One of the final stages of the arrangement of the backyard territory is the design of the paths. The answer to the question of which material is optimal is not always obvious. Paving slabs for paths in the country are among the most successful options for sidewalk coverage. This article will acquaint you with the varieties of pavement products and the advantages of the most popular of them, will help you understand the shapes and sizes and not drown in the sea of proposals. Paths and platforms paved with suitable tiles will not only protect you from dirt and dampness, but will also become a bright decorative detail of the site.
Tiled flooring does not retain water Source derevyannyy.com
Types of tiles
The popular types of sidewalk coatings on the construction market include five types of products:
Natural stone... Surfaces of granite, marble or basalt fit into any landscape design and are characterized by improved strength, abrasion resistance and durability. The high cost of the material is the main limitation of its use.
From clay... Paving clinker (fired clay brick or tile) is a decorative and durable material. It was not widely used due to the high cost and structural features (poor-quality material can be covered with salt stains).
Concrete... The most common option, durable and environmentally friendly. Tiles are made by vibrocasting and vibrocompression from a mixture of cement, water and plasticizers.
Polymer sand... The combination of sand and polymers makes it possible to obtain solid products with anti-slip properties.
Tile imitating paving stones Source daglse.ru
Rubber... A product of recycling old tires, such tiles are elastic, waterproof and hygienic. It is beneficial to use it for a children's playground, the area around the pool or in an area with wet ground.
About concrete tiles: varieties, production methods and characteristics
No matter how beautiful the track is conceived, its main quality should remain strength. The pedestrian surface on a suburban area is subject to daily (in some places significant) loads, therefore concrete is considered one of the optimal materials for tile products. Concrete paving slabs for paths in the country are produced in two main ways, allowing you to obtain products with different properties.
Vibrocasting (vibrocasting) tiles
During vibration casting, a liquid cement-sand mixture is used. The forms fixed on the vibrating table are filled with the prepared composition. Thanks to continuous vibration, the mixture is compacted, after which the workpieces are placed in a heat chamber, where they gain strength. Vibrocasting tiles have a glossy surface (vibration removes air) and the following characteristics:
Lifetime from 20-25 years old.
Vibro-cast tile coating Source mariyagroup.com
Compressive strength... The parameter shows what kind of load the product can withstand; is 300-400 kg / cm 2.
Frost resistance(the number indicates the guaranteed number of freeze-thaw cycles): F300-F400.
Abrasion... The lower the indicator, the longer the pavement will last. Abrasion of vibrocast products does not exceed 0.3 g / cm 2.
Water absorption... The less moisture the product absorbs, the more durable it is; the indicator is 4.5% of the volume.
The advantages of such products include fast production, low cost and the ability to produce stylized surfaces (by adjusting dyes and additives, you can get marble or granite tiles).
Vibro-pressed tiles
Vibrocompression makes it possible to obtain products with a rough (matte) surface. In this case, the concrete mixture is placed in a mold and compacted not only by vibration of the base, but also with the help of a press. The finished tile is not heat treated and has the following characteristics:
Life time from 15-20 years old.
Compressive strength: 300 kg / cm 2.
Vibro-pressed coating Source daglse.ru
Frost resistance(5-7 freeze-thaw cycles occur during the winter): F200.
Abrasion: 0.4 g / cm 2.
Water absorption: 6% by volume
For the manufacture of such tiles, more serious equipment is needed. Products are characterized by a smaller choice of colors and uniformity of shapes (most often it is a square or rectangle).
7 reasons to choose concrete paving slabs
In modern suburban construction, concrete paving slabs displace traditional concrete and asphalt everywhere, creating serious competition for clinker bricks and natural stone. The material enjoys wide and well-deserved popularity due to its positive qualities, which include:
Profitability... The tile is a modern technological material, superior in price / quality ratio to clinker and granite paving stones. Laying is also inexpensive.
Paving a garden path will not take long
Aesthetics... Tiled paths are much more attractive than tarmac or concrete (unless you're a fan of minimalism). Manufacturers offer products of various shapes, colors and shades, allowing you to give a suburban area an individual look and emphasize any style.
Environmental friendliness... Paving slabs for paths, unlike asphalt, do not emit substances hazardous to health, which is especially valuable in hot weather. The basis of most types of tiles is concrete, an environmentally neutral raw material.
