Street, country and garden landscapes issued today by modern trends. Design technologies differ in different ways and a unique combination of shades and colors.
Today it has become possible to use dyes and innovative raw materials that have high quality. The same can be said about reinforcing materials.
Thus, manufacturers offer for sale paving slabs with high performance and aesthetic characteristics. This variety allows the site owner’s imagination to unfold, ensuring the safety and beauty of street and house paths, playgrounds, sidewalks and squares.
The “Old Town” tile, the installation options for which will be discussed below, is an excellent example of how varied installation patterns can be. Enough important factor There is also a range of colors, which can be fully appreciated after the snow has melted or summer rain. A unique effect can be achieved thanks to the quality and format of the surface.
Characteristics
Paving slabs "Old Town" are presented in the most popular and common types of coating. Manufacturers offer the most different colors and dimensions that allow you to arrange the exteriors of the yard, the space of about front door or porch, as well as the area of the pedestrian street and various objects.
The described tile has various fragment parameters. Three categories of thickness can be distinguished. For example, 40 mm paving stones are laid on sidewalk paths. 60 mm tiles are suitable for areas with medium traffic, while 80 mm products will be able to provide strength in car parking areas and in traffic areas.
Paving slabs “Old Town” have a length ranging from 60 to 180 mm. The width is standard and equal to 120 mm. Mass of one square meter can vary from 94 to 189 kg. The frost resistance class of the concrete used can be represented by B20-30-35. The abrasion level is 6%.
Laying technology: preparatory stage
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare standard tools and materials. It is important to determine the quantity of materials. For one square meter of area you should stock up on 25 kg of cement. For the same amount of work, you should purchase three bags of sand. Experts recommend purchasing materials with some reserve; this will allow taking into account specific soil conditions, design loads, terrain and other conditions. The set of tools is not so diverse, it consists of:
- marking cord;
- shovels;
- ropes;
- trowel;
- household broom;
- level.
Work algorithm
Laying technology paving slabs“Old Town” provides for leveling out surface differences at the first stage. The master will have to level the ground well. At the second stage, the outlines of the paths are marked. It is important to ensure tolerance for the width of the curb.
Next, the curb elements are installed. Now you can start making a mixture of cement and sand in a ratio of 1 to 3. The composition is laid to strengthen the curb. Taking into account the features of the sketch, you can begin laying the paving stones. The elements should be joined together and adjusted in height using a rubber mallet.
Installation options: installation on a primer with a base
“Old Town” tiles, the shaped elements of which can be laid according to a certain pattern, are sometimes mounted on a primer with a base. The main difference from the technology, which does not provide for a base, is the need to create an additional layer of foundation. It will be rigid, but will be a cushion of concrete or crushed stone. This layer prevents the path from spreading and its partial subsidence.
The primer layer when installing on a concrete base can be minimal. It will only provide fixation on the surface. The characteristics of the “Old Town” tiles were mentioned above, but they are not everything that a master should know. Before starting work, you need to ask what the technology for laying the material is. It is necessary to begin manipulations in dry weather. It is not recommended to wash the coating the first time after installation.
Layout schemes
If you have chosen “Old Town” tiles to decorate a path in your garden or dacha, you should study the options for laying this material. It should be remembered that all trapezoidal and rectangular elements have the same width. Therefore, tiles can be laid across or along paths in separate strips.
The most difficult option for paving the area in the courtyard of a house is a chaotic arrangement of elements. In this case, transverse and longitudinal seams are excluded. If you have to lay the material in straight sections, you can use a pattern with a transverse seam. In this case, elements with different sizes are placed between the curbs. You need to navigate by the width, which is the same for all elements.
The laying scheme may include the formation of a longitudinal seam. This method can be compared with the one described above, however, the stripes in in this case are formed along the path. Another option for laying Old Town tiles is a seamless pattern. It is the most complex and is usually designed in a graphics editor. In order to increase the artistic value of the composition, you should purchase colored elements that are placed in any position.
To design radius and winding sections, you can use FEM elements trapezoidal shape. They are specially designed for difficult areas. These components come in different sizes and allow for maximum design improvement at intersections and curves. These areas can be decorated with rectangular stones if necessary. Lay tiles on a radius section starting from the inside. The seams between the elements are pulled apart with a wedge. Straight sections are usually laid with regular tiles, while concentrated circles and radius areas are decorated with wedge-shaped paving stones.
