Options and technologies for the correct laying of pavement tiles, the necessary materials and tools. Do-it-yourself paving slab laying: workflow and step-by-step instructions, video Do-it-yourself paving laying

It is quite possible to make a beautiful and practical track on your own if you familiarize yourself with all the nuances of this process in advance. The most widespread covering of paths and platforms — paving slabs. Properly carried out preparatory work for installation paving slabs- pledge durable coating. Laying can be done by masters, as well as tiles on the sidewalk can be done independently, this will require effort and knowledge of laying patterns.

Guide: how to lay paving slabs in the country

The preparation and marking of the soil is the most creative stage, since the site must be planned in advance, but it is also the most time-consuming stage that plays the most important role. It is necessary to mark the area in which the installation of the tiles will be done by hand.

Before laying tiles, experts recommend that you first properly prepare and mark the ground

For this you need:

Install pegs;
Pull a strong rope on them;
Regulate with them desired shape paths or playgrounds.

The next stage includes cleaning up a part of the earth at the laying site. It is necessary to dig the soil to a depth of 20 cm in order to later replace it with more durable materials that can withstand the load for a long period of time. The stage of soil preparation is completed with an ordinary rammer at the tile installation site, it can be produced by any means, the main thing is to ensure that the soil does not sink, otherwise the tile path will not last long.

High-quality laying of paving slabs in the country

Laying tiles on the ground on the site is not difficult, the main thing is to take into account some rules. The presence of drainage is necessary so that melt and rain water is efficiently and quickly drained from under the paving slabs. If it is not installed, then winter period the tile will absorb a large amount of moisture and, when frozen, will collapse. The drainage consists of the usual addition of medium-sized crushed stone, which must be poured onto the bottom of the cleaned area, well leveled and compacted with a rammer. The gravel layer must be at least 7 cm.

The border is not below the surface of the paving slabs, but does not protrude above it, which organizes the top platform of the walkway or platform. The border holds back the tiles in certain places, therefore, in order for it to form a solid fence, it is necessary to fasten it to each other with high quality.

High-quality laying of paving slabs will decorate the interior suburban area

To install a border, you must:

Put slides of mortar on top of the drainage backfill;
The curb is installed;
Along the edges, a couple of pieces are enough for one border;
Next, to make everything look beautiful, you need to align the top edge.

Sand is poured onto the gravel, leveled and compacted. Care must be taken that there are no slopes. A layer of sand is required at least 9.5 cm. It should look like this: from the sand to the top of the curb there should be a distance that is equal to the thickness of the paving slabs, taking into account a couple of centimeters for the bonding material.

The installation of the tile starts from itself in order to move further along the already installed surface.

It is necessary to monitor the evenness of each row. In this case, a stretched cord is used between the curbs. Separate tiled elements should be at a distance of no more than 2 mm. If there is a need for curly elements or a round platform, you can use a grinder for these tasks, it will easily cut off all unnecessary parts from the tiles.

The optimal technology for laying paving slabs in the country

The laying technology begins with the preparation of a bonding material, which consists of cement and sand in a ratio of 1: 8, the dry mixture is thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained, it is this mixture that holds the tile in position.

It is necessary to prepare materials and tools for laying in advance so as not to be distracted in the process of work

After that, you need to proceed with the direct laying of tiles in the country:

To do this, a bonding material is poured into the place of laying, it must have a layer in which, when the paving slabs are installed on the backfill, it will rise above the surface by 0.5 heights.
This filling must be evenly leveled, ramming is not required.
After that, you need to lay the first tile, which is simply installed on the surface covered with a fastening material and hammered into the cement-sand mixture with a heavy rubber mallet.
Clogged until the height is equal to the curb.
After that, the second tile is taken and installed next to it in the same way.
After installing all the tiles, the excess bonding material must be removed.

The installation is completed by filling the tile gaps with a mixture of sand and cement. From the lined surface, the mixture is gently swept with a broom into the seams. This mixture will fix the paving slabs in the installed position after the first rain, when it absorbs the liquid and hardens. New paths are watered immediately with water from a hose using a sprayer, in which case the tiles must be left alone for a couple of days.

