Laying paving slabs 40x40. Laying paving slabs

Many owners of private houses are interested in how to lay paving slabs. This finishing material is now very popular for decorating local areas. Paving slabs allow you to create not only ordinary masonry, but also a kind of multi-colored mosaic from irregularly shaped elements.

The main advantages of paving slabs

Not everyone knows how to lay paving slabs correctly. It's comparative new material. However, paving slabs have already become more in demand than the well-known paving stones.

Among the main advantages paving slabs properties such as:

low cost;
simple installation technology;
durability;
environmental friendliness;
resistance to aggressive environmental influences;
variety of shapes and colors;
the ability to create bright and original landscape design elements.

To lay a path or area with paving slabs yourself, you do not need any special technical skills or knowledge, only the ability to use ordinary tools. If you follow the procedure exactly during the installation process and try a little, everything will definitely work out.

How to choose a tile

Thick tiles (more than 60mm) can support the weight of a full truck. These tiles are usually in the form of small bars. This gives the cladding additional strength.

It’s not difficult to figure out how to lay paving slabs correctly. The main condition for a novice master is to choose a small area for his first experiments. A garden path is best. It is better to choose one-color, square or rectangular tiles.

Marking the site and preparing the base

First you need to calculate the area of the path or site. It is calculated according to required amount tiles You need to purchase material with a reserve of 10-15% in case of damage to the material. In order not to make mistakes when making calculations, you can draw a plan of the future site. This will make it easier to carry out the necessary calculations and calculations.

Curbs are required along the edges of the path. This will help maintain the integrity of the structure. The border should be several times thicker than the selected tile. It is necessary to lay tiles only on a properly prepared base; not only the appearance, but also the strength of the structure depends on this.

The correct base for paving slabs

To fulfill all necessary work The following tools will be required:

shovels - shovel and bayonet;
grinder saw;
spatulas;
rule;
building level;
roulette;
rubber mallet or mallet;
twine or cord, scaffolding;
Master OK;
rake;
container for preparing the mixture.

First you need to outline the location of the path or site. To do this, pegs are driven into the ground on both sides of the route. A cord or twine is tied to them. You need to walk along the marked area in different directions to determine the correctness of the markings and the optimal location of the site or path. The markings can be adjusted during operation.

Drainage system

The technology for laying paving slabs with your own hands requires drainage works. On clayey, swampy soil with a high location groundwater internal drainage is required. For this in the process earthworks the required slope is formed, drainage pipes are installed to drain water.

On dry soil, it is enough to arrange external drainage. To do this, paving slabs are laid on the path with a slope of 2 or 3° towards the curb. Some water will seep through the seams between the tiles.

Construction of the foundation

You need to dig a ditch under the foundation. The top layer of soil is removed to a depth of 20 cm. Remains of vegetation must be removed. The bottom must be leveled and compacted. If the soil is very weak, a concrete screed is laid under the future paving slab structure. This will strengthen the base and ensure the longevity of the path or area.

Concrete reinforced base under paving slabs

Then the curbs are installed. A cushion of fine-grained (10-20) crushed stone or gravel is poured between them. Bulk material needs to be leveled and compacted a little.

Curbs on both sides of the path must be installed parallel. Inner space between them should accommodate the required number of tiles. In this case, it is necessary to take into account mounting clearances of 2-3 mm. Then a solution is prepared for concreting the curbs. Cement grade M300 or higher and sifted sand are taken. Proportion 1:2.

The gravel cushion at the bottom of the trench is filled with coarse wet sand, which must be leveled. The thickness of the sand cushion after compacting the sand should be at least 3-5 cm. To control from the top edge of the curb downwards, you need to measure 1.5 times the thickness of the tile.

Tiles are laid on top. If its position exceeds the desired level by 1 cm, the sand can be compacted. To do this, the finished pillow must be moistened generously and left for several hours. Pack tightly. After a day, you can begin laying the tiles. The main thing is that the concrete poured under the curbs is completely hardened.

Laying tiles on sand and crushed stone

The tiles are laid in clear, dry weather. Wind, rain, and dampness make the installation process difficult and can worsen the result, especially if the master does not yet have the necessary skills. The path is laid out in the direction away from you; you cannot stand on the sand and gravel pad while working.

Before laying paving slabs with your own hands, you need to prepare the installation mixture. For it, take dry sifted fine sand and cement in a ratio of 3:1 or a ready-made composition purchased at a building materials store.

Laying tiles on a cement-sand mixture

So that the path can be dismantled later, the tiles must be laid only on sand. The dry mixture or sand is poured to a thickness of no more than 4 cm; the pillow needs to be leveled. When backfilling, you can use guides made of reinforcing rods, tubes, etc. The mixture is distributed over the working surface with a trowel or rake and leveled using a rule.

If the path is narrow, sand is poured between the curbs and leveled with a trowel. Using a level you need to create a drainage slope. While working, the master moves along the length of the path, holding a bucket of sand and tools at hand. On a wide path, the dry mixture is poured along the beacons. The height of the beacons is reduced by 1 cm every meter of the width of the future path to ensure water drainage.

Aligning the base with beacons

You need to pour sand on top of the finished masonry and use a hard mop to grout the laid surface. Instead of sand, you can use special grouting compounds. The procedure for working with them is indicated on the packaging.

Laying tiles on a concrete base

Preparatory work for laying paving slabs on a concrete base is carried out in the same way. First, the tiles are laid on a work surface covered with sand.

To prepare the solution, use M500 cement. It must be diluted with water to the required consistency. It is better to mix the solution with an electric drill or a construction mixer. Gradually add sand to the mixture of water and cement. It should be 4 times more than dry cement.

When laying on concrete, a strict sequence must be observed. The tiles are removed one by one from the sand bed. You need to remove 4 elements of preliminary masonry at a time. The solution is applied to the vacant area. It needs to be evenly distributed. Having laid the tiles on top of the mortar, it is necessary to trim and lightly press down with a mallet. When laying, special wooden spacers are installed between the tiles to obtain the required gap. When the entire path or area has been laid out, the remaining mortar must be removed from the surface.

Some rules for laying tiles

In order for the laid material to be smooth and beautiful along the entire length of the path, it is necessary to lay out the initial row of tiles especially carefully. You need to stretch the line across the path, maintaining a drainage slope towards the curb. The first tile is installed 0.5 cm from the curb. In the longitudinal direction, laying is controlled by a level.