Alternative schemes
When considering options for laying Old Town tiles, you should also pay attention to radius patterns. The configuration of the territory and the laying scheme can be any. However, tiles can be laid to integrate any pattern or design. You can use color to highlight the space near the curb when laying tiles bright shade in several rows.
In large areas, you can lay out a geometric pattern using narrow stripes. Zoning looks very beneficial. At the same time, the width of the tape is comparable to the parameters of the sidewalk, and the pattern acts as the main design element; attention is concentrated on it.
When considering the layout of Old Town paving slabs, you can choose a herringbone pattern. In this case, two or more colors alternate, which will depend on the preferences of the owner. The territory can be variegated, in this case several colors will be required, the emphasis shifts to transverse and longitudinal seams, as well as original invoice compositions.
Street, country and garden landscapes are designed today according to modern trends. Design technologies differ in different techniques and unique combinations of shades and colors. Today it has become possible to use dyes and innovative raw materials that are of high quality. The same can be said about reinforcing materials.
Thus, manufacturers offer for sale paving slabs with high performance and aesthetic characteristics. This variety allows the site owner’s imagination to unfold, ensuring the safety and beauty of street and house paths, playgrounds, sidewalks and squares.
The “Old Town” tile, the installation options for which will be discussed below, is an excellent example of how varied installation patterns can be. A rather important factor is also the color scheme, which can be fully appreciated after the melted snow or summer rain. A unique effect can be achieved thanks to the quality and format of the surface.
Characteristics
Paving slabs "Old Town" are presented in the most popular and common types of coating. Manufacturers offer a variety of colors and sizes that allow you to decorate the exterior of the yard, the space near the front door or porch, as well as the area of the pedestrian street and various objects.
The described tile has various fragment parameters. Three categories of thickness can be distinguished. For example, 40 mm paving stones are laid on 60 mm tiles suitable for areas with medium load, while 80 mm products will be able to provide strength in car parking areas and in traffic areas.
Paving slabs “Old Town” have a length ranging from 60 to 180 mm. The width is standard and equal to 120 mm. The weight of one square meter can vary from 94 to 189 kg. The frost resistance class of the concrete used can be represented by B20-30-35. The abrasion level is 6%.
Laying technology: preparatory stage
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare standard tools and materials. It is important to determine the quantity of materials. For one square meter of area you should stock up on 25 kg of cement. For the same amount of work, you should purchase three bags of sand. Experts recommend purchasing materials with some reserve; this will allow taking into account specific soil conditions, design loads, terrain and other conditions. The set of tools is not so diverse, it consists of:
- marking cord;
- shovels;
- ropes;
- trowel;
- household broom;
- level.
Work algorithm
The “Old Town” tile technology involves leveling out surface differences at the first stage. The master will have to level the ground well. At the second stage, the outlines of the paths are marked. It is important to ensure tolerance for the width of the curb.
Next, the curb elements are installed. Now you can start making a mixture of cement and sand in a ratio of 1 to 3. The composition is laid to strengthen the curb. Taking into account the features of the sketch, you can begin laying the paving stones. The elements should be joined together and adjusted in height using a rubber mallet.
Installation options: installation on a primer with a base
“Old Town” tiles, the shaped elements of which can be laid according to a certain pattern, are sometimes mounted on a primer with a base. The main difference from the technology, which does not provide for a base, is the need to create an additional layer of foundation. It will be rigid, but will be a cushion of concrete or crushed stone. This layer prevents the path from spreading and its partial subsidence.
The primer layer when installing on a concrete base can be minimal. It will only provide fixation on the surface. The characteristics of the “Old Town” tiles were mentioned above, but they are not everything that a master should know. Before starting work, you need to ask what the technology for laying the material is. It is necessary to begin manipulations in dry weather. It is not recommended to wash the coating the first time after installation.
Layout schemes
If you have chosen “Old Town” tiles to decorate a path in your garden or dacha, you should study the options for laying this material. It should be remembered that all trapezoidal and rectangular elements have the same width. Therefore, tiles can be laid across or along paths in separate strips.