Paving slabs are being laid different ways. On a sand bed. The tile is laid on a layer of wet sand. This path is made to decorate the garden. Water will not stagnate and will leave precisely thanks to the seams between the tiles, which are filled with sand.

Cement and wet sand are mixed in a ratio of 1:5 and evenly distributed on top of future tracks.

Due to its ease, availability and reliability, it is the most common way. Cement-sand mortar (sand, water and cement) are mixed in a concrete mixer, the resulting mass is distributed over the surface of the tile with a trowel. After that, with a mallet, the tiles need to be laid and rammed. This is the most reliable way laying, but it requires the provision of drainage.

There are several options for laying paving slabs, which you can choose at your discretion.

There are many options for laying paving slabs:

Herringbone or braided. The most common option. Tiles are laid at an angle of 90 ° or 45 °, if the elements alternate with each other, forming an interlacing, then this is a braid.
Chaotic masonry. The easiest laying method, which looks quite interesting, consists of tiles of various colors and sizes. In this method, the tiles must be laid arbitrarily.
Chess order. Suitable tiles of 2 types: figured and square 2 different colors, the technique of this method is laying in alternation.
Circular pattern. The most difficult option. Circular patterns are created that look beautiful both from a height and from close range.
The combination of lawn and tiles. Most original version when lawn or flower beds are combined with paved paths or playgrounds. For this method, you can use street tiles specially designed for this type.

To properly lay the material, there are several tips. We must not forget about the slopes, it is necessary to install a small tubercle in the middle when laying with your own hands, this will allow the water to leave better, and also in the cold season it will make it easier to transfer water freezing and thaw.

It is necessary to implement design ideas. For example, mixing sand and seeds and pouring the resulting mixture into the seams, then there will be a lawn between the tiles, which will allow the paths to stand out advantageously in the garden. Facing the parking area for cars is made on a concrete pad, road slabs you need to lay out by analogy with tiles.

Laying road tiles with your own hands (video)

The issue of masonry is solved quite simply, although the process is quite laborious, but in terms of technical components it is absolutely elementary. Already after laying paving stones with an area of 1 m2, you can feel like a real professional in this business.

Laying paving slabs on a monolithic base

This technology is very costly and requires many additional workflows, however, it is necessary if high and intense loads on the pavement are expected, because the rammed bulk base is not able to perceive them.

The essence of the technology is to create a kind of platform that will not be susceptible to problem soils that bulge, sag and deform in every possible way, and will also evenly distribute the load from the operation of the sidewalk.

In this case, there is only one way of laying - laying paving slabs on the mortar, while there are several options regarding the surface:

laying paving slabs on concrete; laying paving slabs on asphalt.

There are many norms and rules regarding loads on a concrete base, they are all calculated according to SNiP ( building codes and rules) - the brand of concrete, the class of reinforcement and its diameter, etc., etc., we will consider the main options for private suburban arrangement.

Laying paving slabs on concrete involves not just on a concrete pad, but on a whole reinforced plate, 10 cm thick with a reinforcing mesh frame with a 10x10 cm cell of reinforcement, preferably A400C with a diameter of 10 mm or more.

The plate may have a more complex reinforcement structure and a greater thickness of the concrete layer.

Such coverage is provided on unstable soils, as well as in places of constant high and intense loads, the most elementary example of such a case is parking lots.

It is clear that the laying of concrete paving slabs in a private suburban area on a concrete layer is most often a bedding of rammed gravel, on which a 10 cm concrete pad with 6 mm reinforcement is laid. The tile itself is laid out on a 2 cm layer cement-sand mortar(the higher the concrete strength grade, the better).

Laying paving slabs on asphalt according to the technology as such is not provided, it is performed if it is decided to replace the old asphalt coating (in a private house), but the owners do not want to dismantle it.

In this case, it is necessary to remove the areas that do not hold well and pour them concrete mortar(under the asphalt there is, as a rule, a crushed stone embankment). In addition, it is necessary to level the pits, “open cracks” and also fill them with concrete.