On the path, the tiles are laid diagonally and compacted with a mallet. Between the elements you need to leave a gap of 2 mm. The laid out row must be carefully inspected and all errors must be corrected immediately. Usually it is enough to adjust the amount of sand under protruding or sinking elements. An evenly laid initial row is the key to ensuring that the entire path will turn out neat and beautiful.

Tamping will speed up the work of laying paving slabs

If the masonry involves partial tiles, they should be laid out last. To correctly mark the cutting line, the tile must be attached to the installation site. A hacksaw is suitable for cutting tiles, but the work will go very slowly. Therefore, you need to cut paving slabs with a grinder. A diamond disc is installed on it. You can use a special knife. You need to wear safety glasses when working.

Sealing seams and cracks

When the installation of paving slabs is completed, it is necessary to seal small cracks. To do this, you need to prepare a cement solution with a high content of liquid glass. This will make the structure resistant to aggressive environmental influences. A mixture of sand and cement or sand is poured into the assembly joints between the individual elements.

Only clean sand can be used to fill cracks and installation joints. Minor amount organic elements or salts will subsequently lead to the appearance of small flora on the paved area. Plants will spoil the appearance of the structure and reduce its strength.

Sand is compacted using a hose with a narrow spray nozzle. The procedure must be repeated several times. Bulk material is added each time. The density of filling the assembly joints will ensure the strength and durability of the entire masonry.

Options for laying paving slabs

Paving slabs allow you to create various shapes and ornaments in the local area. You can use ready-made laying schemes or come up with your own version of the design of a path or site.

The most common options for laying paving slabs:

herringbone;
network;
chessboard;
random mix;
circular pattern.

Using multi-colored elements of different shapes, alternating installation options, you can create interesting compositions based on the principle of regular mosaics or puzzles.

Geometric laying of paving slabs

It is better to perform figured masonry first in an area near the work site. This will allow you to correct individual errors or change something in advance. When the working surface is ready, the tiles are gradually transferred to it and laid in the desired order.

To tile a round area, you need to make a primitive compass from wooden slats with pointed ends. With its help, a circle is drawn on the prepared area on top of the sand cushion. Next, the tiles are laid from the outer edge to the center of the site.

Use and care

A freshly laid paving slab path will be ready for use 2-3 days after all work is completed. To remove dust and debris, the path is usually swept with a broom and washed with a stream of water from a hose. Deep patterns with bright colors need to be cleaned more often and more carefully than regular masonry.

The sand placed in the tile joints is gradually washed away as the path or platform is used. Therefore, it needs to be topped up as needed. Damaged structural elements (for example, cracked tiles) are easily replaced with new ones.

Paving slabs are not resistant to mechanical stress, so they cannot be cleaned with abrasive powder. It is better to use sifted river sand.

Do not use strong chemicals to remove stains. A weak soap solution is sufficient. It is applied with a soft brush and then washed off with water from a hose.

In winter, snow and ice must be carefully removed without using metal tools. Can be used with rubber tip. This will save decorative tiles. To prevent the path from being slippery, it should be sprinkled with regular clean sand.

Paving slabs today are one of the most practical materials used to cover various surfaces. Surely many have seen huge streets covered with this material, and sometimes even roadways. Practice shows that paving slabs are a truly successful material, but they have certain disadvantages. In fact, if tiles are laid within private territory, then often problems do not occur at all. Often the situation is such that tiling work should be carried out only after a thorough analysis of the area and many surrounding factors. It is often possible to discover unexpected moments that jeopardize all planned work.

An important advantage of paving material is the fact that with the help of simple steps, products can be produced in limited conditions. This is definitely good news, since there is simply no need to purchase tiles from companies that artificially inflate the price of their products.

On sale you can find tiles of various sizes and other characteristics, and everything is limited only by the creative thinking of the owners who are going to produce this material.

In this article we will look at the main features associated with the production and laying of paving slabs measuring 50x50 cm. It is safe to say that after studying the intricacies of the technology, you can get a truly excellent result associated with creating a platform from tile material.

Features of paving slabs

To begin with, it is worth noting that paving slabs are becoming more common every year. This is especially noticeable if you pay attention to country or garden areas. Around these areas you can often find a platform created on the basis of paving slabs. This choice is at least logical, since paving slabs are significantly cheaper than asphalt, but at the same time they have a number of advantages that the asphalt road surface that is familiar to many does not even have. First of all, you need to understand that tiles are an excellent decorative component for many areas. Moreover, you can without any problems decorate an area that looks completely unattractive due to the simplicity of the materials used.

The appearance of the tile, as well as many other characteristics, can be safely specified during production. Of course, numerous companies have been creating this material for individual orders for many years, but at the moment we have a picture in which, even in artisanal conditions, it is relatively easy to produce high-quality material.

As for our immediate article, we will analyze the situation associated with the use of tiles with dimensions of 50x50 cm. Practice shows that such products are last years has received considerable success, and this is often due to the general simplicity of the tiles and the relative simplicity of laying the material. In addition, you should not think that if a product has equal sides, then there simply will not be a decorative component here. In practice, it is possible to implement various textures on the surface of the material, use dyes and many other technologies to give the material a decorative style. Again, everything depends directly on the capabilities, as well as on the monetary issue, if the material is purchased from one or another manufacturer.

If we talk about the use of such tiles, the scope is practically unlimited. We can only note the roadways where paving slabs do not show their best side. Most often, such a surface is found on sidewalks (obvious from the name of the product), around houses, and various areas. Most often, people resort to producing these products when they need to slightly transform the territory. This could be a creation garden paths, or arrangement of the area around the house. Practice shows that there are simply no problems associated with the use of tiles in all these cases.

Despite this, it is worth considering all the pros and cons of paving slabs in order to accurately plan all the necessary construction and repair activities.

