Patios + Decking
Laying Paving Slabs Video
Crazy paving has officially gone the way of the dinosaur, the dodo and the poodle skirt. It's time to take a hard look at your garden and decide on the new look it needs. There are dozens of slabs to choose from, and a price range to suit almost every budget. Plus, if you lay them yourself, you'll save a bundle. Just follow our step-by-step guide for a professional looking finish.
Time to complete the job: 1 or 2 days
You will need:
- Bolster
- Lump hammer
- Pencil
- Rubber mallet
- Tape measure
- Mask
- Goggles
- String line
- Brick laying trowel
- Builder's square
- Angle grinder
- Level (4ft)
- Level (6ft, or piece of timber)
- Mortar
- Shovel
- Paving slabs
Step 1: Choose the right slab
Try to get the best quality slabs you can afford. They will look better and last longer.Natural stone paving is your best choice.
If you're using natural stone slabs, their thicknesses will vary. Be sure to start by laying the thickest ones first.
Step 2: Plan your layout
Before you start laying any stones, plan your patio layout.You should always lay full slabs along any edges, with cut slabs in the middle, so you don't end up with tiny pieces of slab at the edges of your patio.
Mix your mortar: two parts sharp sand, two parts soft sand, one part cement.
Important! Use a bit of PVA adhesive in the mix to make the slabs stick to the mortar.
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