Tips & Tricks for Laying Paving Slabs
If you are planning a DIY project using paving slabs, such as a new patio, garden path or driveway, you might want to take note of a few of these handy tips and tricks before you begin.
Lay your slabs in position:
Once you have chosen the design of your paving slabs it is a good idea to lay them into position to check that you are happy with the pattern and to ensure that you have enough slabs. Remember to take a photograph of the layout for reference.
Get some help:
Try to arrange your paving project when you have a helping hand. Paving slabs are heavy, and you could cause injury by attempting to lift alone.
Safety first:
It is also important to wear appropriate safety protection when laying paving slabs. Wet and dry cement can cause skin irritation, so make sure you are wearing protective gloves and long sleeves.
Ensure water is drained away properly:
If water is not properly drained away from a patio, it can settle and cause damage. To combat this, you should very slightly slope your slabs when laying them into position.
The 10mm rule:
If you are laying paving slabs next to a lawn area, try to position the slabs at least 10mm below ground level for easy mowing.
Combat Weed:
To keep weeds from growing up through your new patio or pathway, it is important to lay a weed suppressant fabric before your sub-base.
Ensure consistency:
If you are using slabs from different batches, you may notice a variation in colour. To disguise this and help the colours blend together, it is a good idea to mix up the slabs when laying into your desired pattern.
Avoid walking on new paving slabs:
Once you have laid your paving slabs it is crucial that you do not walk on them for at least 24 hours, as this can cause them to move and create an uneven surface.
