How to lay concrete slabs
- Start by digging to a depth of 150mm.
- Tip in the sub-base and rake it evenly to a depth of 100mm.
- Ensure the site is smooth, flat and compacted.
- Next, prepare a concrete mix that consists of three parts sand and one part cement. Keep adding water to get to the desired consistency. ...
- Lower the first paving slab onto the concrete mix. ...
Full Answer
How do I Lay my first paving slab?
Tip: If you dampen the slabs before laying, this will prevent them from sucking all the moisture from the concrete and drying it out as you lay them. Lower the first paving slab onto the concrete mix. Gently tap it with a rubber mallet, allowing it to sink approximately 15mm into the mortar. Use a spirit level to check the slab is lying evenly.
How do you lay patio slabs with sharp sand?
Lay 2 sub-layers of 50mm each using GSB Type 1. Now add a compacted 30mm layer of sharp sand. You are then ready to begin laying your patio slabs. Keep them 2-5mm apart, checking levels along the way. Lastly, use kiln dried fine sand to fill in any gaps.
How do you prepare the concrete base for a concrete slab?
Preparing the concrete base. The preparation needed will depend on the existing surface and what the concrete will be used for. Measure and mark out the area you need to concrete, using a string line and wooden pegs, ensuring that the corners have a 90 degree angle.
Can You Lay paving slabs on soil?
Lastly, use kiln dried fine sand to fill in any gaps. While it is possible to lay paving slabs on soil, it is not generally advised. The durability of any paving with a soil base can depend on many factors, including:
How to divide paving slabs?
When is the best time to lay patio slabs?
How long does it take to replace a patio with a concrete base?
How long does it take for a patio to set?
What is the cheapest material to use for paving?
What to use to compact the ground?
Can you lay a paving slab over a concrete slab?
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Can you lay slabs on concrete path?
it will be fine to lay the slabs over the original concrete as long as you have 150mm between the path and the dpc height which is your internal floor height. you are best laying these on a 50mm concrete screed so that it is all keyed together.
How do you lay a slab on a path?
2:395:02How to lay a path with Wickes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's best to cover the path with plastic sheeting whilst it dries. Once the path is dry fill in theMoreIt's best to cover the path with plastic sheeting whilst it dries. Once the path is dry fill in the joints by adding water to slab layer or four parts sand and one part cement to create a damp mix.
How thick should a concrete slab for a walkway be?
4"Sidewalks should be at least 4" (100mm) in thickness. Simple slabs for small foundations, bases, etc., normally 4" to 6" (100mm to150mm) thick, depending on the load they must bear.
What do you put under a concrete slab?
Most concrete contractors want a mix of coarse and fine aggregate to create a compactable base that is going to be safe for settlement and drainage. Crusher run (a mix of crushed stone and stone dust) and #57 coarse aggregate are two of the best base materials for concrete slabs.
How do you lay a small path slab?
How to lay a garden pathMark the route of the path with pegs and a line.Dig 170mm into the soil along the route of your path.Lay a compacted sub-base of 100m.Cover the area with 40mm of concrete mix.Lay concrete pavers 15mm into the concrete, leaving a 10mm gap between them.Leave to set for at least 24 hours.More items...•
Can you lay slabs on soil?
While it is possible to lay paving slabs on soil, it is not generally advised. The durability of any paving with a soil base can depend on many factors, including: Type of soil: Heavy clay soil will be far more durable and less likely to be compromised by British weather conditions.
Do you need gravel under concrete?
You do need gravel under a concrete slab, footing, or patio. Gravel provides a solid foundation for your concrete as it can be compacted. It also improves drainage, preventing water from pooling beneath the concrete.
Does a concrete walkway need rebar?
Most sidewalks don't need to be reinforced with rebar. Rebar might also be used in sidewalks required to withstand impact on a regular basis. General use sidewalks don't benefit from the addition of rebar. In fact, using rebar in your sidewalk could actually cost you more over time if your sidewalk needs repairs.
