How Do You Lay Paving?

Make sure the base onto which the paving will be laid is suitable. If the paving is just for walking on then the soil needs to be dug out to the required level and then compacted. A five centimetre layer of sand can then be raked evenly over and the slabs laid on small mounds of mortar, ideally no less than five mounds per slab. Each slab needs to be levelled. Use a mallet to tamp each slab into position and check each time for level. Paving for driveways or heavy duty use needs a sub-layer of compacted rubble below the sand. If you are paving up to a building make sure the slabs are laid at least 15 centimetres below any damp proof course. Small slabs or bricks can be laid directly into a bed of sand. Make sure paths are wide enough for your needs. Ideally a wheelbarrow's width as a minimum to help with garden maintenance.