The most difficult option for paving the area in the courtyard of a house is a chaotic arrangement of elements. In this case, transverse and longitudinal seams are excluded. If you have to lay the material in straight sections, you can use a pattern with a transverse seam. In this case, elements with different sizes are placed between the curbs. You need to navigate by the width, which is the same for all elements.
The laying scheme may include the formation of a longitudinal seam. This method can be compared with the one described above, but in this case the stripes are formed along the track. Another option for laying Old Town tiles is a pattern without seams. It is the most complex and is usually designed in a graphics editor. In order to increase the artistic value of the composition, you should purchase colored elements that are placed in any position.
To design radius and winding sections, you can use trapezoidal FEM elements. They are specially designed for difficult areas. These components come in different sizes and allow for maximum design improvement at intersections and curves. These areas can be decorated with rectangular stones if necessary. Lay tiles on a radius section starting from the inside. The seams between the elements are pulled apart with a wedge. Straight sections are usually laid with regular tiles, while concentrated circles and radius areas are decorated with wedge-shaped paving stones.
Alternative schemes
When considering options for laying Old Town tiles, you should also pay attention to radius patterns. The configuration of the territory and the laying scheme can be any. However, tiles can be laid to integrate any pattern or design. You can use color to highlight the space near the curb by laying brightly colored tiles in several rows.
In large areas, you can lay out a geometric pattern using narrow stripes. Zoning looks very beneficial. At the same time, the width of the tape is comparable to the parameters of the sidewalk, and the pattern acts as the main design element; attention is concentrated on it.
When considering the layout of Old Town paving slabs, you can choose a herringbone pattern. In this case, two or more colors alternate, which will depend on the preferences of the owner. The area can be colorful, in this case several colors will be required, the emphasis shifts to transverse and longitudinal seams, as well as to the original texture of the composition.
Conclusion
If you decide to prefer “Old Town” paving slabs as decoration for your garden area, you need to choose a manufacturer. Among others, the products of the Braer company are presented on the market. This Moscow supplier offers tiles at prices starting from 617 rubles. per square meter.
Laying paving slabs on concrete base: photo, video. In this article we will analyze the specificity of such a procedure as laying paving slabs on a concrete base: we will outline the advantages and disadvantages of this technology, consider detailed diagram its implementation and we will get acquainted with the basic recommendations for laying paving slabs using such types of materials as “Brick”, “Old Town” and “Rhombus” tiles.
"Old Town" is one of the most popular and attractive types of paving slabs
Laying paving slabs on a concrete base: the feasibility of the procedure
Not only owners are interested in the procedure for laying paving slabs with their own hands country houses and cottages, seeking to equip and improve their garden plot. Tiled flooring is also popular in urban environments.
Indisputable evidence of such popularity is provided not only by eloquent photos of examples of laying paving slabs that can be seen on the Internet, but also by real solutions found on the streets of any city.
The area in front of a private house is paved with “Brick” tiles
Most often, paving slabs are used to organize the covering:
- around shops, pharmacies, office and administrative buildings;
- on paths leading across the lawn;
- in park areas;
- in car parking areas;
- in places for storing large equipment;
- in city squares and other areas where there is increased traffic and load on sidewalks (areas near theaters, train stations, markets, cinemas, large companies And shopping centers, stadiums, educational institutions, libraries, sports complexes).
Note! For parking areas under cars The thickness of paving slabs is selected taking into account weight loads. You cannot use material purchased for pedestrian paths to create a parking lot. Such a coating will quickly become unusable.
Tiles are a material that is perfect for both covering city paths and paving on country property.
Paving slabs on concrete: can it be laid on top of a concrete base?
Most people are accustomed to thinking that the installation of tile coverings is carried out exclusively on a sandy surface, so the feasibility of the technology of laying paving slabs on a concrete base is questioned by many of them.
In fact concrete surface considered the most reliable basis for forming paths and platforms from paving stones. This is explained by the fact that concrete prevents the movement of tiles on the surface, called “walking”, and is characterized by high resistance to heavy loads. In some cases, if the technology for laying concrete paving slabs is violated, the result may be the opposite. Therefore, it is recommended to strictly follow all requirements and recommendations regarding the construction of such a coating.