Strengths and weaknesses of paving slabs

Advantages:

Price. As you know, today people’s income has dropped significantly, so everyone is looking for an opportunity to save on something. Practice shows that more economical option, except for using paving slabs, today there is no. Of course, the range of these products is simply impressive, however, even the cheapest tile options turn out to be attractive in appearance. Accordingly, by applying some savings when purchasing paving slabs, you can somewhat expand your budget for the purchase of other products. Of course, paving slabs have a lot of competitors, but in terms of pricing policy, tiles simply have no equal.
Durability and reliability. Paving slabs are made on the basis of concrete (a mixture of cement, sand and crushed stone), so you can be sure that the material will last for long years will delight you with its integrity. It is worth understanding that the tiles also have excellent frost resistance, however, on roadways, cars will quickly render even the most reliable surface unusable. The bottom line is that during frosts, upon contact with the material, concrete is actively destroyed, so it is advisable to use asphalt on roadways. If we are talking about a small road near a site where a car will stop, then this is also a good and even reliable solution.
Range. In this article we are considering tiles with dimensions of 50x50 cm, but now it is possible to produce products with completely different dimensions. It is worth understanding that this will not create any difficulties, especially if the tile has a well-thought-out geometry and other components necessary for the practical use of the surface. In addition, various dyes and additives can be used in the production of tiles, which significantly affect the appearance of the material. These are also inexpensive solutions that allow you to get the most out of your limited cash budget. It is worth understanding that multi-colored tiles are not always good. A surface that does not have unnecessary details. Therefore, you can often find the most ordinary gray tiles with dimensions and other parameters that are quite familiar to everyone.
Practicality of use. The process of laying paving slabs is truly an elementary job that beginners can easily handle. However, you should not think that without preliminary preparation you can easily create a high-quality surface. There is a technology that we will talk about later, which includes many of the subtleties of the process. After a little analysis of the specifics of laying tiles, it becomes clear that the process is really simple, and this is especially noticeable compared to other materials used for laying on the surface. In addition, the practicality of the process also lies in the fact that here we have a material that can be safely used in almost any conditions. To do this, you do not need to use any specialized equipment or other things that require additional money and labor. Again, this is an extremely important aspect when it comes to saving and carrying out such events within a fairly modest monetary framework.
Environmental friendliness. As you know, many people deliberately refuse to use numerous coatings, since we are talking about the environment. Asphalt, which is familiar to many, is not the best solution in this regard. In turn, if we talk about paving slabs, the material is a truly environmentally friendly product, which is produced on the basis of well-known components that do not cause any harm environment. It is safe to say that thanks to this aspect, paving slabs have been used in many places and areas where the environmental friendliness of the materials used is important.

Flaws:

Slippery surface. You need to understand that the surface of concrete at sub-zero temperatures becomes unsuitable for people to move around. The situation is such that surfaces created on the basis of paving slabs must be sprinkled with sand or salt. Of course, on a scale small area– this is not a problem at all, since if necessary, you can completely secure the territory. If slippery material is a serious problem, you should take a closer look at other resources that will be more practical in this matter.
Shrinkage of tiles. People often encounter problems related to tile shrinkage. This situation is based on non-compliance with some features of the tile laying technology. In this case, it is worth doing everything possible to ensure that the base on which the material is laid does not have a single flaw. However, in certain cases, much depends directly on the available site, and the situation may be related to problematic soils or the quality of the resources used.

Once again I would like to mention that the presence or absence of certain features of the material depends on the place where the product will be used. Again, this may be specific soil, some external factors. It is necessary to analyze all existing aspects of a particular issue, and only then draw informed conclusions.

Technology for laying paving slabs

general information

First of all, you need to know that tiles are laid in three ways:

on a wet sandy surface;
for a mixture of sand and cement;
for liquid sand-cement mixture.

If we consider each of these options, then it makes sense to pay attention to the fact that laying on wet sand is the best choice for a dacha area where a garden path or a small area can be created. In this situation, the area will be distinguished by excellent moisture absorption, as well as an overall pleasant decorative appearance.

If we talk about the second option, then a mixture is created with a sand to cement ratio of 5:1. This mixture is evenly distributed throughout the area, after which water is poured. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that such a surface is highly durable, and this is the best base for sidewalks on busy streets.

The third option, according to experts, is even more practical and durable. All this is because the created mixture must provide a high quality surface, and the adhesion to the tiles here turns out to be almost ideal. The layer of liquid mixture should be about 3 cm. Accordingly, if the area is large, then a lot of mixture will be required, which, of course, will not be cheap.

As for the options for laying tiles, in the case of material measuring 50x50 cm we have enough limited opportunities. Despite this, this situation does not present any problems at all if you want to create a regular surface. The decorative component can be achieved by purchasing material with various patterns and colors.

Laying the material

First of all, it is necessary to remove the top layer of soil. This is necessary because the surface has many problems associated with sufficient density. Accordingly, if you lay the material on top of the soil, there is a high probability of the tiles failing. The top layer of soil is only 15 cm, so ordinary tools used on the site will be sufficient for removal. If the soil has serious flaws, then it may make sense to carry out deeper soil removal.
Next, you need to ensure some inclination of the surface. You need to understand that during precipitation the water will be in one place, and for paving slabs this is an extremely negative situation. At a minimum, the accumulation of water will begin to destroy the tiles, making them unusable within a short period of time after installation. Accordingly, when removing soil, it is necessary to ensure a minimum slope. It may only be a few degrees, but there shouldn't be any problems with precipitation. It is better to choose a slope in the direction where there is some kind of flower bed, or just a sector where grass grows. This will not only provide comfort when moving along the road, but also the water will move to the place where it is needed. If a narrow garden path is created, then there should be no problems at all. Often, owners form both longitudinal and transverse slopes, creating the most suitable conditions for drainage.
Now you need to mark the territory. This can be done even earlier, but there is not much difference in this matter at all. For high-quality marking, it makes sense to use a rope stretched between the stakes. It must be borne in mind that in this situation, when marking has already been carried out, it is possible to visually assess whether the project has any problems. For example, these could be various stones or plants that cannot be removed from the site. If the area where the tiles are laid is small, then sometimes the markings don’t make much sense.
Next comes the creation of a sand cushion. As we have already mentioned, sand is often the main material for laying paving slabs. Obviously, this is an economical option, and, as practice shows, quite economical. The sand layer should be approximately 7 cm. Every effort should be made to ensure that the surface is perfectly flat. In some cases, when it is necessary to lay tiles over a large area, a vibrating plate is used. This installation represents The best decision for high-quality sand compaction. You need to understand that if we are talking about the need for a high-quality result, then it will be difficult to do without a vibrating plate. Compaction can be carried out using numerous available means. If high quality sand is used, compaction problems often do not occur.
After this, it’s time to lay the cement-sand mass. In this case, you will need to use a building level, with which you can check the flatness of the surface. At the same time, we should not forget that the slope of the site should be monitored at all times so that there are no problems with precipitation.
As already mentioned, you can lay liquid cement-sand mortar. It is worth understanding that this process will require a concrete mixer, and all necessary measures are carried out quickly, since the mixture gains strength at high speed.
Well, now it’s time to lay paving slabs. It should be remembered that the location of the material must be precise so that massive rearrangements are not necessary afterwards. Using a rubber mallet, you need to hit the top of the tile a little so that the material penetrates well into the base. It is important to pay attention to the fact that the tiles are often fragile (for example, if the material is small in thickness), so you should not hit it too hard. All tiles must be laid in such a way that their level throughout the entire area is the same. If the original size of the tiles is too large for some places on the site, you need to use a grinder and cut.
The seams between the tiles are filled with a dry cement-sand mixture. If everything is done correctly, the surface will look monolithic and truly reliable.

