STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

How to lay paving slabs video

Make the most of your garden space in the warmer months by laying a patio. Then just add garden furniture, a couple of planted containers and friends!

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

There are dozens of slabs to choose from, and a price range to suit 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

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.
Step 3: Lay the first row

Start away from any buildings. Use your string line to mark a straight line which will be the guide for your first row of slabs.

Start by laying a slab at either end of the row on a 2in bed of mortar.

Leave for about 1/2 an hour to let the mortar go off a bit.
Step 4: Work to the centre

Continue working your way towards the middle of the row, laying a new slab at either end until you reach the centre.

To lay a slab, first shovel down a nice bed of mortar. Using the trowel, scoop out a clump of mortar from the middle of the bed. This will give some squeezing room when you put the slab on top.

Add the slab, leaving a 3/4in gap between it and the first slab. Make sure you line it up with your guide string.

Use the level to make sure the slab is level, both left to right and back to front. A few taps with the rubber mallet will help get the slab into a level position.

Repeat until you reach the centre of your row.

Tip: If your patio is next to the house, make sure you slope your slabs slightly towards the garden, so rain water doesn't collect near the house and cause damp problems.
Step 5: Lay the centre slab

When you reach the middle, you'll have a gap that's too small for a full slab.

Measure the space between slabs and subtract 1.5in (if you've been leaving a ¾in gap between slabs). Transfer the measurement to a slab.

Use the angle grinder to cut a line into the bottom of the slab (don't cut all the way through the slab if you're using natural stone).

Use a hammer and bolster to break away the unwanted piece of slab. This method will maintains the rough edge of the natural stone paving.

Lay in the trimmed slab and level it. Continue laying the rest of the patio in the same manner.

Wait at least a day for the mortar to go off before doing the pointing.

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