The technology of laying paving slabs on a concrete blind area is equally interesting to both owners country cottages, as well as city residents who have their own store or any other type of business. The blind area itself has many advantages, and in combination with a tiled covering, you can get a truly optimal solution in all respects. Due to the slope of the blind area, water will not accumulate on the surface of the tiles.
Laying paving slabs for paths with your own hands on the blind area
The blind area is considered independent design, which is usually formed around a building for the purpose of protecting it. It may be completely devoid of coverage. It is recommended to lay tile elements on top of it, but this is not a mandatory procedure.
Creating a concrete blind area around a private house
Helpful advice! To make your exterior personal plot effective and harmonious, use the same type of tile covering for arranging paths and blind areas. On the Internet you can find good photos options for laying “Brick” paving slabs on the blind area around the house and in the yard.
Despite the fact that finishing the blind area is not mandatory, it is still worth doing, since the concrete surface looks unattractive and can ruin appearance the house and yard in general. For this reason, it is worth spending money on purchasing material and calling specialists or performing the procedure yourself.
Price for laying paving slabs on a concrete base (specialist services):
| Kind of work | Price, rub./m² |
| Removing the top covering (asphalt, concrete, etc.) | 150-600 |
| Work with a finished concrete base | |
| Dry mix | 150 |
| Laying a tiled surface | 300 |
| Preparing a concrete site with reinforcement | |
| Sand | 15 |
| Concrete | 315 |
| Reinforcement elements | 180 |
| 420 | |
| Preparing a regular concrete site | |
| Sand | 15 |
| Concrete (layer thickness 14 cm) | 315 |
| Cost of specialist work | 420 |
| Installation of curbs | |
| Concrete (m.p.) | 70 |
| Sand (m.p.) | 15 |
| 75 | |
| Installation of drainage systems | |
| Concrete (m.p.) | 55 |
| Sand (m.p.) | 15 |
| Cost of specialists’ work (m.p.) | 70 |
Advantages of the method of laying paving slabs on concrete
Advantages of working with concrete surfaces:
- Simple installation system - to form asphalt sidewalks you will definitely need to hire special equipment, while laying paving slabs on concrete is much easier and faster and you can do it yourself.
- The result is a strong, reliable and durable base. The modern assortment of stores is able to offer special varieties of tile elements that ensure the absence of a sliding effect on the surface even during heavy rainfall.
- The coating remains stable even under the influence of sudden temperature changes. It is resistant to various types damage mechanical properties. In most cases, the manufacturing company provides consumers with long-term warranty periods for operation decorative materials. They depend on the type of tile covering and can range from 10-40 years.
Diagram of the installation of a concrete blind area covered with paving slabs
Note! IN winter time year, the structure is not subject to serious icing, since excess moisture enters the soil through the seams and is absorbed.
Thanks to the extensive range of materials, design possibilities are expanded. Existing schemes Laying paving slabs "Old Town" themselves can offer several unusual design options.
In addition to this material, there are others that differ:
- size;
- shape;
- quality;
- colors;
- characteristics and properties.
You can evaluate from the photo the methods of laying paving slabs, their diversity and decorative effect which they create.
The process of laying paving stones on the site in front of a private house
Tiled flooring is easy to repair. To do this, you do not need to completely replace the entire sidewalk; it is enough to replace only the damaged elements. If you are working on laying “Old Town” paving slabs or some other covering, experts recommend purchasing material in reserve.
Description of the technology for laying paving slabs: video and recommendations
There are many options for laying paving slabs over a concrete base. The blind area does not put forward any special requirements regarding the choice of finish, so the determining factor is quality and your personal taste. It is even possible to lay paving slabs on an old concrete base.
The process of forming a blind area begins with marking. To complete this stage of construction, you will need a marking cord, as well as a set of wooden pegs. They are placed around the house according to measurements, after which a cord is pulled through each of them. The quality of the blind area depends on how carefully and accurately the markings are made.
Laying paving slabs on a sand-concrete mixture
Note! When recreating the pattern of laying paving slabs on a blind area from a photo, do not forget about the slope. Most often, this indicator fluctuates between 1-3°/m. There are also exceptions to the rules when the slope angle is 5°/m.