If everything was done exactly according to these instructions, then you can be sure of the excellent result of the work carried out. It is also worth understanding that today there are all conditions to carry out all the necessary repair and construction activities efficiently and without problems. However, as we have already mentioned, there are situations when a particular site has significant flaws associated with the soil or other factors. Often the conditions are too specific to make any decisions personally. Therefore, it makes sense to turn to specialists who will not only give useful advice, but will also point out more subtle details that may have too serious an impact on the final result of the work being carried out. Often, there are no special problems when laying paving slabs.

In the process of improving the area around country house or a summer residence, responsible owners cannot do without organizing paths, areas in front of the house or in the depths of the garden, intended for summer recreation or parking a car. The easiest way, of course, is to roll them into asphalt or concrete, but these materials will in no way add aesthetics and exclusivity to the site. Therefore, recently, most homestead owners have opted for paving slabs.

It is quite possible, but it will take a lot of time, so it is better to do this work with an assistant. The process must be carried out strictly in stages, and each of the technological steps should be performed carefully and slowly.

Tools and materials for work

Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare everything necessary for this - work equipment and materials.

The tools you will need are:

— Shovels - bayonet and shovel for excavating soil.

— Rake for leveling bulk construction materials.

— Wooden stakes or pins from pieces of reinforcement, as well as twine (cord) for marking the territory.

— Rubber hammer for leveling tiles and borders.

— Construction level and tape measure.

— A brush or broom for spreading sand over the laid tiles.

— Tamping is manual or mechanical, depending on the size of the area to be improved.

— A long, even pipe or guides for leveling the sand if the tiles will be laid without a cement-sand mixture.

— Grinder with a disc for cutting stone. You can’t do without it if you have to cut sidewalk blocks.

Materials to complete the work must be purchased:

A) The paving slabs themselves. It can be made using different technologies and from various materials. Accordingly, its characteristics are somewhat different. Some basic properties different types paving slabs - in the attached table:

Performance	Polymer tiles	Concrete vibrocast	Vibration-pressed concrete
Average density in kg/m³	1650-1800	2320-2400	2200-2400
Water absorption of mass	0.15	4-4,5	5,5-6,5
Compressive strength, MPa	17-18	40-50	40
Bending strength, MPa	17-25	6-7	5-5,5
Frost resistance, cycles	More than 500	300-400	200-300
Abrasion, g/sq. cm	0,05-0,1	0,3-0,4	0,5-0,7

In addition, when purchasing paving slabs, it is necessary to take into account other points that are important for the reliability and aesthetics of future paths and areas. For example, for an area that will not experience heavy loads, one with a thickness of up to 60 mm is quite suitable. If it is assumed that a car will drive into the area being paved, then it is necessary to choose paving stones with a thickness of 60 millimeters or more.

At the same time, of course, the owners must decide on the configuration of the tiles, their colors, etc. Different types and the shades of the blocks allow you to lay out mosaic designs, therefore, if you want to go beyond simple “gray” paving, you should think in advance about the pattern and, accordingly, the number of tiles of one color or another shape. It is possible that the table below with some popular models of paving slabs will help with this:

product name	Dimensions in mm			Weight in kg	Quantity, pcs. in 1 m²
	L	B	H
3.F.6 “Wave”	240	120	60	3.6	40
3.F.8 “Wave”	240	120	80	4.66	40
1.P.4 “Rectangle”	197	97	40	1.9	50
1.P.6 “Rectangle”	197	97	40	1.9	50
1.P.8 “Rectangle”	197	97	40	1.9	50
1.K.6 “Square”	197	197	60	5.43	25
1.K.6 “Corner”	197	197/97	60	4.05	34

L- length, IN — width, N-height

What else should you pay attention to? Special attention when choosing tiles, in addition to the above characteristics? There are criteria for evaluating paving blocks that have been tested practically:

— The quality of the tiles can be determined without looking at the characteristics by hitting one block against another - if you hear a dull sound, then too much water has been added to the mixture for making paving stones. If the sound upon impact turns out to be ringing, then the tile is made according to technology and is of high quality.

— If you like a paving stone that has a very bright color, but its cost is quite low, then, most likely, low-quality coloring pigments were used, which, firstly, are unstable in themselves, and secondly, significantly reduce the strength qualities of the tile.

It is very important to buy tiles from the same production batch, because otherwise the blocks may differ not only in size and color, but also in the composition of the mixture from which they were made.

Like all building materials, paving slabs must be purchased with a “reserve”, based on 15% more than the area of the intended paving. Spare blocks will be needed in case of accidental damage, detection of defects, damage and inevitable waste during cutting.

b) Curbs for fencing a paved area.

V) Geotextiles, the size of which must exceed the area of the masonry by 200 ÷ 250 mm on each side, so that it fits onto the walls of the recesses for laying layers.

G) Materials for laying beddinglayers — sand, gravel or crushed stone, cement. Their number is calculated depending on the area to be covered, the number, type and expected thickness of the backfill layers.

d) A can of brightly colored spray paint. It is convenient for them to make preliminary markings without any effort. Paint can be replaced with lime, which is scattered to mark the edges of the future path or area.

e) Reinforcing grid for concreting the site. It is not always needed - it will only be required if the base for the masonry needs to be strengthened.

