How do I lay Sandstone Paving?

Excavate

Choose the area where you want to lay your sandstone paving, making sure it’s firm, level and well-drained. Mark out the area with spray paint. Dig the spray-painted area to a minimum depth of 125mm, plus the depth of the paving, removing all vegetation and top soil (finished surface depth should be a minimum of 150mm below damp proof course of house).

Foundation layer

Fill and compact a 50mm layer of sub-base material (crushed stone 40mm – dust), then repeat this process again so the sub-base has an overall depth of 100mm for areas of pedestrian use, or a minimum of 150mm for vehicular use up to 3.5 ton. Make sure the area has falls that are adequate for surface water runoff.

Wash them

Wash the paving with a sponge and clean water to remove any dust and dirt.

Prime time

Prime the backs of the slabs with a proprietary priming product or fine mortar slurry.

Mixing it up

Create a mortar mix of four parts sand to one part cement and water. The mix should be of a “wet”, workable consistency.

Spread it on thick

Working in a small area, add a full mortar bed to the area and level it off so the bed is approximately 30mm in thickness.

Lay it down

Lay your sandstone paving in the mortar bed, placing slabs 8 to 10mm apart. Bed the paving down firmly into the mortar by tapping them lightly with a rubber mallet.

Case in joint

Use a trowel to fill the joints with a mortar mix of four parts sand to one part cement. The mix should be of a “wet”, workable consistency. Compress mortar mix into the joints with pointing tool.

Leave it be

Leave your Sandstone Paving to set for at least 24 hours before walking on it – allow longer in wet weather.