If there is asphalt, then it is better for them to “patch” the old coating, in short, to carry out ordinary repairs, as roads are patched. Such a base for laying paving slabs must be cleaned of dirt and dust with water from a hose, after which you can proceed to laying a couple of cm on the solution layer.

Paving slabs are valued for their practicality, high strength, durability, resistance to moisture and temperature changes. It does not emit substances harmful to humans when heated, like asphalt pavement. The variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures of road building material is amazing. Combining different types products, you can create beautiful coverage. Laying paving slabs requires strict adherence to all building regulations. If the paving technology is violated, the coating is quickly destroyed.

It can be vibrocast and vibropressed. Products differ in manufacturing technology. Vibrocast elements are created by tamping the solution on a vibrating table. In the manufacture of a vibrocompressed product, the mixture is subjected to pressure with vibration. Vibropressed products have higher strength. Tiles are made from concrete mix and clay. Screenings of granite rocks and plasticizers are added to the composition. The most durable is granite tiles. It is made from natural granite.

Products can be diamond-shaped, hexagonal, rectangular, square and wedge-shaped. The curly material "Wave" (with wavy edges), "Clover" (with semicircular protrusions) and "Bone" (resembles a coil) is popular. There are many ways to lay diamond tiles (hexagons, snowflakes, stars). From diamonds, you can create a coating with a 3D effect.

For creating garden paths near cottages and country houses purchase vibrocast tiles 40 mm thick. Vibropressed products can be laid on roads with a heavy load (squares, sidewalks). They must be at least 60 mm thick. If laying on the street on the roadway is planned, it is better to use granite tiles. Intensive traffic of passenger vehicles will withstand material with a thickness of 70-80 mm. If trucks are to be driven on the road, the pavement should be 100 mm thick.

Before buying, you need to evaluate the quality of the tiles. On its surface there should be no holes, notches and crevices. When tapping the tiles against each other, it should appear ringing sound. If the sound is deaf, the purchase of goods must be abandoned. You should not buy brightly colored products, as well as those in which there are voids. To assess the density of the material, you need to ask him to break it. It is necessary to find out how even the surface of the product is. If the paving slabs lay down on the table with all corners, lie flat and do not sway, it is of high quality.

Styling options

Before purchasing paving slabs, you need to choose a laying option. On straight and flat sections, it is easiest to perform a linear scheme. This paving slab laying technology is the simplest. It allows you to save material.

The linear layout can be horizontal, vertical, straight or offset. When the rows are shifted, the coating pattern resembles brickwork. If you use products of different shades, you can get the effect of a "caterpillar track". Rows of tiles are sometimes placed at an angle to the track line. This arrangement is called diagonal.

If a diagonal-angular layout is used, a herringbone or braided pattern is formed. To lay the herringbone, the rows of tiles are placed at an angle of 45 ° to the track line. "Pletenka" is paved, alternating horizontal and vertical laying. The diagonal-angular pattern is highly durable. It visually reduces the space.

Tiles can be laid in modules of 2-3 elements. Combining 2 colors, create a checkerboard pattern. If you use elements different size and shade, you get an original chaotic pattern. The spiral layout looks beautiful on the local area. To create decorative circles, you need to purchase material with wedge-shaped elements. Artistic layout is performed from products different forms and colours. Choosing methods for laying tiles, it is necessary to take into account the design of architectural buildings and backyard territory.

Necessary materials and tools

To perform laying work, you need to purchase tools:

Bayonet and shovel for excavation.
Rake to level the surface bulk materials.
Stakes and rope for marking the site.
Rubber mallet for leveling material (wooden mallet with rubber head).
Building level (1.5-2 m).
Roulette.
A brush or broom.
stamping.
Rubber spatula.
A flat bar for leveling the surface of the layers.
Bulgarian (disk with diamond coating).
Scrap to carry out the dismantling of paving slabs.

It is necessary to prepare curbs, sand, crushed stone (fractions 10-20, 20-50) or gravel, plaster mix or cement (M400, M500). To strengthen the foundation of the coating, you will need a reinforcing grid with cells of 10x10 or 8x8 cm. Create a coating on large area a stacking machine will help.