Having prepared everything you need, you can proceed to marking work on the site.

Prices for paving slabs

Paving slabs

Marking the territory

The first thing that needs to be done is to determine and mark the area where the area or path that needs to be paved will be located. For the preliminary stage, you will need a tape measure and a can of bright-colored paint. Measurements should begin from the house, gate, fence or other building to which the tiled area will be adjacent.

It all starts with marking...

The required distance in length and width is measured from the building, and marks are made in the form of dots or lines with paint. If the path is to be covered with tiles, then several more measurements are taken in its direction to maintain the specified width. It is recommended to adjust the area parameters to the size of the tile, that is, it is best to set the dimensions as multiples of the tile parameters, so that you have to cut it as little as possible.

Having made preliminary markings that will set the direction or define the area of the site, you can proceed to precise markings with the installation of pegs and tensioning of cords.

In any case, all measurements and drawing lines begin from one specific reference point, to which the further location of all other landmarks is tied.

Let's assume that the corner of the house is taken as the reference point. In this case, around it and across the width of the path or platform, as well as at its end, pegs are driven in, onto which a string is stretched, limiting the place where further work will be carried out.

When marking the main area of a path or resting place, we must not forget that the structure of all layers will have to be supported by curbs, for which it is also necessary to provide space on one or both sides of the paving slabs being laid.

1 - pegs;

2 - twine;

3 - soil after removing the soil;

4 - backfilling with sand.

Preliminary site preparation

The preparation of the site is carried out in different ways, depending on its purpose, since not only paths and recreation areas are laid with paving slabs, but also parking lots for cars, which require higher strength. Therefore, site preparation and layering may vary.

In any case, whatever the site is intended for, after determining its exact location, proceed to preparatory work, which involves digging a relatively shallow pit. Its depth will depend on the materials of the layers being laid and their thickness. For work you will need a bayonet and shovel, as well as a wheelbarrow for transporting cut soil.

The top layer of soil must be removed to a thickness of up to 150 ÷ 200 mm, along with the roots of all plants located in this area. This fertile soil should not be taken outside the site - it can be used for landscaping

If additional reinforcement is needed to construct the site, the pit is deepened to 400 ÷ 500 mm.

The area freed from soil should be fairly level; it would be a good idea to walk along it with a hand tamper to compact the top loose soil. If serious depressions have formed on it in the process of excavating the soil, they must be sprinkled with soil and these places must be further compacted, bringing the entire surface to the same level.

These works are carried out in the same way for laying tiles on the most different sites or paths, but further preparation work may vary significantly.

First option

First of all, it is worth considering how the bedding layers are laid for areas that will not be exposed to this: paths, recreation areas or pedestrian areas in front of the house, blind areas around it.

In this case, the following materials are placed in a prepared pit on the ground surface - geotextiles, crushed stone or gravel, sand and a cement-sand mixture. It should be noted that sometimes paving slabs are simply laid on a compacted layer of sand.

Following this scheme, the backfill layers must be laid as follows:

Geotextiles are laid on the ground, which will prevent vegetation from growing through the laid layers and paving slabs. In addition, in a certain way it also performs a kind of reinforcing function.
Above is a layer of gravel or crushed stone, which is poured with a slight elevation at the center of the site or path - this must be done so that the water does not linger on the paved surface, but flows down to the side of the curbs. The gravel is then leveled and rolled, but the shape of the sloping “hill” is maintained. The compacted layer should be 100 ÷ 150 mm.

Compacting a gravel “pad” with a vibrating plate

After the gravel has been compacted, the site is fenced with curbs around the entire perimeter or along the future path.

Borders enclosing the site are installed between it and the vertical edge of the soil located along the perimeter of the area (or along the path). Curb blocks are secured to the block, laid on a compacted bed of crushed stone or gravel. The evenness of the curbs is measured by level and, if necessary, adjusted with a rubber hammer.

Fencing blocks can also be placed on top of sand. In any case, the trench for their installation must have such a depth that after laying the tiles, the curb rises above it at the level of the paved area by 50 ÷ 60% of its height.

Next, it is poured onto the gravel layer of sand that spread over the surface using a rake, well moistened, and then compacted. When compacted, the thickness of the sand layer should be from 50 to 100 mm.

Sand can be compacted using a manual tamper, a roller, or a special tamping machine - this will depend on the size of the area being prepared.

Tamping cement-sand mixture

The next step is to prepare a sand-cement mixture and spread it on top of the sand, then moisten it and also compact it. In the compacted state, the thickness of this layer should be 20 ÷ 40 mm.

The second preparation option is for heavy loads

This preparation option is carried out if the site is intended for parking. It is clear that for such a purpose a stronger and more reliable base is required so that the surface does not sag over time. This is exactly the option when the pit should have a depth of 400-500 mm.

In this case, sand is backfilled onto the prepared and compacted soil. It is moistened and compacted, and the finished sand layer should be 100 ÷ 150 mm. To accurately determine the thickness of the layers, their size can be marked in advance on the walls of the pit. To do this, the height is measured with a tape measure and marked with spray paint through a thin tube along the entire perimeter of the pit.
The next layer, consisting of gravel or the middle fraction of crushed stone, is laid in the same way. It is also leveled and compacted, and in the compacted state it should be at least 100 ÷ 150 mm. This “pillow” will serve as a reliable basis for the next layer.
To strengthen the base for the paving stones, a reinforcing metal grid with cells of 80 × 80 or 100 × 100 mm is laid on the gravel layer. The finished lattice can be replaced with metal rods of reinforcement 6 ÷ 8 mm thick, which are laid in the form of a lattice and fastened with twisted wire.

