{"id":56,"date":"2019-09-25T06:50:02","date_gmt":"2019-09-25T06:50:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prostoneltd.co.uk\/blog\/?p=56"},"modified":"2019-10-02T11:50:51","modified_gmt":"2019-10-02T11:50:51","slug":"laying-flag-paving-slabs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prostoneltd.co.uk\/blog\/laying-flag-paving-slabs\/","title":{"rendered":"Laying Flag Paving Slabs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Having conducted the necessary research into flooring materials for your new home patio, it\u2019s likely that the versatility, affordability, and properties of flag paving slabs will stand out from the crowd. However, selecting paving slabs<\/a> with the hue and colour to suit your home\u2019s aesthetic is just the start.<\/p>\n

Before starting your project you\u2019ll naturally have many questions regarding how to lay paving slabs such as \u201ccan you lay sandstone on a dry bed?\u201d and \u201cwhich bedding method is most suitable for the project?\u201d while you\u2019ll also want to consider timescales and budgets. Here\u2019s everything you need to know:<\/p>\n

How To Prepare The Site & Lay Flag Paving Slabs<\/h2>\n

After finding the right materials for the job at hand, the first assignment of your project is to prepare the site. Without a flat and perfectly prepared surface, the quality of the entire project becomes severely jeopardised.<\/p>\n

To prepare the site of your patio in style, use the six simple steps below:<\/p>\n

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  1. Drain and level out the paving base for a firm foundation that will last.<\/em><\/li>\n
  2. Remove topsoil (and vegetation) to a depth of 8in.<\/em><\/li>\n
  3. Mark out the area to the desired finished surface levels, factoring in water drainage.<\/em><\/li>\n
  4. Rake and compact the area to a level that is at least 6in below the damp proof course.<\/em><\/li>\n
  5. Lay the full flags laid adjacent to a fixed point, starting from a corner.<\/em><\/li>\n
  6. Dry lay the flags and then find the paving slabs to match the desired aesthetic.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Bedding Methods<\/h2>\n

    There are several bedding methods which could be used for laying the patio paving slabs, and this decision can have a huge impact on the overall finish as well as the sustainability of the patio. The most common methods are as follows:<\/p>\n

    Individual Bedding<\/h3>\n

    Individual bedding means that each flag has a separate bed prepared and laid. The first is prepared and laid before moving onto the second bed and repeating the process until completion. It is a popular technique for larger flags and natural stone flags due to the contrast in thicknesses from one slab to the next.<\/p>\n

    Screed Bedding<\/h3>\n

    Screed bedding is suitable when flag thicknesses are consistent. The process involves preparing a large screed bed before placing flags directly onto the bed in the desired formation. This technique is best used by small, light flags that can be manually moved and positioned. This is especially true if the plane isn\u2019t 100% flat.<\/p>\n

    Spot Bedding<\/h3>\n

    Spot bedding is also known as dab bedding, dot and dab, or dollops of mortar. Frankly, there\u2019s a reason it\u2019s rarely permitted or commercial and public projects. As a homeowner, you should try to avoid it too. You don\u2019t need to know much about the method, other than any contractor suggesting it can be ignored.<\/p>\n

    Ring Bedding<\/h3>\n

    Ring bedding uses a ring of mortar, which is placed around the perimeter, alongside a dollop. Like spot bedding, it can lead to distinctive stains and discolouration. It may be a quick method, but it does not produce the full bedding layer needed to support the patio paving slabs and should be avoided at all costs.<\/p>\n

    Natural Stone Versus Concrete Paving<\/h2>\n

    While the above section has already separated the suitable methods from the unsuitable, it\u2019s important to appreciate the impact that the material will bring. Natural stone versus concrete paving is one of the most important issues to consider.<\/p>\n

    Natural Stone<\/h3>\n

    When the patio is being laid with natural stone slabs, the following steps should be embraced to achieve the desired look and function for many years to come.<\/p>\n

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    1. Start by digging the area to a depth of 8in.<\/em><\/li>\n
    2. Prepare the area by using 6in of crusher run to refill the area before compacting it to 4in.<\/em><\/li>\n
    3. Prepare the mortar for each flag individually based on the thickness of each flag.<\/em><\/li>\n
    4. Using four parts sharp sand and one part cement, the bed\u2019s mortar mix should boast a semi-dry consistency.<\/em><\/li>\n
    5. If using mortar joints to produce consistent widths , butter the mortar into the edges of the pre-laid flags before pressing in the next one to form a filled joint. This can be topped up during the pointing process.<\/em><\/li>\n
    6. Tap each lag down using a rubber mallet (or carefully with a hammer), making sure to monitor the levels throughout.<\/em><\/li>\n
    7. Lay a solution of limestone or sandstone onto the semi-dry mortar bed and give the mortar mix 24 hours to settle.<\/em><\/li>\n
    8. Start the pointing process with a wet mortar mix, ensuring that the joints are not the weakest area.<\/em><\/li>\n
    9. Take extra care not to stain the surface with excess mortar.<\/em><\/li>\n
    10. Add a plasticiser to the mix for added workability and avoid air pockets.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Once these tasks are completed, you\u2019ll be ready to enjoy the patio in no time.<\/p>\n

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