Durability... The service life starts from 15-20 years.
Strength... The material withstands mechanical stress, is resistant to atmospheric moisture and temperature drops.
Functionality... Water does not accumulate on the tiled surface, the paths are always clean and dry, which is especially convenient in regions with frequent and prolonged rains.
Easy installation and repair... Laying the tile covering in compliance with technological methods is easy; replacing a damaged part is also straightforward.
Two-color coating of paths and adjoining areas Source brukhouse.com.ua
Dimensions, shape and method of use
Since GOST does not regulate the size and shape of tiles, manufacturers set the parameters of products based on their own needs and capabilities. For the buyer, the main performance indicator that you need to pay attention to is the thickness of the tiles. Paving slabs for garden paths are divided in thickness into several groups:
Pedestrian... The thickness of the product reaches 30 mm. A budget option, suitable for paving the local area, the space around the gazebo or porch, barbecue area, garden paths. Such a coating can easily withstand the load of a bicycle, pedestrian or wheelchair, but is not suitable for a driveway.
Universal... Has a thickness of 50 to 60 mm. The cost of arranging paths from such a tile will be higher, but this will be technically justified. She can lay out not only paths, recreation areas and a courtyard; the coating honorably withstands the weight of a car or minibus. Suitable not only for the device of the driveway, it can also be used to lay out the floor of the garage.
Popular models of vibrocast tiles Source seattlehelpers.org
Monolithic... Products with a thickness of 70-80 mm and more are expensive; styling will also cost a pretty penny. Such tiles are rarely seen on a suburban area. It is designed to withstand the harshest operating conditions and easily withstands the stress of trucks.
For arranging the territory of a suburban area, tiles with a thickness of 30 to 60 mm are recommended. Other important parameters of the product, length and width, are used to calculate the flow rate during installation. The size and shape of products can be systematized as follows:
Square... In private construction, the most popular is tile for paths with parameters of 300x300 mm; no less popular are options with a side of 350 and 400 mm. Plates with a side of 500 mm are rarely used.
Rectangular... A classic shape that has retained its relevance in modern design. Paths lined with "paving stones" or "bricks" will decorate any site. Average dimensions range from 200-250 mm in length and 100-125 mm in width (more significant deviations are on the conscience of the manufacturer).
Video description
About the variety of paving slabs in the following video:
Curly... The boundary dimensions are approximately within the following frames: from 295x295 mm to 120x180 mm, and the flight of fancy in the form is not regulated in any way. The more complex the shape, the more time and effort it will take to pave the path. An interesting result can be obtained by combining color and shape.
Special tiles... A tactile tile designed for people with visual impairments. This tile is made in the form of a square and has reefs on the surface, which helps to set the direction of movement.
Additional elements... Often, the manufacturer offers steps, side stones (curbs), edge trays (for rainwater drainage).
Fans of original innovative ideas will be interested in unusual types of tiles:
LED tiles... Lighting of the garden, paths and landscape design elements can be realized using LED sidewalk lights. LED tiles are made of impact-resistant polymers, they are characterized by a high degree of wear and moisture resistance, do not slip in wet weather. Glowing in the dark paving slabs are not only beautiful, but also a functional idea for decorating a garden.
Garden path with LED elements Source seattlehelpers.org
Three-dimensional paving slabs... The production technology allows you to apply the image chosen by the customer to the tiles. In this case, the drawing is additionally covered with a protective layer and does not fade in the sun. A path or area covered with a 3D pattern can be an effective solution for a suburban area.
Tile is an unpretentious material, but, nevertheless, its operational characteristics directly depend on the quality of manufacture. To make sure of the quality of the selected track coverage, you should pay attention to the following signs:
Manufacturer... It must be legal. Buying artisanal tiles somewhere near the road, from a truck, can lead to the fact that beautiful paths will not survive the first winter; the tile will begin to crack and flake.
Certificate of conformity... A legal manufacturer (seller) will be happy to provide a certificate where you can get information about the production technology and composition of the tile.
Video description
About LED paving stones in the following video:
Tile options... You should know in advance what thickness and size products are suitable for your purposes, and be guided when choosing them. The vibrocasting method allows you to obtain tiles up to 6 cm thick. If the thickness exceeds this size, the product is obtained by vibrocompression.
