple of the dimensions of the tile itself. So you can make a more durable pavement. Then mark up the tracks. Use pegs, a tape measure and a cord for this. Remember to leave a margin corresponding to the width of the border. Now you should dig a small ditch around the perimeter.

Walk along the planned route and think about whether you are completely satisfied with such moves around the site. Then you can proceed to the next step.

Let's start building the foundation

First of all, it is necessary to remove debris, stones and a layer of turf from the marked area. To level the area of the outlined paths, you should remove excess soil in elevated places and add it to the depressions. In the process of work, do not forget about the slope necessary for the runoff of rainwater. It is better to do it towards the street, and not towards the house. Level the base using a rake. Then tamp it down. If you have to work with soft soil, moisten it with water before tamping. This will help you avoid uneven subsidence of paving slabs.

Calculate the depth of the base with a margin, because in the process of compaction, the sidewalk will shrink. Usually, a 20-30 cm deepening is made for paving tiles, based on a layer of sand and the thickness of the tile. The track angle can be longitudinal, transverse or longitudinal-transverse. At this stage, if there is such a need, conduct all communications. Lay a geotextile on the base before sanding to prevent weed growth.

Now it is necessary to measure the height of the sand embankment, which cannot exceed 7 cm. Stretch the cord-order between the stakes. Pour sand over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe track, and then level it using a rake for this. Fill it with water, and so that puddles form on it. If you are lucky and it is sunny on this day, then you can start leveling the surface after 3 hours, do it with a profile. In gloomy weather, alignment should be started only after a day. As a result, you should get a smooth and Smooth surface.

In the next step, you need to prepare a sand-cement mixture in a ratio of 8: 1. The stacking height of this mixture should not exceed 4 cm. For convenience, measure the indicated height of the mixture on the pegs and pull the cord again. Fill it up and level the plane using a channel. As a result, you should again get a flat surface. Pack each layer carefully!

Installing the border. Laying paving slabs

Even at the marking stage, you should have dug a trench around the entire perimeter of the track. Thus, you can emphasize the accuracy of the geometric shape of the laying area. 40% of the entire height of the curb stone should fit in the ditch, which also takes into account a five-centimeter layer of sand at the base of the trench. To improve the strength of the curb, install it on a concrete mortar, carefully pouring the base.

And again, before proceeding with the laying process, you should pull the cord along the chamfer at a predetermined height. Start laying paving stones from the curb. Pay special attention to the first row, strictly adhere to the height of the cord. Stick to the diagonal direction. In order to avoid trampling the base by the stacker, start the work "on your own".

Strictly monitor the tightness of the tiles, gaps of more than 2 mm are unacceptable. Of course, it is impossible to meet these requirements at turns and bends, however, even here it is necessary to make minimum gaps. Press each tile firmly into the base, you can use a rubber mallet to do this.

When paving paving slabs, you can use crosses, this will allow you to create perfectly even gaps between them. If in the process you notice irregularities, then, using a trowel, remove or, conversely, lay a layer of sand under the tile and compact it. To carry out these processes, use a mallet and a building level.

At the end of laying, check the track for unevenness. If they are, then immediately eliminate the shortcomings. Now pull the crosses out of the gaps and sprinkle them with a mixture of sand and cement. Sweep the paths and water them. Re-inspect the masonry, and if the mortar has sunk in the seams, then add it until it is completely filled.

It is unacceptable to use sand with salt impurities, because during operation white stains will appear on the paths and platforms, which will spoil the appearance of the masonry.

Now the laying of paving slabs is completed! After three days, you will be able to start active operation of new tracks! Now you can think about starting a business, because you have already received a certain amount of knowledge on paving paths from paving slabs!

Do you have experience with paving slabs? Did you have any difficulties in the process of work? What helped you deal with them? Have you come up with an innovative laying method that simplifies the process? Share your experience with us! We appreciate your skills and hard work! Write your comments to the article.

Video

How to lay paving stones on a thread, you can see below:

Photo

Paving slabs in the courtyard of a private house or in the country house perform two functions - aesthetic and utilitarian. The key to the quality implementation of both is correct styling paving slabs.

Many trust this to professionals, hoping that they know their business. Is that so? Will the hired worker always perform the installation better than the owner himself?

The main thing is to know how to lay paving slabs with your own hands.

It will be a good help step-by-step instruction, in which, in addition to the order of work, all the nuances of this rather simple and exciting process. Where the result is shown with the first laid tile.

Preparation for laying paving slabs

Planning is a guarantee that a homemade track will not let you down for a long time.

Plot layout. Few people dare to lay out the entire space on the site with tiles, just as it is difficult to do without paths, at least from the gate to the cottage and outbuildings. Perfect option- think over the paths to the house and from it to the main buildings on the site. So the lawn is preserved, and in the rain it is not necessary to knead the dirt. In addition, you do not have to uproot trees and other perennial plantings.

Material selection. Paving slabs are gradually gaining ground from other types of paving. The main advantages: ease of operation, the ability to dismantle the coating, does not “float” like asphalt from heating, does not burst from the cold (frost-resistant), and is not demanding in care. The path, lined with paving slabs, allows moisture to pass through, thereby not harming the soil and soil (environmentally friendly).