After marking is completed, the top soil layer in the area where the work is carried out is excavated. construction work. Most of the types of laying paving slabs shown in the photo involve installing a covering 40 cm wide. Taking this indicator into account, the depth of excavation of the top soil layer is determined. Do not forget that concrete blind area must rise above ground level.
To these data are also added the requirements of the slope, which is formed for the installation of the drainage system.
Installation of the curb is an important part of laying paving slabs on the mortar
Even if you are working with one of the simplest options for laying paving slabs “Brick”, a photo as a basis does not provide a high-quality result. It is very important to comply with all technology requirements, not only regarding paving sidewalks, but also the formation of blind areas.
The blind structure turns out to be quite heavy. At this stage, experts recommend installing curbs, which will simplify the work. The fact is that any pattern of laying paving slabs is repelled by the curb that limits it. At this stage, it will perform another function - the frame.
If you refuse to install the curb, its installation will still have to be done later, and the work on the blind area will be complicated by the need to install the formwork structure.
The hole under the curb should go deeper than the level of the masonry. Most often, its bottom drops 30 cm from the bottom border of the curb.
The path in front of the house is covered with paving stones of different sizes
Helpful advice! Be sure to include water outflow in these calculations. After all, the curb should not prevent the drainage of water, which could damage the integrity of the building’s foundation.
After this, a crushed stone cushion 15 cm thick is formed at the bottom of the pit; the material should be thoroughly compacted. The top is filled with concrete mortar 2 cm thick and the curb is being installed. It will take a day to completely set and harden. After making sure that the fill is completely dry, you can begin the next body of work.
Forming a base for laying paving slabs: video lessons and recommendations
After installing the curb, the area is leveled and carefully compacted, taking into account the required surface slope. It is recommended to lay several layers of geotextile on the bottom. This type of material will prevent plant growth. Although vegetation cannot penetrate the concrete base, geotextiles will provide additional protection.
Layout of the base for paving slabs or paving stones
In some cases, bitumen material is used as bottom lining. The laying of this material is carried out in order to increase the waterproofing properties of the coating.
Scheme for forming a concrete base:
- The first layer in line is formed from crushed stone. If curbs were installed, this step can be omitted.
- If serious loads on the coating are expected, the blind area should be equipped with a reinforcing layer. It can be made from reinforcing bars.
- For monolithic design a height of 10 cm is sufficient for a pedestrian path. The base for a car park must have a height of at least 20 cm.
Helpful advice! To obtain a high-quality result, use concrete marked M200. It is optimal in terms of quality and cost.
Using video, laying paving slabs on a concrete base is very simple. Using recommendations and visual materials, you can complete this process yourself.
Paving slabs: how to apply a finishing coating to the mortar
If you compare the examples of laying paving slabs in the photo, this technology is in many ways similar to the technique of working with tiles. Distinctive feature here is a solution that has a slightly different composition and consistency.
In the photo of paving slabs, the patterns for laying the covering elements are very diverse. The specificity of the design does not affect the method of installation of sidewalks, as well as general technology. There are two methods for laying tiles: sand-cement mixture and sand-cement mortar.
In the case of a sand-cement mixture, the consistency of the solution is thicker than that used in the construction of the base. The mixture does not tolerate the presence of small pebbles, so the sand should be sifted first. This will simplify the work of paving the sidewalk yourself. Required thickness The applied layer is 2-3 cm, after which the mixture is leveled using a trowel.
There are two ways to lay tiles: using a sand-cement mixture and sand-cement mortar
When using the dry method, there is a possibility of paving slabs shrinking. In this case, what kind of solution the specialists apply the coating on is no longer relevant. special significance, since this will require specialized knowledge. The prices for purchasing a specialized mixture are quite high, so it is better not to take risks and give preference to a cement-sand mixture.
In the second case it can be used cement-sand mortar in a ratio of 3:1 respectively. After the solution is prepared, it must be laid out on the base, leveled and compacted.
Helpful advice! For paving paving stones, use wooden or rubber mallet. It is unable to damage the tile.
Use the video below to familiarize yourself with the technology of laying paving slabs on mortar.