Guide beacons are installed on the grille. They are raised to the height of the screed thickness, which should be about 100 ÷ 120 mm. Beacons are set to the building level and fixed to slides made of concrete mortar.
While the solution dries, curbs are installed around the site, and if they are not provided or they are planned to be installed later, then formwork made of bricks or boards is installed for the screed at its height.
After the solution under the beacons has set, concrete consisting of sand and cement can be poured onto the site in a 3:1 ratio. The solution is distributed over the surface, the thickness above the beacons, and then, using a rule that is guided along guides, like on rails, it is leveled to their level. It is advisable to fill the entire area in one go. If you have to postpone pouring part of the site until tomorrow, it is recommended to cover the already filled area with plastic film. The screed is left to set and harden - this period will last from 7 to 12 days. To make the screed more durable, it must be moistened daily with water for 3 ÷ 5 days, starting from the day after pouring, and then covered with plastic film.
When the screed is ready, curbs are installed on the concrete mortar along its perimeter. This option is suitable if the enclosing elements are of small height. The solution under the curbs should also set, and only after that can you move on to the next layer.

Temporary beacons 20 ÷ 40 mm high are installed on a flat fenced concrete surface - this is exactly the height that the next dry layer consisting of sand and cement should have. It is mixed in advance and poured onto a concrete area, and then distributed with a shovel and rake, and after that it is leveled according to the beacons.

Third option - when laying sand tiles

This option is most often chosen, apparently because it is less labor-intensive than the two described above. In this method, paving is carried out on a sand cushion.

1 - soil;

2 - curbs;

3 - concrete solution;

4 - crushed stone;

5 - sand;

6 - paving stones.

If this installation option is chosen, then the pit should have a depth of 200 ÷ 250 mm, but along its perimeter or along the edges of the path a trench is dug 100 ÷ 150 mm deeper than the main pit. This trench will be necessary for installing curbs - this is where preparation for the main work begins.

Crushed stone of the middle fraction is poured into the trench and compacted in a layer of 50 mm.
A thick concrete solution is laid on top of it.
Curbs are placed on it and leveled. Having installed them, you do not need to wait for the concrete to set - you can immediately move on to the next operation. The height of the curb should be calculated in such a way that after laying the tiles, it rises above it by 70 ÷ 80 mm.

A backfill of crushed stone is made at the bottom of the entire pit between the curbs, which is leveled and compacted. When compacted, the thickness of this layer should be 100 ÷ 120 mm. The crushed stone layer serves as a strengthening component of the structure, as well as its drainage, which will prevent water from stagnating under the tiles.
Sand is poured on top of the crushed stone, wetted, compacted, and then its surface is leveled along the lines installed deep into the sand guide beacons. The thickness of the sand layer should also be 100 ÷ 120 mm.

It should be noted that it is better to level compacted sand over large areas while laying the tiles, so as not to carry out this work twice. When part of the site is paved with paving stones, it will be possible to level the entire surface, and further work can be done while standing on the already paved section of the site, that is. install the tiles yourself.

Laying paving slabs

It must be said right away that tiles are laid on sand and sand-cement beds in the same way. The main thing is that the surface is well prepared.

Half the success is a very carefully prepared site for paving

Before you start laying tiles on the prepared surface, you need to understand the design of joining blocks of different shapes and sizes. This " training process"can be carried out on an ordinary flat surface, for example, on a workbench. and will consist of two or three types or sizes of tiles, then in order not to get confused, it is best to draw up a diagram that you can keep next to you while working.

If there is a stop line on the site for the first row, for example, the wall of a house, then you can start laying from there. It will be easier to install the tiles starting from the installed border, since it has smooth surfaces and is already horizontally level.

The first row of masonry is laid along a smooth, defined line, and it should consist of solid tiles. If shaped tiles are laid, then its cut parts, which will make the outer rows even, are laid after the installation of the paving stones on the main area of the site is completed.
The tile, laid on a sand or combined cushion, is pressed well against its surface and tapped with a rubber hammer.

Continuation of laying figured tiles: the “lock” edges must match

There is always a small gap between individual paving blocks, from 3 to 5 mm. If you look at high-quality tiles carefully, you will see that this gap will be provided by special profile protrusions, which are vertically located on the side edges.

Next comes the second row provided by the diagram. If you choose paving stones that have different sizes and curly edges, then the joints between two rows will become a kind of lock that will not allow one tile to move away from the other.

The third and subsequent rows are installed in the same way.

If there are obstacles in the way of the masonry, for example, a canopy pipe or a sewer hatch, whole tiles are installed around them, and laying out the halves should also be left until the end of the work, when the whole tile has been laid over the entire site.

Areas around any obstacles that come across are temporarily left - they can be finally paved later

Having reached before drainage pipe under the drainpipe (if paving is done around the base of the building), first check installation and depth of the storm inlet itself with a grate, and connection of the outlet pipe to it. Then this entire structure is covered with a layer of sand with appropriate compaction, and then paving slabs are laid on top.

Having laid out a certain area, the paving stones are immediately “swept”, that is, the gaps between the individual tiles are filled with a mixture of sifted dry sand and cement (the usual proportion for this is 5:1 or even 6:1). The dry mixture is poured onto the laid tiles, and then the entire surface is swept with a brush or broom with slight pressure, thus filling all the gaps between the tiles with this mixture.

When the entire surface is covered, you can begin adjusting and installing the cutting parts. The remaining empty spaces are carefully measured, then a cut line is marked on the tile, along which the cut is made using a grinder with a stone wheel installed. The remaining empty areas of the site are filled with ready-made fragments, and then the same backfilling and sweeping are carried out using a dry sand-cement mixture.

After completing the laying of paving slabs, it is recommended to thoroughly compact them by walking over them with a vibrating plate, which will level the entire surface to one level and make the paved area more durable.

If a path that has turns and bends is lined with paving slabs, then there may be wider gaps between the tiles in the turning areas, but they should not exceed 7–8 mm. If such a gap is not enough, then cut out fragments of the desired configuration or purchase a special tile that is designed for rotation and made taking into account the required angle.

The process of laying paving slabs is quite labor-intensive, but the result will not only please the eye, but will also add comfort while walking around. garden plot In any weather. Having made efforts and listened to the recommendations, a caring owner will be quite able to pave the paths and areas of the site on his own, but this will require patience and, of course, desire.

And finally, a video that we hope will also be useful when initially mastering the technology of laying paving slabs:

Video: a short visual lesson on laying paving slabs

In order for paving slabs to serve you for a long time and with high quality, you must strictly follow the technology for laying them. Minor errors during the installation of tiles can cause deformation of the coating after just a few years of its operation. We will consider the technology of laying paving slabs below.