Visual inspection... The tile should have a uniform color of the front surface and a uniform composition of the back side (without spots and non-uniform inclusions). Cracks and voids are a sign of a violation of production technology and indicate insufficient strength. A very bright color of the product can mean an overabundance of dye and poor quality.
Choice based on needs... Smooth tiles are not the best option for a footpath; with a high degree of probability, such coverage will slip in wet weather. Not only thin, but also large tiles are not suitable for the organization of the driveway; it is easy to pull it out of the masonry by running the wheel over the edge.
Sound quality check... If the sound when hitting two tiles turns out to be sonorous, this indicates a homogeneous structure and good quality; dull sound - on the contrary.
Combined styling Source yandex.ru
Guarantee... Allows replacement if part of the material differs in color or quality.
Price... Before buying, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the average prices for the products you are interested in. Sometimes, in order to reduce the price, the manufacturer saves on the dye, adding it only to the front (top) layer. Tracks with such a surface will quickly wear out and lose their attractiveness.
Calculation of the required quantity... It is considered correct to purchase 5% more material than necessary. This will allow you to maneuver in case of color discrepancy and have a margin for repair.
Paving slabs are used not only for paths - often in private houses you can see and.
Styling features: what to look for
The quality of the tracks depends not only on the characteristics of the purchased material. Laying paving slabs in the country is an important stage in the arrangement of the pedestrian zone, on which the strength and durability of the pedestrian zone also depends. Laying consists of several intermediate stages:
Preparation... The method of paving is determined, depending on the type of soil on the site. The tile coating does not adhere well to wet and clayey soil. In this case, the organization of a drainage layer will be required (sand and crushed stone with a thickness of at least 15 cm).
Video description
About the turnkey laying project in the following video:
Marking on the ground... Simplifies construction and is carried out taking into account the unevenness of the site. If there is a difference in elevation along the markup path, steps may be required.
Preparation of the base... The top layer of soil of the required width and thickness up to 15 cm is removed. The deepening is compacted, curbs-limiters are installed (if provided by the project).
Preparing the pillow... A properly made pillow is the key to the longevity of your tracks. For backfilling, use a sand-cement mixture or layers of crushed stone and sand, after which the coating is leveled.
Paving... The tile is laid in the chosen way, the seams are rubbed.
Subtleties... So that rainwater does not linger on the surface of the track, a slope of up to 5% is organized (from the center line to the edges).
Paving a garden path Source seattlehelpers.org
About prices for tiles and their installation
After studying numerous options, paving slabs are finally purchased for paths in the country, its price will depend on many parameters. The cost is influenced not only by its dimensions, thickness and manufacturer, but also decorative characteristics - color and shape. The cost of some types of concrete tiles in Moscow and the region (per 1 m 2) is as follows:
A budget option... Tiles of domestic production with parameters 300x300x30 mm (with a pattern) cost 330-450 rubles; with parameters 400х400х40 - 400-570 rubles. A similar material of foreign production can be found at a price of 550-650 rubles.
Popular options... Paving slabs (200x100x60 mm) and spool tiles (198x165x60 mm) will cost 450-590 rubles. Similar prices for products of a more complex shape - rhombus, clover, puzzle, wave.
Video description
About the intricacies of choosing tile products in the following video:
Elite paving slabs... Paving elements from different collections and from different manufacturers have a wide range of prices. Prices for the most popular shapes and sizes are in the range of 1300-1600 rubles.
Construction companies offer turnkey paving services for garden paths. The arrangement of the paths is carried out taking into account the wishes of the customer, in strict observance of the laying technology; a professional approach allows you to obtain an aesthetic and long-lasting coating. The price of paving (per 1 m 2) depends on the nature of the work:
On the finished base... Standard paving: 600-700 rubles, decorative: 650-800 rubles.
With the preparation of the base from crushed stone and sand... 1200-1450 rub.
With the preparation of the concrete base... RUB 1500-1900
Installation of curbs... The price increases by 300-550 rubles.
Path and seating area in the same style Source houzz.es
On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer turnkey landscaping services. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the Low-Rise Country exhibition of houses.