Tile. When choosing a tile, you need to know that, according to the manufacturing method, it can be vibrocast (possibly independent production) and vibropressed (done in industrial conditions). Varies in color, thickness and shape. Requires a device with a different composition of the base. All these factors determine the technology of laying paving slabs.

Tiled paths and grounds - parameters

Comparative analysis of tiled pavement is provided in the table

The type of soil also affects the choice of base for paving slabs. Moving ground requires a device concrete base even under the footpath, and dense allows you to get by with a sand-cement cushion and under the car.

Laying paving slabs with your own hands - step by step instructions

General tips and rules on how to lay paving slabs correctly:

provide drains for water drainage. If paving slabs are laid on sand, then water will go into the gaps between the tiles, and if on a concrete base, then a transverse, longitudinal or transverse-longitudinal slope is required. Thus, water, rain or melt, will not collect between concrete and tiles. Therefore, the possibility of swelling of the track sections is excluded. The optimal slope of paving slabs is 1 cm per 1 meter. Please note: the gap for water drainage must be placed between the curb and the tile sheet;

correlate the size of the tile with the dimensions allotted for the track. The wider the track, the larger the tiled elements should be (subjective opinion), or vice versa, from small tiles. It would seem that large tiles will make the layout faster and easier, but in fact, it may turn out differently. The large dimensions of the tile are directly reflected in the mass, the weight of paving slabs 40x40 cm is 15-16 kg (depending on thickness). As a result, such plates are difficult to lift, move, level. While adjusting the height, you will have to lift the weight several times to add sand;

lay (bring) communications before laying paving slabs. Otherwise, it will need to be dismantled and reassembled. If there is no need for communications yet, then conditions can be created for their installation later. To do this, under the track in the most likely places for the passage of future communications, it is recommended to lay plastic pipes diameter 50 mm;

installation of paving slabs is not carried out during rain or immediately after precipitation. The soil and the laid pillow should dry out. Optimal Humidity grounds are a guarantee that the tile will not spread over time;

the base for laying paving slabs must be perfectly flat. The sand used for backfilling should not contain clay or other impurities;

choose optimal size tracks. It is reasonable to select the width of the track, based on the size of the paving slab, plus a value equal to the sum of the gaps between it. Thus, it will be possible to avoid time-consuming and not always beautiful trimming of tiles. The same applies to patterned layout. However, this approach is only possible when laying tiles with the correct geometry. Use of imitation natural stone, circular pattern, complex geometry does not always make it possible to do without cutting. In this case, you need to consider the exact location of individual whole and trimmed elements.

Stage 1 - Layout of paving slabs - schemes, patterns, drawings

To create a beautiful tile path, you need to make the right sketch. A drawing or scheme for laying paving slabs will help not only visualize the project, but also calculate the required amount of material.

The choice of laying scheme is influenced by the shape (geometry) of the tiles (see photo) and the planned layout design.

Significant room for maneuver creates the use of rectangular paving slabs, with standard sizes 100x200 mm, type "paving stone" or "brick". They give the largest number styling options.

Traditional options for laying paving slabs:

1. Geometric styling. It can be represented by colored canvases or illusions.

By playing with colors and laying out tiles, you can create unique design garden paths. Examples in the photo (rhombus, square, circle, new and Old city, parquet, checkerboard, fan, coil, butterfly, wedge sheet, hexagon or honeycomb).

2. Illusions 3D - paving slabs with 3D effect. Laying tiles with a pattern that creates a three-dimensional stereoscopic (three-dimensional) image is a tricky technology of optical illusion.

An example of which is provided below, has no scheme in the classical sense. It involves laying out tiles in an artistic mess. If the tiles are monochromatic, then the size of the tiles varies when laying out, if multi-colored - the colors.

4. Artistic layout of paving slabs, the photo of which is provided below, gives an idea of the diversity various options styling. The complexity of the drawing is determined by the skill or perseverance of the master.

Stage 2 - Preparation of material and tools for laying paving slabs

For work you will need: sand, cement, tile, curb. Of the tool is useful: nylon thread, pegs, rubber mallet, long rule, level, rammer, trowel, broom. In case of trimming, you need a grinder with a disc for cutting concrete. Knee pads are a handy thing, because work takes a lot of time with an emphasis on these parts of the body.

Stage 3 - Marking for laying paving slabs

The marking of the site is to determine the contour of the future track. The place along the entire perimeter is indicated by pegs, between which a nylon thread is stretched. Due to the fact that it serves as a guide for laying out tiles, it must be pulled strictly according to the level.

Stage 4 - preparation of the base for paving slabs

To install the base, you need to remove upper layer sod, level the bed, water it and compact it with a rammer. Dense soil does not need such work. There are stones, roots of trees and shrubs in the soil - all this should be removed.

Note. You can leave the soil, but then the path will be much higher than the rest of the cover on the site, which can lead to it being washed away by melt or rain water.