Marking future tracks

To correctly lay out the tiles yourself, you first need to make a markup. You need to start work near the building, fence or gate. Near the building you need to score 2 pegs. The distance between them should correspond to the width of the track. It is better to adjust the width of the coating to the size of the product so that you do not have to cut the material. Since the structure will be supported by curbs, space must be left for them (10 cm on each side). The other 2 pegs are hammered near another building. 2 ropes are pulled between the pegs.

Laying street tiles on the large area is carried out after it is divided into strips 1-1.5 m wide. If the road has bends, it is divided into small areas. Each section is marked separately.

Earthworks and protective layer

Volume earthworks depends on the type of soil. If the soil is dense and clayey, it is enough to remove a layer 15-20 cm thick to remove the roots of the plants. When the soil is loose, it is necessary to remove a layer 30-35 cm thick. If it is planned to lay paving slabs in winter, the paving trench must be prepared before the cold weather.

Sand is poured onto the surface of the trench. The sand is compacted along with the soil. So that the seeds of plants remaining in the soil do not germinate and do not destroy the coating, a non-woven fabric is laid at the bottom of the trench. The strips of material should overlap each other by 15-20 cm.

Drainage device

Correct laying of tiles is not a guarantee of the durability of the coating. Ground and rain water gradually wash away sand and soil particles, destroying the base of the road. To prevent moisture from spoiling the coating, it is necessary to make a drainage layer.

At the bottom of the trench you need to pour gravel. The layer thickness should be 15-18 cm. The crushed stone should be well compacted and leveled. It is poured on top and also leveled thin layer sand on which the non-woven fabric is laid. Care must be taken to ensure that water flows to the edges of the path. To do this, make transverse and longitudinal slopes. Cushion under paving slabs is carried out on last step preparatory work.

Placement of fencing curbs

The laying of the curb is carried out immediately after the completion of the work on the drainage device. It is better to use a ready-made concrete curb. Curb blocks are installed near the vertical cut of the soil along the edges of the road. It is desirable that the upper edge of the border is 1-2 cm above the soil level. Otherwise, the paths will be constantly dirty.

Curb blocks are fixed with concrete mortar. After laying the curb, you need to check how smooth it is. To do this, use the building level. If some blocks are installed incorrectly, their position is corrected with a wooden mallet.

Applicable types of bases

Before laying out the site with tiles, you need to make a base. The underlayment helps level the surface of the site. It gives the coating stability and increases its strength. A solid foundation does not allow the sidewalk to collapse under the weight of people and cars. It protects the coating from destruction in the autumn-winter period, when ice forms in its gaps.

The technology of laying paving slabs depends on the method of operation of the coating. If the load on its surface is small (footpath), it is enough to make an underlying layer consisting of sand and cement. If paving is carried out under a car, a concrete base is required.

Concrete

Before concreting the base, reinforcement work is performed. Reinforcing mesh placed on metal or stone supports. The reinforcement should be 3-5 cm above the trench surface. Gartsovka for paving slabs is prepared from sand and cement in a ratio of 3: 1. It is better to use river or quarry washed sand. It should not contain particles of clay or lime. The mortar is evenly and thoroughly distributed over the trench area to achieve a level surface.

It is better to immediately fill the entire track with concrete. If part of the work is postponed for the next day, the area filled with concrete must be covered with polyethylene. The concrete base for paving slabs should have a thickness of 10-12 cm. In order for the cement pad to be strong, it is moistened for 3-5 days. After moistening, the concrete is covered with polyethylene. You can lay the coating in 7-12 days.

From sand and cement

The trench is backfilled with a mixture of sand and cement. It is prepared in a ratio of 3:1. The thickness of the sand-cement base should be 12-15 cm. The underlying layer should be well compacted and leveled. If the trench is too deep, it can be reduced with sand. Sand is poured under the base and carefully rammed.

The paving slab technology requires that the cement-sand mixture be dry. Therefore, it is better to make the foundation immediately before paving in dry weather. The cement-sand layer must be laid on geotextiles. If this is not done, the sand will quickly wash out, and the tiles will sag.

