Question

Fool proof way to lay paving slabs? Google brings up 100 different ways to do it, which is the easiest? We're attempting to do the garden ourselves and we're complete novices  

Answer 1

This is the way I did it: Thankspe 1 base compacted with whacker plate. Get as level as you can. Sharp sand. Then cement in slabs. You want a very slight gradient away from house so water runs off.  

Comments

I agree with ben. This is how weve always done it. Do a good base of cement too so they dont start popping up

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Probably want to get rid of some more earth unless your raising it up

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We've just done the same but I'm not cementing in the slab as I may change my mind in a couple of years where I want them lol. I wouldn't use cement to lay the slabs on because you haven't done it before it could make it harder for you if things go wrong with the level of them.  

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Don't be defeatist worrying if it goes wrong. wet cement is actually the best way for diy novice to get this properly level

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@quip9006 we've just played 100 slabs by using sand, in a previous life I used concrete, I found sand better, plus I'd I dont like then when down easier to lift back up. I may decide to use some between them at a later date for decoration but may just colour the sand, plus the left over sand I've used on my grass to remove moss.  

Answer 2

You need to level the ground with a Wacker plate or a long piece of wood and jumping on it. Do a slab at a time so the concrete doesnt start setting and keep checking with a spirit level x

Answer 3

Builders sand then flags  that's how I'd do it

Answer 4

A dry mix of sand and cement

Answer 5

Just work off from concrete already there get stones down first for your base either lay dry on sand or use cement for permanent fixing but make sure you have slight run of for water

Answer 6

A load of sand, lay paving slabs on top and have a spirit level handy. Leave them a day or two to settle and use more sand to fill in around the slabs. No need for a whacker plate as they will settle into the sand

Comments

@predecease we haven't used a whaker plate just plenty of sand

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That will just lead to slabs subsiding in the future. if you don't wacker your base down it is likely to move in future

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@quip9006 we have more chance in our house of the house subsiding than the slabs  when I moved in there were and still is 102 slabs played in front of my patio and I've been here 19 years and they've only just started to move, so it just peoples choice really must say laying the slabs were lots easier than mixing and laying 23 ton if concrete lol

Answer 7

Want to be putting mot down on that and wacking it down

Answer 8

Mot type 1 stone, at least 50mm-100mm leaving an inch or so to your finished height depending on the thickness of slabs. Then lay your slabs on either a dry cement and sharp sand mix, or a wet mix. wet mix is the better one really. Easier to get level if your a novice but harder to mix. good luck and well done attempting it yourself!  

Comments

@ejaculatory hiya mate would you want to leave around 2 inches from the finished height? And inch for the actual slab and an inch for the cement mix?  

Answer 9

Wack the back out of it.  

Answer 10

What slabs are you laying?  

Answer 11

As @ejaculatory said. Dig out 6 inches debth. Apply 4 inch of sub base. Wack it down. Then sand and cement for the bed laying your slabs in. Wet is better. But not soaking

Answer 12

I have just done my own, it's no where near perfect but it's turned out great, I levelled it all best I could then used mot stone, I hired a wacker plate to flatten it all and compact it, then added grit sand then laid my flags on top concreted all the edges and then brushed a dry mix over the top to full in all the holes and cracks in between. I had to 're do next day because I got some worm holes. But it's two weeks on and it's great x