After all the coating elements have been laid out, the surface is generously moistened with water. Over a certain period of time, the tiles dry out, then the seams between the sidewalk elements are filled. To remove any remaining cement and dirt, the coating will need to be rinsed again with water.
Options for laying paving slabs “Old Town”: photos and features
Judging by the numerous photos of the installation of paving slabs “Old Town”, this type coatings are the most common compared to others. This popularity is due to the large list of advantages that this material carries.
The “Old Town” tile allows you to create interesting patterns and combinations of coating elements. One package of this material may contain parts within four different sizes. Sometimes there is a choice of three size combinations in a pack (without the smallest option).
The complete package includes:
- large tile;
- square tiles;
There are many interesting schemes paving tiles "Old Town", which will create unique design plot
- element that is 1/2 the size large tiles;
- an element that is 1/3 of a large tile or 1/2 of a square.
Thanks to this variety of sizes, there are enough options for laying Old Town paving slabs. Schemes can be complicated by adding multiple colors.
On the other hand, having such a large scale in size can cause chaos and disorder. If you do not adhere to a certain pattern in your work, you may end up with a not very beautiful coating.
Helpful advice! To some extent, a little chaos may even be welcome. The main thing is to avoid the formation of spots consisting of clusters of tile elements of the same size or the same color.
If you want to simplify your work as much as possible, it is enough to limit yourself to a pattern for laying paving slabs of two colors, which is attractive in its own way.
Tile combination example various types and different colors
Features and photos of laying paving slabs “Brick”, “Rhombus” and other shapes
At first it may seem that drawing up diagrams from paving slabs is enough difficult task. In fact, after watching the video, laying paving slabs no longer seems difficult. Using recommendations regarding the selection of schemes, you can easily navigate the choice.
For example, if you have chosen the “Brick” shape for your sidewalk, you should pay attention to the following schemes:
- linear type installation, which can be complicated by shifting or even do without it;
- modular installation;
- spiral paving.
Thanks to the rounded edges, such tiles perfectly demonstrate their decorative effect in all of the above patterns.
Schemes for laying tiles “Brick” are among the simplest
In the photo of the “Rhombus” paving slabs, the options for laying the coating look almost like a 3D image. As a result of this paving, a stunning optical illusion arises, creating the impression of a volumetric effect on the surface of the sidewalk.
This effect in the photo of “Rhombus” paving slabs is explained by laying based on the use of elements with different external characteristics:
- shape;
- surface texture;
- colors.
In total, the modern assortment includes more than 40 varieties of tile products with similar geometric data.
Laying paving stones on a concrete base in the city
Polymer sand tiles are especially popular. The material can offer excellent specifications and is suitable for those consumers who want to speed up installation. Products are created on the basis of sand, polymers and dyes and can include elements of completely different configurations.
The installation of polymer-sand paving slabs shown in the video clearly reflects how much the paving process is simplified and accelerated in this case.
Most modern tile coverings withstand the effects of the sun and low temperatures well, are characterized by durability and increased strength, as well as other equally advantageous performance characteristics. Consumers only have to choose the design and color in which the coating will be made.
A beautiful and cozy yard is my cherished dream. Greens beautiful lawns and old, unusable asphalt is very difficult to combine. Therefore, it was decided to replace the hard surface of the yard completely. Asphalt or tiles?
Of course, asphalt, I thought. The price for high-quality paving slabs is higher than for asphalt, and it was not entirely clear how to lay paving slabs. But having thought it over carefully and weighed all the pros and cons, I liked the option of paving slabs more. Paving slabs have a number of advantages:
- attractive appearance;
- has higher heat and frost resistance;
- does not emit harmful substances when heated;
- has better water permeability (water does not accumulate on the surface).
In order to save some money, it was decided to lay the paving slabs with our own hands.
Calculation and selection of paving slabs
The choice of tiles should be taken seriously, the work is done on long years. There shouldn't be any mistakes. After reading a lot of people's reviews on the Internet, I settled on vibro-pressed tiles.