Tile treatment before laying

Before installation, the tiles must be treated with a hydrophobic solution. The tool will increase the frost resistance and moisture resistance of the material, as well as increase its service life. Water repellents improve decorative qualities and protect against fungal microorganisms. Salt stains do not appear on the surface treated with a hydrophobic solution. The material is immersed in a hydrophobic composition, then dried. The procedure is repeated.

During processing, you need to carefully inspect all the elements. Products with defects must be put aside. When you need to cut paving slabs to make corners, defective elements come in handy.

Laying work must be carried out under suitable conditions. weather conditions. The weather should be dry and calm. It is impossible to lay the coating on a sand-cement base with sub-zero temperature. When frozen, the soil expands, and when thawed, it sags. If you lay the coating on frozen ground, after it thaws, it will collapse. The rules for laying paving slabs allow you to work on a concrete base during frost, but this is undesirable.

Installation

Paving slabs on a concrete base are fixed cement mortar. The seams are completely filled with the mixture. In this case, the thickness of the seams should not exceed 3 mm. When laying the elements, you need to be on the floor. You can't step on the base. After laying each row, you need to check the quality of the work performed by the building level. Elements that are not laid correctly are leveled with a rubber mallet.

It is necessary to lay on a cement-sand base, driving in each element with a wooden mallet. The material must be firmly fixed in the base. If the product "fails", a layer of sand must be poured under it. The gaps between the tiles are filled with a mixture or sand. After completing the work, the coating is moistened from a hose with a sprayer. If the mixture “sagged” in the gaps, you need to pour a little more mixture into them. You can use the coating after 2-3 days.

Sealing paving slabs is carried out using sand, cement or concrete mix. If sand is used, it must first be sieved. The cement mixture is prepared from cement and sand in a ratio of 1:5. When preparing a concrete mixture, cement is mixed with sand in a ratio of 1: 3. Sand and mixtures must be dry. Grouting is carried out using rubber spatula. The level of the mixture in the gaps should be from 1/2 to 3/4 of the height of the tile. Excess mixture is swept from the coating with a broom.

After that, they begin to fill the seams. When the mixture hardens (after 1-3 days), the mixture is poured into the gaps and moistened again. After the composition has dried, the procedure is repeated a third time. You may have to add the mixture to the seams a few more times. You can finish the work when the mixture in the gaps is on the same level with the surface of the tile.

How to lay paving slabs? This question has a modern sound, as the arrangement of tracks with its help is gaining impressive popularity. It is posted not only because it is fashionable. This is facilitated by a beautiful appearance, and practicality, and ease of installation. The modern construction industry makes it possible to choose a material from a wide range of products that differ in shape, color, size. However, it should be borne in mind that the tile is still different in quality, and therefore you should not use the services of dubious sellers - such a product will not last long.

The essence of the material

At its core, paving slabs are a high-strength tile block designed for street laying when forming sidewalks, paths, and playgrounds. It is not for nothing that it is also called paving stones, as it resembles a stone coating in appearance. Laying street tiles allows you to get rid of such procedures as asphalting or concreting.

The main advantages of such a coating are ease of installation and operation, the possibility of repair, high strength and wear resistance, resistance to sunbeams, heating, atmospheric precipitation, temperature difference and frost resistance. Its decorative effect is especially noted, since the variety of shapes and colors make it possible to create various ornaments and even drawings on the ground.

Paving slabs can be made from various materials. The most widespread are concrete products formed according to special technology with the addition of pigments. Less often (taking into account the increased cost) tiles from natural stone, baked clay with the creation of an original texture, as well as rubber-based.

You can make concrete tiles yourself. To do this, as in the factory version, one of 2 methods is used: vibrocasting and vibrocompression. In the first case, the form is filled with a concrete solution with compaction, after which it is subjected to vibration for a specified time, and then dried in natural conditions. The second method is more complicated, since it involves combining vibration with compression of the workpiece using a press, that is, vibration is performed under pressure, which provides a more monolithic structure of the product.