Paving slabs - features and characteristics of the material

Paving slabs are gaining increasing popularity not only in public use, but also in private households. This practical material is used to decorate streets, squares, parks, pavements, garden paths, and areas located in front of the house.

The principle of making paving slabs depends on its type. The vibropressed version of the tile has a dense structure and a rough surface. To make such tiles, you need a brick press. Next to the vibration pressing mechanism there is a matrix, inside of which there are forms for concrete composition. Most often, standard concrete mortar is used to make tiles with the addition of various additives that improve its quality. It is quite possible to make such tiles at home, if you have a homemade or purchased brick press. Thus, the cost of the material is reduced several times.

Tiles made by vibration casting method involve the use of plastic compounds for its production. With the help of these substances it is possible to imitate brick or wooden surface. The appearance of such tiles is more pleasant than vibropressed tiles; they are quite popular in private housing construction.

Paving slabs most often have the shape of a parallelepiped. This is due to the fact that the thickness of the coating ensures the strength of the paving slabs. In relation to the method of manufacturing the material, they are distinguished:

chipped version of paving slabs - they are cheaper, but driving on such roads by vehicle is almost impossible and inconvenient;
sawn version of the tile - the material has smooth edges and forms an even coating during installation.

Paving slabs are an excellent paving material that has many advantages, namely:

resistance to temperature changes and frost - average term the service life of the material at 10 freezing cycles in one winter is 45 years;
moisture absorption is ensured by the presence of gaps between the tiles, since they contain sand, water gradually drains from the tiles during rain and does not linger on it;
high level of strength to compression, bending and abrasion;
variety of tile shapes and sizes, as well as color solutions in which it was performed.

In relation to the material from which the tile is made, it can be:

1. Concrete - the most popular option, for the production of which concrete mortar and a brick press are used. The manufacturing process of the material is as follows:

preparation of solution;
pouring it into molds;
drying in a thermal oven;
cutting elements.

This method makes it possible to obtain a material of different colors and shapes with high performance characteristics.

2. The clinker version of paving slabs is somewhat similar to brick. To make the material, a clay solution is used, which is fired in special ovens at high temperature. These tiles are highly durable and come in a variety of shapes and colors.

3. The granite version of paving stones is the most expensive and strongest. Natural stone is used to make such tiles.

Before proceeding with laying the material, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the tips for choosing paving slabs. First of all, it is necessary to determine its purpose, since the thickness of the material on a regular garden path and on car area will be different.

Before purchasing a material, consider its surface. If there are small chips, pay attention to the porosity of the tile. High-quality material will not contain a large number of pores and small inclusions.

Tap one tile against another; if the product has already dried well, the sound will be loud and not dull. Otherwise, the paving stones contain moisture inside, which will reduce its quality during operation.

Rub one tile against another; if they wear out quickly, then the manufacturer has gone too far with water and the life of this material will be short. The presence of excessive amounts of dye in paving slabs also negatively affects its quality. Therefore, give preference to less saturated and more natural colors.

Ask the seller for documents confirming product certification, since tiles are quite an expensive material and exist Great chance run into a low-quality manufacturer.

How to lay paving slabs on sand yourself

Before you start laying paving slabs, you need to prepare the tools to perform installation work as:

construction trowel;
rubber hammer;
the hose from which water is supplied, it is desirable that it has a divider;
ropes, with the help of which the boundaries of the area for laying paving slabs are determined;
measuring level;
rakes, shovels;
broom;
peg for marking;
equipment that allows you to perform high-quality sand compaction.

Before laying paving slabs on the sand yourself, you need to prepare:

tiles directly;
high quality cement option;
coarse sand, in which there are no additional inclusions;
medium-fraction crushed stone;
dry tile adhesive;
geotextile materials;
channel;
water level;
brush;
border tile options;
pipes for drainage if the site has marshy areas or soil with a high clay content.

There are three methods for installing paving slabs:

on a sand base;
on a crushed stone surface;
on a concrete base.

Initially, you should draw up a drawing of the area where the work is being carried out. The scaffold diagram for installing tiles is also shown in the drawing. Next, using pegs with a cord, mark the area. Walk along the previously constructed path and check it for ease of use.

After this, work should begin to prepare the foundation for work. In order to prevent grass from growing on the tile during use, it is necessary to get rid of the fertile layer of soil, about 18-20 cm thick. Get rid of the root parts and seeds of vegetation, as well as stones.

If there are groundwater located too high on the site, a drainage system should be organized. For this purpose, special pipes are installed to a depth of about 85 cm from the ground.

After removing the fertile soil layer, it is necessary to level the area as accurately as possible. Next, it is thoroughly compacted. If you do not have special equipment for tamping, then use a regular block on which the handles are fixed.

After this, a cushion of sand and crushed stone is laid on the base. Next, the soil is watered, thoroughly compacted and leveled. Install stones along the perimeter of the site to create a border. To fix them, you should prepare a solution of sand and cement. The thickness of the sand layer for laying paving slabs on sand with your own hands is about 15-20 cm.

To level the cushion, use a tamping agent and water from a hose. Next, the process of laying paving slabs with your own hands begins. The interval between two tiles is several centimeters. At the same time, the tiles should form a flat surface. To knock down the tiles, use a rubber hammer, and they should be positioned strictly horizontally. To check the evenness of the tiles, use building level. Further laying of the tiles consists of installing it in the same position as the previous one. Use sifted sand to fill the gaps between tiles, and a brush will help compact it inside the gaps. To remove any remaining sand from the tiles, pour water over them.

Please note that the main rule for long-term use of the material is that before laying the tiles on the sand, the base is carefully leveled and compacted. Otherwise, there may be a risk of site subsidence.

Do-it-yourself technology for laying paving slabs on a crushed stone base

The initial stage of surface preparation is the same as when installing tiles on a sand base. Initially, the area is cleared of debris, topsoil, plant roots, etc.

After this, install the curbs using a solution of sand and cement. Next, you should prepare a composition of sand and cement, in a ratio of one to three. Pour this composition 10 cm thick onto the base. After laying the paving slabs, level them with a rubber hammer. After laying the tiles, pour water over them and wait a few days until they are completely dry. Next, fill the seams between the tiles with sand and compact it with a brush. Wash off any remaining sand from the tiles with water. The operation of the tile begins several days after its installation.