If you need to find out how to make paving slabs yourself, follow the link -
Such tiles have high hardness and resistance to atmospheric influences. The thickness was chosen according to the manufacturer's recommendations. For areas where cars will drive – 6 cm, for pedestrian paths – 4 cm. The most universal form is “Old City”, such tiles can be laid practically, eliminating waste. Therefore, I decided on the shape of the tile very quickly. Color – grey. Tiles require minimal maintenance.
Preparing the base before laying paving slabs
Having assessed the condition of the old asphalt, it was decided to remove it completely. The work turned out to be quite difficult, despite the fact that over many years of exposure to frost and hot sun, the asphalt peeled off from the base and was easily removed in large layers. Having removed all the asphalt, I marked out the area for laying the tiles, and the places where the curb will lie using construction fishing line. Following the marked line, a place was prepared for the curb, with the expectation that the distance from the line to the base is 2-3 cm greater than the height of the curb. A gap of 2-3 cm will allow you to quickly and evenly install the curb. For good and strong fixation of borders I used cement-sand mixture in a ratio of 1:4. After installing the border, you need to give time for the solution to set. After which you can begin preparing the base for the tile itself.
For the base I used a dry mixture of fine screenings of granite and cement in a ratio of 1:6 (instead of screenings, many use sand). Ready mixture transported it in wheelbarrows, and then leveled it using aluminum profile. The thickness of the base layer should be at least 6 cm for good drainage. The base must be well compacted to avoid subsidence after laying the tiles. To do this, before tamping, the surface must be moistened with water from a hose and then begin work.
Tampers can be manual or mechanical (with electric or gasoline engine). I advise you to use mechanical tamper(vibropress), and not manual. It can be rented at construction companies or stores. A vibropress will save a lot of time and effort.
Laying tiles
Having obtained a flat surface after compaction, you can begin laying paving slabs. To do this you need to prepare thin layer from a dry mixture of cement and sand, but in a ratio of 1:5. I used aluminum beacons 2 cm thick, along which I pulled the dry mixture.
The difference between the first and second layers is that the second layer does not need to be compacted. Having finished with the preparation, you can begin laying the tiles.
During installation, you need to follow the pattern; with the “Old City” tiles this is not very difficult. There are two ways to lay paving slabs. The first is to put the tiles in their place and compact them with a wooden or rubber hammer. As you go, you need to monitor the level and avoid protruding or fallen tiles. The second one, which I used, first lay out all the tiles, but do not compact them. Then attach a sheet of rubber under the vibrating rammer and carefully walk over all the tiles. Using a tamper, all tiles will be placed on the same level.
Grouting joints
After laying the tiles, you need to grout the seams.
For this you need river sand and a brush. The sand should be dry, so it is better poured into the seams between the tiles. Use a brush to thoroughly sweep everything, then moisten the entire tile with water. In some places the sand will fall through. And you will need to repeat the grouting procedure again. After completing the grouting stage, the tiles will be well fixed and will not wobble underfoot.
If during the installation of borders you get seams between them, then they need to be sealed using a cement-sand mixture in a ratio of 1:4.
Modern trends in the design of garden, country, and street landscapes are distinguished by a variety of technological techniques and unique combinations of colors and shades. Thanks to the use of modern dyes, innovative raw materials, and excellent quality fastening materials, manufacturers offer types of paving slabs that are unique in their performance and aesthetic qualities. Such diversity allows the design ideas and imagination of the owner of the site to unfold, ensuring the beauty and safety of house and street paths, sidewalks, platforms and squares. In this context, certain stylistic directions, which can be created thanks to one or another type of tile. The Old Town tile is an example of how various options styling can be used.
No less important is the color scheme of this line of products, which can be appreciated after a warm summer rain or melted snow. This is the sidewalk of a small medieval town, walking along which you can get to the streets of the most famous ancient historical places in Europe.
Description of paving slabs Old Town
The range of these paving stones is one of the most common and sought-after types of paving. It’s easy to understand, manufacturers offer different sizes and colors, this allows you to arrange the interiors of a patio, space near the porch or front door, large area, pedestrian street and other objects. Despite the fact that it is a modern and high-tech material, it also has certain priorities that are quite significant and have minor controversial qualities.
Advantages of blind area design
The advantages of this wonderful material are:
- A wide range of designs, which are carried out thanks to the variety of colors and patterns of the blind area.