Do you need rebar for 4 inch slab?
Rebar is not necessary for every concrete project. The general rule of thumb is that if you are pouring concrete that is more than 5 inches in depth, you are probably going to want to add in some rebar to help reinforce the entire structure.
Can I pour concrete directly on dirt?
Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.
What happens if you don't put gravel under concrete?
Because concrete is a very porous material, it will absorb any moisture that it contacts. This can cause pooling. Without crushed stone, pooling water will settle under it and erode your slab. Adding a layer of crushed stone will add proper drainage, as well as create a barrier between your slab and the ground.
Do I need sand under concrete?
To prevent cracking and crumbling, concrete patios need to be built on solid, well-drained soil. If you live in a region with lots of clay in the soil, you will need to dig down further and backfill with layers of compacted sand and gravel.
How do you lay paving slabs on soil?
Here's how to lay a patio for beginners in 6 easy steps.Dig 150mm into your patio area.Lay a compacted sub-base of 100mm.Cover the area with 40mm of concrete mix.Lay paving slabs 15mm into the concrete with a 10-15mm gap.Leave to set for at least 24 hours.Fill the gaps between the paving slabs with concrete mix.
How do you lay a slab and gravel path?
LAYOUT THE STEPPING-STONES ONE STRIDE APART. ... REMOVE GRAVEL FROM THE AREA OF YOUR FIRST SLAB. ... PLACE MORTAR MIX ON CLEARED GRAVEL AREA THEN LEVEL OUT. ... TAPPING DOWN THE STEPPING-STONE. ... POINT MORTAR UP AND AROUND THE SIDES OF THE SLAB. ... FIX LINE PINS TO ATTACH A STRING LINE TO THE SIDE OF THE TWO LAID SLABS.More items...•
How do you lay slabs on soil without cement?
The best alternative to cement is to use a sub-base of sand. While this isn't too tricky (see our 'how to lay paving slabs on sand' section) it isn't the most secure way of laying a patio. Unfortunately, the slabs will often begin to sink and shift eventually, plus, weeds will make their way through the sand base.
How do you lay a concrete path UK?
1:293:34Laying a path - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a straight edge of wood tamp down and then using a plasterers trowel skim over the concrete toMoreUsing a straight edge of wood tamp down and then using a plasterers trowel skim over the concrete to achieve a flat smooth finish and repeat this process to complete the project.
Wet or Dry Mix for Laying Patio Slabs and What Ratios to Use?
Hello there Neil the Oxford handyman here, The golden rule as far as slabbing or block paving goes is as follows; Foot traffic - 75mm/for vehicles 150mm whackered (compressed) hardcore or type1, base. Followed by a sharp sand/cement (stronger the better - at least 6:1) screed. Moisten the mix so that if you grip it in your hand it just about maintains the shape and holds together.Using poles ...
Laying paving slabs direct onto earth | DIYnot Forums
cheers, i will try this. i have actually laid paving slabs directly onto bare soil many years ago and they seemed fine. my other half insists that we put down sand before plonking the paving slabs down this time but i thought this would just make it worse as it stops the paving sinking into the soil evenly and taking hold.
Are patio slabs ok straight on to sharp sand? | DIYnot Forums
Hello All, I've been on pavingexpert.com as advised in several posts here which tells me that sharp grit type sand (not building sand)is an accepted way of laying slabs for a patio. I've looked at several forum questions and most of you say that this method is NOT good. The soil is clay and...
The Best Patio Mortar Mix for Laying Paving Slabs: [Simple Guide]
In this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect patio mortar mix ratio and let you know the tools you’ll need. Creating your own mortar mix for patio slabs is easily done once you know how, but you’re going to need to do some mathematics!
How to divide paving slabs?
Divide the area by the width of your paving slabs to see how many you will need. Please note, if you choose an area that can be divided exactly by the dimensions of the slabs, this will prevent the need for small and awkward offcuts.