Laying paving slabs with your own hands on a concrete base

In order to lay paving slabs thoroughly and permanently, use concrete mortar to fix them. The preparation of the base is the same as in the previous two methods of installing paving slabs.

After obtaining a level base, crushed stone should be poured, the layer thickness of which is about 15 cm and compacted.

Next, according to the shape of the site, formwork is formed. For its production, a wooden edged board is most often used. To strengthen the wooden sides, use pegs in the form of supports. They are formed at intervals of half a meter.

To carry out tile installation work, you will need a concrete mixer. Using it, prepare a solution of sand and cement in a ratio of one to three. Next, you should fill a small part of the base and install the tiles on it. The thickness of the layer is about 5 cm. At the same time, be sure to observe the slope of the surface on which the tiles are laid. Since the concrete solution will not allow water on the tiles to pass through during rain.

If there is too much area to lay tiles, and there will be a car on it, you should take care of additional reinforcement of the area. Small gaps are left between the concrete pads, which will help compensate for the expansion of the material during seasonal deformations.

Any solution with high elasticity is suitable for filling joints. The slope of the site should be arranged from the center to the edges.

To fix the curb stones, use the same mortar that you use to lay the tiles. To further fill the joints between the tiles, also use sand. Please note that the absence of a stove has a negative impact on the further use of the tile, since it is the stove that allows you to hold it in the desired position. Periodically, during the operation of the tiles, pour sand into the joints.

When laying tiles, you should take into account the fact that its front surface should be flush with the ground. To check the tiles for evenness, use a water level. If it is not possible to level the tiles using a rubber hammer, they should be lifted and laid again. To cut tiles, use a grinder and a special attachment for cutting stone products. If there is a special and uneven terrain on the site, you should initially level it with a concrete base, and then lay a sand cushion on it.

The sand used to fill the cracks between the tiles must be cleared of foreign impurities in the form of plant seeds and their roots. To prevent the development of vegetation under the tiles, a layer of geotextile is laid before laying the sand layer.

If there is no vehicle on the site, then it is enough to lay the tiles on sand, without using cement. If there is soil on the site with high level heaving, the installation of a sand cushion is mandatory. Lay the tiles only away from you, without moving on the previously laid covering. Initially install the whole tile, and then its cut pieces. In order to install the curb stone evenly, pull the cord over the place where it is laid.

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The best way to decorate garden paths, a local area or a car parking area is to pave it with paving slabs. It is beautiful, durable and comfortable. To ensure that such a coating brings only joy, it is better to entrust the laying of paving slabs to professionals. After all, if the technology is broken, the paving will quickly lose its attractive appearance, its parts will become unstable and unnecessary grass will sprout.

The company "Clean Reservoirs" offers services for laying paving slabs in Moscow and the Moscow region in suburban and suburban areas, sidewalks and squares, city streets and local areas. Our services can be used by individuals and legal entities Moscow and Moscow region(Khimki, Dmitrov, Istra, Moscow, Zelenograd, Solnechnogorsk, Krasnogorsk, Dedovsk, Dolgoprudny, Mytishchi, Balashikha, Odintsova, Lyubertsy, Zhukovsky, Podolsk, etc.). We accept orders of varying complexity: from creating garden paths at the dacha to large-scale large-scale projects. All work is carried out in accordance with established requirements and standards, under the strict control of technologists. You can be sure of the high quality of services, because we provide a guarantee on work for up to 5 years.

How we lay paving slabs

Preparing the base. We dig a trench at the site of the proposed paving of paving slabs. We install borders that are held together with a special adhesive.
Surface preparation. Fill the excavation with at least 10 cm of gravel, and then compact the layer. If necessary, fill the surface with concrete. Then we lay geotextiles, which prevent the growth of plants and weeds. We pour sand on top and compact it thoroughly again.
We install the beacons and begin laying tiles on them. For this we use a special mixture. We place the tiles loosely next to each other, and fill the resulting gaps with sand. Level the surface using a rubber hammer.
Operation of the coating. After rubbing the seams, some time must pass for the paving slabs to lock into place. For garden paths and courtyards, no more than 2 days are needed, for car parking – 4-5 days.

Advantages of paving with paving slabs

Paving a summer cottage with paving slabs - best option in terms of price and quality. This is a wear-resistant and durable paving material that can withstand significant loads. Laying paving slabs is ideal for garden paths, courtyards and areas near buildings.

Some more aspects of using paving slabs:

Paving slabs have a thickness range of 30-80 mm. It is selected depending on the location of its installation: the higher the load, the thicker the tile should be.
The strength and durability of the tile depends on the material it is made of. The most resistant ones are made of granite, marble or clinker.
Paving slabs have a wide variety of shapes and colors, which allows you to create different patterns and shapes.
Laying paving slabs requires adherence to technology so that the coating lasts as long as possible.
The cost of paving with paving slabs is lower than with paving stones. Often fewer consumables are required.

Options for paving with paving slabs

Paving slabs provide ample opportunities for the implementation of ideas, as they have a large selection of shapes and colors. Our specialists create a variety of designs and effects using tiles of various colors and textures.

You can order original paving slabs in the following formats:

"Geometric paving" - creation attractive design in the form of rhombuses, circles, checkerboards, leaves, honeycombs and many others.
“3D effect” - is achieved by using paving slabs with a volumetric effect.
“Chaotic paving” - seemingly disorderly laying of tiles different sizes ultimately gives the effect of artistic chaos and harmony.
“Artistic styling” - the creation of original patterns and drawings based on a developed sketch.

Simple chain of cooperation

Cost of paving with paving slabs

The cost of laying tiles depends on the size and type of material. The Clean Reservoirs company offers the most optimal ratio of cost and quality of paving. We use only high-tech building materials and provide a guarantee for all types of work.

We can calculate the approximate cost of creating a pond for you by phone:

7 926 530 04 60

Here indicative prices for laying paving slabs:

Well-maintained suburban area always pleases with its comfort. A paved yard and paths not only create ease of movement, but also prevent the growth of weeds, strengthen the soil surface, and get rid of dirt and puddles.
Do country cottage area comfortable and beautiful! Order the laying of paving slabs from the Clean Reservoirs company. We guarantee high quality work, affordable prices and the implementation of any of your ideas.

Our company carries out work in Moscow and in the Moscow and other regions.

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