- The technology makes it possible to obtain tiles with high stability To low temperatures. At correct installation moisture does not stagnate on the surface. We also recommend that you read.
- Non-polished surfaces provide an anti-slip effect; this is a safe sidewalk, public transport stop, and gas station sites.
- High indicators of environmental cleanliness. On hot summer days there is no release of harmful substances into the air.
- The best option that allows you to combine affordable prices and excellent quality.
- Ease of operation and repair of damaged areas.
- Minimum auxiliary materials.
In addition to all the listed qualities, the Old Town tile has one more priority - fragment parameters. Today, all manufacturers offer products in the following sizes.
Paving options
- 40 mm paving stones are laid on paths and sidewalks. Often various patterns are laid out from it.
- 60 mm tiles are suitable for medium loads.
- The product thickness of 80 mm guarantees durability in traffic areas and car parking areas.
Find out why geotextiles are laid under paving slabs.
The technical indicators of this popular material are as follows:
- Fragment length – 60/90/120/180 mm.
- Width – 120 mm.
- Height – 40,60,80 mm.
Tile options “ Old city” based on length-width-height.
- Weight -94-141-189 kg/sq. m.
- Concrete class B20-30-35 frost resistance.
- Water absorption cycle F200.
- Erasability level no more than 6%
Options for drawings and patterns, laying scheme
Before performing work, you should prepare standard materials and tools. Calculate quantity preparatory materials Just. For 1 sq. meter of area the best option will stock up on 25 kg of cement, three bags of sand and the same amount of sand. This is a classic ratio; it is more practical to make a reserve taking into account specific soil conditions, terrain, design loads and other conditions. The set of tools is quite simple. It consists of two shovels, a marking cord or rope, this must include a trowel, a level, and a soft household broom. He will tell you how to lay paving slabs. 
Do-it-yourself layout methods and technologies
The technological basis of the layout is as follows:
- Leveling differences in the laying surface, leveling the soil.
- Marking the outlines of the planned paths; tolerance for the width of the curb is required.
- Installation of border elements.
- Preparation of a sand-cement mixture in a ratio of 3/1. It is used to strengthen the installed border.
- Paving stones are laid in accordance with the sketches, the elements fit well together and are adjusted in height using a rubber mallet.
- Formation of slopes for water drainage.
- After laying the paving stones, the entire path is covered with primer; it is especially important to fill the gaps. Remove excess with a broom.
When creating the basic sketch of the Old Town sidewalk, you need to know and remember one pattern. This is a strict geometry and the presence of lines of transverse or longitudinal directions. 
In addition, the selection of colors is important - a contrasting combination or a “chaos” scheme, when the designer simply improvises. The use of wicker, parquet, herringbone, and various ornaments reminiscent of the traditions of Italian and Arab masters is applicable.
It is also necessary to take into account some subtleties in laying this type of paving stones, which should not be neglected. First of all, you need to work only in dry weather, you should not wash it for some time after laying the sidewalk, carefully clean its surface from cement residues, these tiles for the path in the country quickly absorb foreign substances and lose their appearance and color.
Prices for tiles and their installation
The price aspect of paving stones The Old Town is quite affordable. Depending on manufacturer and popularity color range the price per square meter can be as follows:
- Old city brick, diamond, clover, manufacturer Odessa, Ukraine. Price 1 sq. meters 3.5 US dollars.
- Assortment of paving stones in yellow shades, produced in Kharkov, Ukraine. Cost of 1 sq. meters 4.9 – 5.2 US dollars.
The cost of installation usually fluctuates somewhat depending on the category of the company performing the work and other factors. Typically the base cost is $2.1 - $2.5 per square meter of tile. This includes all work, starting with zero cycle and before commissioning.
More details about the options for laying paving stones are presented.
Video
The video shows how to lay old city tiles with your own hands:
IN modern conditions The Old Town tile product range is one of the most popular for decorating objects for various purposes. It is bright, varied, and has excellent strength and safety characteristics, which is very important for regions with long cold periods. The factor of affordable price and ease of installation is also important. The tile is not picky in maintenance and repair. This makes her the most a good decision for design and organization of various sidewalk coverings .