When is the best time to lay patio slabs?
Spring is the perfect time to lay new slabs and get your garden into tip top shape. This prep time means you can make the most of the good weather on its way. With sections such as how to lay slabs on grass, how to lay patio slabs and more, what are you waiting for?
How long does it take to replace a patio with a concrete base?
An approximation, based on a basic 8 metre square patio that is replacing an existing patio with a concrete base would take about 2 days, for 2 people.
How long does it take for a patio to set?
Once the patio has been laid, spray it with water, saturating the area and leave for 24 hours to set.
What is the cheapest material to use for paving?
Concrete: Concrete is often the cheapest option for paving slabs. These slabs come in a variety of finishes from antique flag effect, to textured, hardwearing, standard finish and even a minimalist polished, contemporary look.
What to use to compact the ground?
Next, use a garden roller, tamper or plate compactor to compact the ground.
Can you lay a paving slab over a concrete slab?
How to lay paving slabs on concrete. If you already have a patio, you may be surprised to know it is possible to lay paving slabs over old concrete slabs. You will of course need to create a more stable, even base and this can be done using sand.
How high should a patio be?
Your new patio or walkway needs to be up to 3 inches higher than the original concrete. You need to be sure to plan for transitions to other areas, especially if the patio adjoins your house.
Why do we need pavers?
Pavers are not only known for their cost-benefit but also beauty and style. Installing pavers can significantly increase your home value and curb appeal.
Can you put pavers on top of concrete?
The process of laying pavers over concrete is the same as laying a paver patio over the ground. Pavers can be installed on top of concrete without mortar if you put a layer of sand between ½ to 1 inch first.
Can pavers be used over concrete?
This is the most common method of laying pavers over a concrete base, especially with pedestrian applications, such as walkways and patios. It can be also applied in driveways as long durable bedding sand is used.
Can you put bituminous over concrete?
The installation with bituminous is not very common. It is used only for high impact and friction areas. Follow the next two steps when installing pavers over concrete using a bituminous set: Step 1: Place a level 1 inch bedding layer of sand mixed with a bituminous binder between the pavers and underlying the surface.
Can you put mortar over pavers?
Using mortar to install pavers is also a really common method, but it’s important to say that a mortar set is not recommended when laying pavers over asphalt, because the asphalt is too flexible and can crack the mortar.
Do you need to edge a concrete patio?
To keep the sand and pavers from settling and squishing around, a concrete slab paver patio needs to be firmly edged. However, your edging needs to allow for water to properly drain. Otherwise, if it’s watertight, your patio could turn into a puddle.
How to divide paving slabs?
Divide the area by the width of your paving slabs to see how many you will need. Please note, if you choose an area that can be divided exactly by the dimensions of the slabs, this will prevent the need for small and awkward offcuts.
When is the best time to lay patio slabs?
Spring is the perfect time to lay new slabs and get your garden into tip top shape. This prep time means you can make the most of the good weather on its way. With sections such as how to lay slabs on grass, how to lay patio slabs and more, what are you waiting for?
How long does it take to replace a patio with a concrete base?
An approximation, based on a basic 8 metre square patio that is replacing an existing patio with a concrete base would take about 2 days, for 2 people.
How long does it take for a patio to set?
Once the patio has been laid, spray it with water, saturating the area and leave for 24 hours to set.
What is the cheapest material to use for paving?
Concrete: Concrete is often the cheapest option for paving slabs. These slabs come in a variety of finishes from antique flag effect, to textured, hardwearing, standard finish and even a minimalist polished, contemporary look.
What to use to compact the ground?
Next, use a garden roller, tamper or plate compactor to compact the ground.
Can you lay a paving slab over a concrete slab?
How to lay paving slabs on concrete. If you already have a patio, you may be surprised to know it is possible to lay paving slabs over old concrete slabs. You will of course need to create a more stable, even base and this can be done using sand.