In general, the choice of paving slabs is carried out according to the following parameters: dimensions, thickness, shape, color, surface topography. Smooth tiles are not placed on the sidewalk to prevent slipping of the feet. A certain relief is created on its surface, which is also capable of playing a decorating role. The relief pattern is considered an important parameter in the selection of products. It can be slightly noticeable, that is, in this case, the tile just has a rough surface. When forming specific design sometimes preference is given to a pronounced relief in the form of an ornament or pattern.

The shape of paving slabs, even factory-made, can be very different: square, rectangle, polygon, roundness, etc. The following forms are recognized as the most popular: paving stones (rectangle), honeycomb (hexagon), wave, gzhelka, flower, scales, clover, fleece.

Required Tools

When laying paving slabs with your own hands, you will need the following tool:

grinder or angle grinder;
tamper;
Master OK;
putty knife;
shovel;
scoop;
mallet;
hammer;
hacksaw;
hacksaw for metal;
jigsaw;
construction level;
metal ruler;
square;
protractor;
roulette;
hose nozzle.

Laying rules

Paths and platforms on the site will please the eye for a long time if the issue of how to properly lay paving slabs is resolved. The event itself, although it takes a lot of time, is carried out quite simply, and therefore everything can be done independently. Help with this certain rules paving slabs.

In general, the entire installation process can be divided into several milestones:

development of laying scheme;
preparatory work;
directly laying tiles;
filling tile joints;
installation of curbs.

It should be noted that event planning is very importance. At this stage, a laying scheme is developed, namely, the shape of the track, the pattern on the surface, color scheme. Already at this stage, it is important to accurately calculate the need for specific elements. It should be borne in mind that if there is a shortage of tiles, there will certainly be problems with the spread of sizes in different batches of goods and with color shade. Everything must be purchased in 1 entry.

When designing tiled masonry it must be borne in mind that such an element of arrangement is striking, so it must be in harmony with the style of everything landscape design. The choice of element dimensions must also take into account the load on the surface being laid out, in particular, the possibility of collision with vehicles or the rolling of heavy carts.

The question of how to lay paving slabs is related to the dimensions of the site, location on the site, and the purpose of the coating. There are several ways to lay paving slabs, which provide a different visual perception. Most often, traditional laying patterns are used: brick (ordinary), column, herringbone, chess. Such masonry forms regular geometric shapes and can be carried out in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction, as well as in a combined way. At the same time, you can satisfy your imagination and provide styling with unconventional methods: in a circle, wave and other fancy options.

In order to lay paving slabs with your own hands, it should be remembered that it is impossible to lay out the surface only from solid elements. You will definitely have to cut the bricks, and for this, without having the skill, you may have to ruin more than one tile. At the same time, the amount of cutting required increases with the choice of a diagonal laying system, especially with an unconventional pattern. The tiles are cut special knife or a grinder with a disc for cutting concrete.

Correct formation coverage implies the satisfaction of the following conditions:

elements are placed in recesses, and protrusion above the ground surface should not exceed 3.5-4.5 cm;
tiles are laid only on carefully compacted dense soil;
the surface must be flat;
should be provided good drainage(gutter), excluding the appearance of puddles on the laid paving stones.

Preparatory stage

The solution to the question of how to properly lay paving slabs is largely determined by the careful preparation of the area where the process will be carried out. On the preparatory stage the following main activities are carried out:

Digging a hole. The work begins with the removal of the top layer of soil, which helps to solve 2 problems at once: to level the work site and create the desired recess for laying tiles. As a rule, the soil is removed to a depth of about 19-22 cm for footpaths and 28-32 cm in case of a possible collision with vehicles.
Soil compaction. Over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe dug recess, it is necessary to carefully compact the soil. This condition is especially important when solving the problem of how to lay paving slabs on sand. In this case, it is recommended to soak the bottom of the recess well from a hose terminated with a sprayer.

In preparation working area consideration should be given to the need for drainage. Most often, it is provided by forming a general slope of the entire site (approximately 3-4 º per meter).