Conclusion
Even budget tiles, made and laid according to technology, will last for many years, maintaining a cozy and comfortable look of your suburban area. And vice versa, it is more desirable to complete all construction work by the spring, paving paths in the cold, ruined a lot of work and finances, regardless of the quality of the paving slabs. If you want to transform your site, wait for stable warm weather.
In AllBrik you can buy paving slabs for paths to summer cottages at prices lower than the manufacturer, produced in two ways - vibrocompression and vibrocasting. If you choose a product for laying paths in the garden, use a vibrated base, about 40 mm thick.
The most popular with customers when buying paving slabs for paths in the country are:
- Snake. Moisture resistant, environmentally friendly, will last for many years. Its wavy edges are responsible for a rigid, secure adhesion to other paving slabs. Provides anti-slip function, ideal for hiking trails. It is easy to wash, sweep away debris.
- Classic. Squares with rounded edges, differing in thickness and shape. You can create architectural curves, turns. It is particularly durable, which is suitable for all roads.
- Lawn grill. Paving slabs in the form of a lattice are suitable for decorating areas with vegetation. These rings protect green spaces without obstructing the passage of cars. The design looks stylish, modern.
Why, having a country house or summer cottage, is it worth giving preference to paving slabs?
- It is based on natural raw materials without harmful additives.
- No toxic components are released during combustion. Also, the material does not overheat in the heat.
- An abrupt change in weather will not affect the surface.
- Withstands severe frost, does not deform.
- You can independently complete the design, choosing it to the style of your territory.
- Elements are easy to assemble and disassemble, if you need to dismantle or lay communications.
- The gaps between the tiles serve as natural drainage. There will be no puddles on the road.
In our online store, there is a certified paving slabs for paths in the country, the prices for which do not bite, since we work directly with manufacturers. We carry out fast delivery to the place of order thanks to our own fleet of vehicles.
If your territory of residence is Moscow and the Moscow region, you will receive products as soon as possible.
Pay in a convenient way and only upon delivery after checking the goods.
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- a modern way of decorating the territory near the house. It allows you to create tracks and surfaces with unusual patterns, different colors and textures. Let's take a look at what this material has advantages, varieties and how to do it yourself.
Advantages of paving slabs for
This material has the following advantages:
- A huge assortment of shapes, shades and textures. Paths in the country house made of paving slabs are especially beautiful, they allow you to realize a complex design idea and;
- Ease of use. Puddles do not form on the paths, since excess moisture is removed through the tile seams;
- Wear resistance. The coating does not deteriorate from ultraviolet exposure, atmospheric precipitation and temperature extremes. It is a durable material that can be used for 15-20 years;
- Maintainability. If the coating element is damaged, it is easy to replace it with another component;
- Ease of installation. Even a beginner can install the tiles; this does not require any special tools.
Varieties of paving slabs
The product is made of cement and sand or concrete mix with the addition of granite chips. There are two types of material: vibrocast tiles and vibropressed.
Features of vibrated tiles
A special plastic mold is filled with concrete and placed on a constantly vibrating plane. The concrete is compacted and set in a warm place for half a day and then removed. The technology allows you to create a perfectly smooth coating and give any shape. Then the detail can be of any color. However, the vibration casting technology also has disadvantages:
- low strength
- low degree of resistance to low temperatures
- complexity of production
- high price
Features of vibrocompression
The concrete mix is placed in a mold, which is installed in a special vibrating equipment. The material is subjected to pressure, which seals it. Such a product cannot be given a variety of shapes, colors and a smooth surface. However, vibropressed tiles are durable and resistant to low temperatures. Its surface is porous, so the material has shock-absorbing properties, that is, it can be installed where there is traffic. You can also create unusual ornaments on the coating.
As for the price, vibrocast tiles are more expensive than pressed ones, since manual labor is used for their manufacture. And for the production of vibropressed tiles, automated equipment is used, which simplifies production.
Advice! If non-standard geometric shapes and a variety of colors are important to you, vibrocast tiles are an excellent option. If you need to make a durable track, it is recommended to choose vibropressed products.