The resulting bed is covered with a drainage bearing layer, for example, crushed stone or gravel 150-200 mm high. For car track(platforms) layer thickness increases to 400 mm. Many people lay geotextiles under gravel and on it to eliminate the possibility of erosion of the pillow. groundwater. 20 mm is poured on top of the crushed stone. sand to level the base.

Stage 5 - Technology of laying paving slabs

Step-by-step instruction

1. Installing a curb for paving slabs or a curb

The purpose of the curb stone is to mark the path and protect the tile from spreading. But there are examples of laying paving slabs without a border.

Installation of a border is made on the leveled basis. For greater reliability, it is laid on a concrete base (concrete castle).

You can install a plastic border for tiles

The border can be installed flush with the tile or protrude by a few cm. It is recommended to lay the tile just above the curb (border) by 5 mm, this is a shrinkage gap.

There are three types of foundation:

Laying paving slabs on the sand.

In this case, the distance between the curbs (or stretched thread in their absence) is filled with sand. The height of the sand layer is 50-60 mm. Before work, the sand is poured with water using a sprayer and left to dry a little. Then it is leveled and rammed. The display is made on wet, but not wet sand.

On the base prepared at the fifth stage, the second layer of sand (30-40 mm) is laid, on which reinforcing mesh. From above, the mesh is covered with a mixture of sand and cement in a ratio of 1: 4.

Laying paving slabs on a concrete base.

The composition of the "pie" is shown in the diagram.

Note. Laying tiles on concrete the best option. This is due to the fact that the concrete base does not allow moisture to pass through. Water is trapped between concrete and tiles and sub-zero temperatures leads to deformation of the track.

3. Laying tiles

Simple rules for high-quality and efficient work.

How to properly lay paving slabs:

the tile is laid out from the bottom point upwards;

masonry is carried out by the method from oneself. That is, when performing work, the master moves along the already laid path so as not to damage the compacted and leveled base;

installation of tiles in a circular way starts from the center of the pattern.

the beginning of the montage falls on the optically visible boundary, i.e. to the place where the eye first falls: Entrance door, porch, veranda, gazebo, etc.

tiles are laid out not in even rows, but diagonally. This makes it easier to align horizontally.

Starting laying, the first step is to stretch the cord along the width of the track, and the first row of tiles is leveled along it. The horizontal should be checked with a level every 2-3 rows.

"Landing" paving slabs The tile is placed in the place intended for it and is installed accurately by lightly tapping it with a rubber mallet. If the tile falls under it, sand or a mixture is poured.

The gap between paving slabs is usually 2-3 mm (enough for water to escape). The exact gaps are maintained with the help of crosses (but, this is a theory, it does not occur in practice).

Some manufacturers have provided for the presence of limiters (remote locks) on the tiles, allowing installation without the use of accessories at the same distance from each other.

The material was prepared for the site www.site

Appeared new technology- paving slabs glowing in the dark. Installing such a tile will allow you to mark the boundaries and secure movement along the path in the dark. Luminous paint is applied over the tiles and is absolutely safe for users and the soil.

Another option for decorative lighting of the path is LED paving slabs. In this case, during the laying process, brick blocks are mounted - LED lights powered by electricity or solar panels.

Stage 6 - Grouting paving slabs

In addition to understanding how to lay paving slabs, you need to know how to seal the seams. Filling the joints between paving slabs is carried out in two approaches. To begin with, a thin layer of clean, sifted, dry sand is poured onto the laid tile. Using a broom or brush, the backfill is scattered between the seams. Then a layer of sand is poured onto the track (if the base is sandy) or a sand-cement mixture in a ratio of 1: 1 (for a cement-sand or concrete base) and the seams are also filled with a broom (spill).

You can purchase a ready-made dry mix for filling the joints of paving slabs: M150 (120 rubles / 25 kg) and Quick-mix PFN (1650 rubles / 25 kg).

At the end of the work, the path is watered with water using a sprayer. Watering is carried out until puddles form on the path.

Important. The distance between the curb and the tile is not concreted, and is also covered with a dry mix.

Note. Professionals advise vibrocompaction of seams with a special board, but users say that this is unnecessary in private construction.

Care of paving slabs

It is not enough to know how to lay paving slabs, you still need to provide it permanent care so that it lasts the billing period. A simple maintenance is to periodically sweep and wash the paving slab path (so that the colored tiles remain as beautiful). IN winter time metal shovels should not be used for snow removal, but crowbars, ice axes should not be used for icing, and the track should also be sprinkled with anti-ice compounds containing salt.

Water repellent for paving slabs

The porous structure of concrete acts like a sponge - it absorbs water. Hygroscopicity plays its detrimental role in winter, when water penetrates into the pores of concrete, freezes, expands and destroys the structure of the concrete base. As a result, the appearance of microcracks, dents, shells, discoloration.

To prevent this, protective impregnations are used - water repellents for paving slabs.

Water-repellent compositions (materials, additives, liquids) do not protect the tiles from fading in the sun and abrasion, but only impregnate the surface of the concrete and thereby prevent “soaking” with water (they provide a water-repellent property).