Zone restriction

Mandatory element sidewalk or paved area is a side limiter in the form of a curb. In its absence, the extreme tiles will move over time under load and moisture. It is best to use a ready-made concrete curb for this purpose. You can make it with your own hands by pouring concrete into the formwork or using bricks, which are then plastered.

Installation of curb plates is carried out in this order. A trench is dug around the entire perimeter, which is 5-10 cm larger than the width of the curb. At the bottom of the trench, a sand cushion 6-8 cm thick is poured with careful compaction. Plates are installed on top of the pillow, which are aligned with each other and in a vertical position. To exclude their displacement during the work, fixation is provided with the help of pegs. To fix the limiter, the prepared trench is filled with concrete mortar.

Foundation preparation

Paving slabs are laid on a prepared base - a pillow. Its main tasks are to level the surface and prevent subsidence of individual elements. It is made of sand and gravel in several layers.

The first layer is sand 5-8 cm thick. The next layer is provided with crushed stone, and it is designed to redistribute loads over the entire area. Its thickness is 14-18 cm. Additional filling of crushed stone with sand allows you to get rid of voids. If in the first layer of the cushion there are no special requirements for the quality of sand, then the outer layer is formed from fine sand. After that, the entire surface is moistened and carefully compacted to create a flat area with the necessary slope. Finally, it is recommended to fix the pillow by pouring a thin layer of a mixture of sand and dry cement.

The laying of paving slabs is carried out without haste and in the direction "away from you", which is important to avoid disturbing the even surface of the pillow. The elements are laid down in a certain order corresponding to the selected scheme (drawing). A gap of 1.5-2.5 mm is left between them, and to form one of its widths, wedges made of wood or plastic are used throughout the site.

The tile is deepened into the sand layer by about half its thickness. Alignment along the plane is carried out using a mallet and wooden block. As it is laid, evenness is checked with a level. First, all solid elements lie on the pillow. At the final stage, cutting of the tiles is provided. To do this, it is applied to the installation site, where the cutting line is carefully marked. All elements are cut in fact.

The laying of paving slabs is completed by sealing the seams. Their shift at this stage is excluded by filling the gaps with a dry mixture of sand and cement powder. After filling, water is sprayed over the entire surface of the pavement, as a result of which the cement holds together individual elements between themselves. Before the solution is completely dry, the fixing wedges are removed. The procedure is carried out several times (3-4 times) - for better filling of the seams. Excess mass is removed without waiting for complete curing. At decorative design pigment can be added to this mixture desired shade.

The durability of paths or paving slabs depends on the correct preparation of the working area and the laying of elements. Such work can be done with your own hands, but taking into account the recommendations of specialists. High-quality tile laying will provide practicality and a beautiful appearance that will delight the owner of the site for a long time.

Laying is an obligatory stage in the arrangement of any local area, because the paths make the site not only more comfortable, but also aesthetic. For these purposes, you can use the most different materials, but most often the choice falls on paving slabs. There is nothing surprising here: it has a lot of advantages, and the material laying technology is so accessible that literally everyone can do it with their own hands. In order to properly lay the path and thereby ennoble the summer cottage, you only need to follow the step-by-step instructions - we suggest that you read it further.

Why choose paving slabs

So that you have no doubts about the advisability of using this material to create country paths, consider the main advantages:

A large selection of shapes, shades, as well as textures of textures - tiles make it possible to embody any design idea on the site and create a harmonious landscape ensemble.
Ease of use - puddles do not remain on the paths of paving slabs, since all excess moisture leaves through the tile joints.

Paving slabs are comfortable and durable

Durability - the material is not deformed under the constant influence of the scorching sun, precipitation and sudden changes in temperature. In addition, the tile is durable and low abrasion, so it can withstand long-term intensive use - over 15 years. But even if some part of the coating is damaged, it can always be restored by replacing a few tiles.
Ease of installation - laying a path will not be difficult even for those who have never dealt with such landscape work. To make sure of this, consider step by step the technology of laying tiles.

Stage 1: Choosing a scheme for laying tiles

First of all, you need to decide how you will lay the tiles - the shape, size and amount of material for the track depends on this.

The most common schemes:

Classical ordering is the easiest laying method, involving the placement of paving slabs one after the other. Most often, square or rectangular elements are used - they are easier to dock with each other.