Parameters for choosing paving slabs for a summer residence
- The composition and features of production. These parameters are usually indicated on the seller's certificates or on the label of the building material;
- Tile thickness. If the walkway is to be used for walking, its thickness can be no more than 3 cm. If vehicles are going to move along it, the thickness of the product must be at least 5 cm;
- Tile sizes. Small elements are more difficult to break, while large tiles can crack from any strong impact;
- The quality of the tiles. It is quite simple to determine it just by looking at the product. For it is not recommended to buy smooth coatings, as they will slip from moisture;
- Nice appearance. There should be no stains or inclusions on the back side of the tile, the composition should be homogeneous, which guarantees high wear resistance of the product.
Of course, these are only the basic selection criteria, but even using them, you can choose a fairly high-quality product.
Advice! To check how high-quality a tile is, hit one element against another: if the sound is sonorous, the product is good, if it is deaf, various mixtures were added to it during production.
The choice of installation method and option for paving slabs
The method of laying the tiles is determined, first of all, since it depends on it what the shape and dimensions of the product will be, and how much material is required. Popular installation methods:
- The classic version. This is the laying of paving slabs in the traditional way: the elements are placed one after the other. Usually tiles in the form of a square or rectangle are used (they are easier to join).
Tip: to make such a path more unusual, you can use tiles.
- Offset. This is also a fairly standard method of laying paving slabs: the elements are positioned in such a way that their joints do not coincide. Here, too, you can use a combination of multi-colored elements, but they must have the same shape.
- Herringbone. The tiles are laid at right angles or 45 degrees. For installation, curly parts or rectangular elements are used. You can also use a more complex installation option - braid: the elements are also installed at an angle, but alternate, first along, then across. It is recommended to use only 2 colors to give the picture clarity.
- Chess. For styling, elements of a square shape in two colors are used. This method seems simple, but it allows you to create quite effective tracks.
- Geometry. Various geometric shapes are created from parts: squares, rectangles, zigzags, etc. You can use different colors, but the shape of the elements must be the same.
Features of installing paving slabs
The track can be laid out on your own by making the necessary elements with your own hands. On the one hand, it seems more time consuming than buying a ready-made coating. On the other hand, you will be sure of its quality. In addition, you can create a unique ornament, which would take a lot of time to find in the store.
Sequencing:
- Make a solution. Mix 1 to 3 sand and cement, add water and mix well.
- Prepare the form. The average parameters of the formwork are 35 by 35 cm, the height is about 7 cm. To prevent the elements from sticking to the walls of the formwork, they can be treated with oil. You can also add dyes to the mixture so that the tiles are not gray.
- Smooth the surface and let dry. In this case, the sun's rays should not fall on the tile.
- After about 7 days, the elements can be removed, but they do not need to be laid yet - they should dry out for some time. When the tiles are completely dry, you can start laying them.
- Prepare the surface. Remove the grass, stones, etc. You can install the tiles on any surface: concrete, sand, gravel, or just on the ground.
- At the tile installation site, create a mound of cement and sand, compact it with your hands and level it with a rule. As a result, an even strip with a thickness of about 20 centimeters should form.
- Make drains and slopes for rainfall, secure curbs.
- Lay the bedding. For this, you can use sand without clay.
- Fasten the slats to level the surface
- Pave the walkway. Any method can be used: herringbone, braid, scatter, etc. Fill the distance between the elements with sand or soil.
In the country as a practical, beautiful and inexpensive coating. The sensational discovery of polymers has led to the emergence of practical and durable products that have successfully replaced expensive analogs made from natural materials. What do manufacturers offer us for summer cottages, what are the pros and cons of plastic coatings, and how they are laid.
Varieties of plastic tiles
Manufacturers subdivide the plastic coating for garden paths into three types:
- garden parquet
- lawn grill
- modular coatings
On which of them to choose, taking into account their pros and cons, we will try to figure it out.
How to install plastic tiles
The main advantage of plastic tiles, which has long been appreciated by thoughtful summer residents, is the ease of laying it.
We will discuss how to make a plastic track in the country. The general step-by-step installation and installation scheme looks like this:
Preparation
- We mark the length and direction of the track using twine and pegs.
- We calculate the width of the track, a multiple of the size of the tiles. That is, if you want to lay two tiles, then the width of the track along its entire length will be equal to the width of two tiles.
- Along the entire length of the future path, we remove the soil to a depth of 10-20 cm. We should get a shallow foundation pit. We carefully examine the bottom of the pit and remove all roots and plants.
- We lay the drainage pipes on the side.