Advice. To give such a rather uncomplicated track originality, you can combine different colours and tile textures.

With offset - another traditional way of laying: tiles are placed so that their joints do not match. A combination of different colors and textures is actively welcomed here, but the shape of the elements should be uniform.
Herringbone - laying at an angle of 45 or 90 degrees. Rectangular or curly elements can be used. A complex version of the Christmas tree is braided: paving slabs are also laid at an angle, but with alternation - along and across. To make the pattern clear, it is recommended to use only two colors.

Paths made of paving slabs look very modern and beautiful.

Chess - laying square two-color tiles in a checkerboard pattern. Although the option is simple in execution, due to the play of colors, it looks very impressive.
Geometry - tiles form diverse geometric patterns: squares, rhombuses, zigzags, etc. The composition is created by using elements of different colors, but the same shape.

Stage 2: Preparation of materials and tools

When you decide on the laying scheme, you can go to the hardware store for tiles. When choosing a product, be guided not only by its design, but also by performance indicators: slip level, maximum allowable weight loads, processing capabilities (cutting, painting).

Advice. In order to correctly determine the number of tiles, it is better to draw up a simple plan in advance: indicate the shape and dimensions of the intended track. In the future, taking into account the area of \u200b\u200bthe working area and the dimensions of a particular tile, you can easily calculate the required amount of material.

In addition to the paving slab itself, you will also need:

dry cement;
sand;
small crushed stone or gravel;
small pegs - wooden or metal;
mallet - rubber or wooden;
Master OK;

Before laying tiles, the surface must be leveled.

level;
tile knife;
tamper;
profile;
geotextile;
twine.

Stage 3: Laying on a concrete base or sand bed

A well-prepared base is a guarantee of successful laying cottage path, so this stage needs to be thought out to the details. The first step is to mark the future path: mark its boundaries, drive in pegs around the perimeter and connect them with twine.

Advice. If there is clay soil on the site, take care of drainage: make longitudinal and transverse slopes in the resulting trench so that moisture flows to the edges.

And now you need to solve the most important question: what kind of base will you lay the tiles on? There are two options:

Sand pillow. First, a layer of sand must be laid on the ground - 5-10 cm in height. Pack it up and moisturize. Lay geotextile on top. Then lay a layer of crushed stone or gravel - also 5-10 cm high. Walk along the base with a rammer and add up to 5 cm of sand. After that, perform the final moistening and compaction of the pillow. This version of the base is only suitable for narrow and short paths.
Concrete base. First, fill the trenches with a layer of sand - about 5 cm. Moisten and compact the base. Then cook cement mixture: 1 part cement and 3 parts sand. Fill the trench with the resulting composition - the layer should be 4-5 cm. Be sure to level the concrete with a trowel. This version of the base is more durable than the first, therefore it is suitable for tracks of any size.

Laying tiles on a sand bed

Stage 4: Tile laying technology

The last stage is the direct construction of the path from paving slabs. You need to start laying only from yourself - so you do not deform the prepared base. According to the chosen scheme, install the first tile, adjust its position and fix it on the base, carefully knocking it out with a mallet.

Focusing on the first element, lay the entire track, keeping gaps of 2 mm. Tamp each tile with a mallet so that it firmly "sits" into the base. Periodically check the height of the cover - if you notice that any element is laid unevenly, use a trowel to gently lift it, adjust the position and re-fix it on the track.

After the paving slabs have been laid, fill the joints with either sand or a dry cement-sand mixture. Then remove excess filler and carefully moisten the gaps. The seams must be tight, as they will account for part of the load that the track will take on.

Advice. For grouting, use only clean sand, which does not contain any organic impurities, so that soon vegetation does not appear between the tiles.

You can walk along the laid path only 2-3 days after its arrangement.

Laying paving slabs is relatively inexpensive, but spectacular way ennoble adjoining territory. As you can see, the arrangement of paths does not require professional skills or complex tools - it is quite possible to make paths with your own hands. So carefully study the step-by-step installation instructions and you can safely get to work.