- We lay a layer of sand, moisten, tamp it thoroughly.
Mounting
Each plastic track tile is equipped with special locks. Its legs are located on one side of the tile, and staples on the other. We insert the leg into the bracket until it clicks. Laying is carried out in sections.
When all the tiles are laid out, we crush them well. It is important to monitor the leveling of the coating. To do this, you can use a plumb line. If the path is supposed to have turns, you can make a neat bend with a jigsaw, sawing off the excess parts of the tile.
We decorate the path with borders. The curb should protrude 3-5 cm above the path. If the tile does not fit tightly to the curb, fill the free spaces with plastic or cement inserts.
Advice! Garden parquet flooring requires a foundation screed made of cement and sand. Put 3 cm of screed, let it harden, and only then lay the tiles.
The easiest way is to install a lawn lattice, designed to strengthen the lawn itself. The tiles are laid out directly on the ground, covered with fertile soil, watered, allowed to sink, and the voids are covered with a substrate with grass seeds.
If you are planning seasonal use of plastic, then simply level the surface of the ground and lay the tiles on it, carefully crushing them. By winter, you can easily dismantle the paths, and in the spring you will lay them out again.
From paving slabs with your own hands? This is a normal and achievable desire, and here it is not at all necessary to be a professional finisher - for such work, it is enough to be able to distinguish the beautiful from the ugly, good eye and desire. Of course, you will need a certain physical strength, but not outstanding - even the fairer sex who are familiar with domestic work can cope with such a task without any problems. So let's get started!
A simple and beautiful version of the alley without a border
Acquaintance with paving slabs
The materials used in our time for tiling sidewalks can be classified according to at least three parameters: filler, geometric parameters and, of course, color design. A dacha or a country house for a permanent place of residence is exactly the place where garden paths and playgrounds are an integral part, therefore it is better to briefly familiarize yourself with the varieties of such coverage.
Filler classification
Paving stones with different edges
- ... It is produced with a filler of granite chips in the shape of a brick. This is not to say that it is heavy, that is, it does not differ in high density, but such qualities are inherent in such a finish as frost resistance from F-200 to F-400 (the number indicates the number of cycles), resistance to atmospheric phenomena and neutrality to aggressive chemical elements ... Such tiles will not slip when wet. It is distributed along the edges to:
- sawn;
- sawn and chopped;
- stabbed.
Elastic rubber paving slabs
- Rubber filled tiles. Of course, the word "rubber" in the consumer sense is not quite accurate here - the material is made of EPDM with a polyurethane adhesive binder. It is an international abbreviation for EPDM or synthetic elastomer. Frost resistance cycle from F-300 to F-400. If there are small children in the family, then a tile with a rubber filler is the best solution - a child will not break his knees or scratch his hands when falling onto the track.
Polymer-sand tiles of different colors
- Polymer-sand tiles. It consists of high pressure polymers (LDPE), sand and coloring pigments - this is a fairly new product in the construction market, although the demand for it is not very high (there is no cement). Frost resistance of the product from F-400, acceptable temperature from -70⁰C to + 90⁰C.
Vibrated reinforced tiles
- Vibrated reinforced tiles. Differs in high mechanical fracture strength. This is possible thanks to the flat wire mesh fabrication technology. The performance can be improved by reinforcing the mixture with polymer fiber. The frost resistance of such a finish from F-100 to F-300 depends on the manufacturer.
3d effect on city sidewalk
- with photo printing. The manufacturing technology of such a coating involves pressing, applying an image with a 3d effect with a special printer and a polymer protective layer (protection against abrasion). The choice of images in this case depends more on the customer, that is, you can get the effect of a sea shore or a water pool with fish, grass and flowers under your feet, as well as a variety of projections up to a portrait.
Geometric parameters
Sizes and contour shapes of different paving slabs
To lay paving slabs with your own hands, it is imperative to calculate its width - this will allow you to correctly select the geometric parameters of the coating. It is also important to pay attention to the thickness - this is needed not for design, but for economy, since there are no large mechanical loads on the pavement surfaces, so you should not use tiles thicker than 40 mm, and if this is the area where your car is parked, then 60 mm. Of course, 80-100mm thickness can be used to park the bus or truck.
Along the perimeter, standard paving slabs of various types vary:
- 500 × 500 mm;
- 400 × 400 mm;
- 300 × 300 mm;
- 100 × 200 mm;
- 100 × 100 mm.
Note. The coating made by vibrocasting method cannot be thicker than 60 mm. Therefore, it is not suitable for entering a courtyard or parking a truck or bus.
Video: Garden path without a border
Stages of laying a garden path
Perhaps it makes no sense to give specific recommendations for choosing the geometric parameters of paving slabs - there are general parameters and varieties above, so you need to build on them and on your preferences. But the step-by-step installation instructions for amateurs are required and it is located below in the text.
Materials and tools
Materials required:
- paving slabs of any kind;
- sidewalk curb;
- crushed granite or screenings;
- cement M400 or M500;
- waterproofing - geotextile or polyethylene film;
- pegs and nylon thread for marking.
Of the tools you will need:
- rubber mallet;
- long level (at least 800 mm);
- tubular water level;
- grinder and diamond-coated disc;
- bayonet and picking shovel;
- rammer;
- a board 50 mm thick or a bar 50 × 50 mm along the width of the track;
- metric tape measure, marker or pencil.
Counting material
First of all, you need to determine the total length of the summer cottage paths, and it is better to estimate the width after choosing the tile in order to minimize waste when trimming. That is, the width of the trim should not be at all, regardless of the presence of a curb - cutting is necessary only for smooth or sharp turns and bypassing any communications.
The optimal width for the movement of one person is from 50 to 80 cm, but if you walk together under your arms, you will need 100-120 cm - the geometric parameters of the tiles allow you to make such a choice.
Paving stone garden ladder
Sometimes the suburban area can be located on uneven terrain and in such situations it is often necessary to make a staircase several steps. This suggests that the amount of material will increase, since not only treads are needed here, but also risers.
If the path has a smooth or sharp turn, then the coverage area for the purchase of paving slabs is calculated along the longer side of the alley. For example, with a width of 90 cm (three tiles 300 × 300 mm), the length will be 25 m on one side and 25.5 m on the other. To calculate the required amount Stotal = 25.5 * 0.9 = 22.95 m2, then the total area should be divided by the area of one tile: Stotal / S tiles = 22.95 / (0.3 * 0.3) = 22.95 / 0.09 = 255 pieces, but if such a calculation makes it difficult for you, then you can go the other way: calculate how many pieces are needed for a long row and multiply by the number of rows: 25.5 / 0.3 * 3 = 255 pieces. As you can see, both options gave the same result, so you can use either of them.
Preparatory work
Shallow trench for laying a cushion under a garden path
It all starts with marking the route, that is, the area along which the garden or yard path will pass (the blind area around the house also falls under this category). So that over time, under the influence of atmospheric precipitation, the coating you made does not sink or float, it is laid on a tamped pillow, for which, in turn, you need a depression in the form of a shallow trench, as in the photo above. If you have decided on the width of the alley, add to this indicator the width of the borders (one on each side) plus 2 cm for the stock. For example, you will lay 300 × 300 mm paving slabs in three rows plus two 45 mm curbs plus 20 mm of stock, totaling 300 * 3 + 45 * 2 + 20 = 110 mm or 1.1 m trench width.
Attention! Further recommendations are given taking into account the level surface on the site. That is, it can coincide with the horizon line, or be with a slight slope, but the plane should be relatively flat ± 2 cm. If your site does not meet these requirements, see the article "Leveling a suburban area - instructions and recommendations" on this resource ...
Drive wooden or metal pegs into the ground only on one side of the future track, taking into account all smooth or sharp turns, and then pull the control thread along them. Try to keep the lace at the same distance from the surface of the ground throughout its entire length (this will be needed when backfilling the pillow, laying the curb and paving slabs). Now do the exact same operation on the other side, driving in the pegs at a distance of 111-112 cm, this 1-2 cm margin is provided for the free movement of the shovel bayonet so as not to break the thread.
Remove the sod first - you can cut it off in chunks, or roll it up and use it elsewhere. This is important, especially if you had to level the ground flat and some areas were left without a fertile layer, which will just replace the cuts you made. When digging, it is not at all necessary to clearly adhere to the same depth - later the bottom will be leveled with a bedding. You can simply drive the shovel onto the bayonet at an angle - this depth will be quite enough.
Geotextile, pillow and border
I want to say right away that waterproofing, as such, is not needed for paving slabs - polyethylene film or geotextiles are used to cut off the fertile layer so as not to leave an opportunity for weeds to germinate, but ... I have been doing this for several decades and, observing the coatings, where cut-off tape was not used, I came to the conclusion that it is, in fact, not needed there.
Someone will be indignant at my conclusion, they say, we have seen more than once how weeds make their way through the seams, so where do they come from ?! But here everything is very simple - the seed sprouts when it gets into this seam (usually birds bring it in) and if the grass is carefully pulled out, it will be seen that the root system is less than the thickness of the tile. And this happens either in those houses where no one lives for a long time, or near offices and shops where they do not clean well.
Installation of a curb on a semi-dry cement-sand-screening mortar
Now you can start filling the pillow, which consists of several layers. Perhaps someone will be surprised by my approach to this issue, since most authors advise laying the tiles a little differently, on the sand, while assuring that their method is one of the best. I have gained my own experience through many years of practice, as they say through trial and error, so I vouch for the optimal result. As mentioned above, it makes no sense to lay hydro-textiles or polyethylene, although if there is a desire and extra money, this will not spoil the overall picture.
Small crushed stone or granite screenings are poured into the bottom of the trench, taking into account the height of the curb, and this pillow is carefully tamped - this protects the coating from subsidence. Now, along the edges of the trench, on top of the pillow, curbs should be installed on the cement-sand mortar. The thickness of the tiles is also important here, which should be either flush with the curb, or a couple of millimeters higher (this is not important) - the sidewalk itself should turn out to be about 3-5 cm higher than the ground level (no longer worth it, although this is not important ).
Now about what I disagree with most of the authors who post information on paving slabs - such a coating should not be on sand, but on a semi-dry, and in some cases, even on a wet screed! From the abundance of rains or melting snow, the sand is gradually washed out and the tile settles. Sometimes this happens very quickly and your track may lose its attractiveness the next year.
Attention! The height of the curb can be controlled with the guide thread that you pulled over the trench pegs.
Laying paving slabs
Paving slabs will be laid on this layer.
If the installation of the curb is over, then the next day, so that the solution has time to grab at least a little, you can proceed to the installation of the front covering, but before that, a sand-cement mixture should be laid on the pillow. In order not to bother with measuring the level of the horizontal plane, you can make such a template from a thin board as in the top photo. Its peculiarity is that with its ridge, it immediately sets the desired height and the liner only needs to lightly press this layer with a grater or a half-grater and add the emerging depressions.
The mixture should be made dry, mixing sand with granite screenings, for example, if cement is M400, then there are 3 buckets of sand and 2 buckets of screening per bucket, and 3.5 sand and 2.5 screenings on M500. You can mix it in any container - a trough, a balia, a baby bath, and the like. It is not necessary to water the mixture before laying - it is enough simple watering with a hose after installation, or the rains will do it for you.
Shrinks tiles through a wood strip
The tiles are laid out in order, on top of a dry (sometimes slightly moistened) mixture with an area of no more than a square meter. After that, she is upset with a rubber mallet (you can even use a metal hammer, as in the top photo), but in any case, this is done through a wooden gasket. As I already mentioned in the list of "Materials and tools", here it is best to use a board or block along the width of the seat between the curbs (in this case, it is 90 cm, but the board needs 89-89.5 cm so that it does not jam) it is much more convenient maintain a flat plane.
At the end of laying the path, sprinkle it with sand and rub the seams with a room broom (it is better to take an old, worn broom - it is tougher and easier to work with). The sand clogs up all possible gaps, but when moisture gets in, it passes it onto the concrete mixture. Excess sand is removed. So the dry substance turns into a semi-dry screed, and the sand in the seams hardens, and it is extremely difficult for any seeds to get there. Even if the seed is there, it will easily be removed when cleaning the path with a broom.
Video: Garden path in the country - laying paving slabs with your own hands
Conclusion
If you adhere to the recommendations received in this article, then it will not be difficult to make paths in the country from paving slabs with your own hands. I want to reiterate that laying should be done only on a wet or semi-dry screed! This will ensure a long service life without subsidence and, as a result, without repair.
