DIY paving is an excellent option for arranging a private courtyard. This method will require not too much material resources. However, in return you will have to spend a certain amount of time. The process itself is uncomplicated, but first you still have to deal with all the instructions and recommendations.
Why exactly tile?
Why do many people choose paving stones? In fact, everything is quite simple. This material performs two very important functions at once. The first is aesthetic, the second is utilitarian. Since it seems to many that this work is very responsible, they trust its specialists. However, is it true that the owner of the house will not be able to carry out all the work himself so that the tiles are laid well? Actually, doing this work is a fairly simple process. The most important thing is to read the instructions for laying paving slabs.
Preparatory work
The first step at this stage is site planning. It is worth saying that many people decide to lay out only the paths to the most important buildings, and not completely cover the entire yard. The option with paths is also good because there will be the possibility of planting a beautiful lawn or flowers on the sides of the path. Thus, the first step is a clear planning of those places where and how the tracks will go.
The second step at this stage is the selection of material. Paving slabs, the installation of which is carried out independently, has recently become more and more popular. The reason for this is that it is very easy to work with it, it is possible to quickly dismantle it if necessary, it does not "float" like asphalt from exposure to high temperatures. In addition, if you purchase a special type of tile, then you can avoid cracking and in severe frost. Also, paving stones do not require special care. Another important feature is that the path of such a material allows moisture to pass through, as there are seams in the texture, which means that the soil under the tile will not deteriorate.
The third and final step is the choice of species. Laying of paving slabs can take place using two types of materials - vibrocast or vibropressed. The difference between them is in thickness, shape and color. In addition, vibrocast tiles can be made independently, and vibropressed is produced only at industrial enterprises. It is also important to note that the foundation that will have to be laid will depend on the choice of the type of pavers. This means that the choice of the type of material determines the technology of its installation.
Recommended Options
In order to successfully carry out laying of paving slabs with your own hands, you need to know a few of the following characteristics. If you plan to install only a pedestrian walkway from vibrocast pavers, you can choose a sand cushion as the base, the thickness of the tile itself should be from 25 to 40 mm.
If it is necessary to equip a path for the entrance or parking of the car, then vibrocast tiles with a thickness of 45-60 mm are selected. As a basis it is necessary to choose a more durable option - a cement-sand pillow.
The last option, which is practically not used in private areas, but still has a place to be, is an industrial track. Here already vibropressed pavers 60-80 mm thick will have to be used. As a pillow, either a sand or a concrete pillow is chosen.
Another very important point that you need to consider when laying your own paving slabs is the type of soil. If the soil is characterized by great mobility, you will have to equip a concrete base even for a normal pedestrian walkway. If the earth is quite dense, then the usual cement-sand is suitable even for the passage of cars.
Drains for moisture
A very important point in self-laying, which many forget about, is the arrangement of sewage for water. It is important to note here that if laying on a sand base is carried out, then the sand will become the drainage layer, but if a concrete base is used, a certain slope is required. This will solve the problem that moisture will collect between the tiles. This eliminates such an unpleasant possibility as expansion of the coating. As an optimal slope, 1 cm per meter of track is considered.
General styling tips
The ratio of tile sizes to track sizes. Here we are talking about the fact that you should not choose too small sizes of pavers if the path is very large and vice versa. However, there is one caveat, which is the weight of the material. The weight of one tile 40x40 cm is about 15-16 kg. This means that you will have to transfer fairly heavy tiles constantly, and this will require more effort and time.
Laying communications. Naturally, it is best to lay such things before the work on laying paving slabs on the base begins. However, it so happens that there is still no need for communications, and the track is needed now. In such cases, experts recommend, in those places that are considered the most likely for laying pipes, to lay plastic hollow products of circular cross section with a diameter of 50 mm. This operation allows you to map the territory, so that in the future it would be easier to draw real pipes.
Analysis of the basis for the track
Since the track is laid on the ground, it is possible that the grass will grow in the gap between the tiles or the soil will sag. In order to avoid two drawbacks at once, you can put a layer of geotextile between the ground and the base for paving stones.
It is very important to ensure that the laying of paving slabs on sand or any other foundation is not carried out immediately after rain or during the rain itself. Soil, like a pillow, must necessarily be dry - this will guarantee that the coating does not spread over time. An important point that many people miss is the absence of impurities in the sand cushion. Laying paving slabs on sand is carried out only if the raw materials are not mixed with clay, earth and so on. In addition, the base must be perfectly flat.
There is another point that is optional, but affects the aesthetic component. This is the choice of the optimal track width. To calculate this parameter, it is necessary to be based on the width of the tile itself and the width of the gap between it. This will help to avoid unnecessary material cutting.
Geometric styling
Before starting work, it is recommended to create a scheme for laying paving slabs on a sheet of paper. This will help not to make a mistake during the work itself, as well as the opportunity to improve visualization.
The easiest way to improve the appearance is with geometric styling. With the help of multi-colored tiles, it becomes possible to lay out simple figures, such as a rhombus, square, etc., as well as more complex patterns such as a chessboard, a fan, a butterfly, and so on.
Variety of styling
One common option is the 3D illusion. In this embodiment, tiles with a 3D effect are used. Stacked pavers, has a pattern that creates a three-dimensional stereoscopic image, this technology is an optical illusion.
There is a styling style that is called chaotic. The peculiarity is that there is no definite plan, the paving stones are laid in complete disarray. The only thing that is important to note is that if the tile is solid, then you need to change the shape of the pavers, and if it is multi-colored, then, of course, the color.
The last option is called styling. There is nothing unusual in this method. Material of various colors is used and with its help the most diverse patterns are laid out.
Beginning of work
The following four elements will be required from materials: sand, cement, tile, border. Also for laying paving slabs in the courtyard of the house you will need the following tools: thread, pegs, rubber mallet, level, rammer, trowel, broom. If it happens that the tile will not fit in width, then you will need a grinder with a circle for cutting concrete. One of the rather convenient devices is knee pads, since most of the work will be carried out with emphasis on the knees. However, this, of course, is an optional thing.
Next comes the moment when you need to use the level to mark the path of the track. To indicate the boundaries of the coating, pegs are used that are driven into the ground, and a nylon string is stretched between them. It must be tightened strictly according to the level.
Next, you need to start arranging the base. To do this, remove the top layer of turf, water the soil with water and compact. If the soil is sufficiently dense, then the tamping stage can be skipped and go straight to the base. Laying paving slabs in the country requires filling the resulting pit with rubble or gravel. The height of the carrier layer should be 150-200 mm if it is a pedestrian coating and 400 mm if it is a parking lot for cars. To increase strength and durability, it is recommended to lay geotextiles under rubble and on top. To level the base, you need to pour another 20 mm of the sand layer from above onto the carrier. Thus, laying of paving slabs on the sand will take place.
Masonry process
It’s worth starting with laying a border. This part is necessary not only in order to mark the boundaries of the path, but also in order to avoid such a defect as the spread of paving stones. However, some specialists do without a border at all.
Installation of the curb is possible only on a perfectly flat base. To increase its reliability, it is best to always lay it on a concrete base. Some people install a plastic type of tile border to facilitate the entire installation process. There are two options for laying the curb - flush with paving stones or slightly lower. In the second embodiment, the tile has a height of about 5 cm higher than the curb. This is the error of soil shrinkage under the track.
If sand is chosen as the base, then the layer thickness should be from 50 to 60 mm. It must also be poured with water and allowed to dry a little, after which it is tamped. Laying tiles is carried out on a wet, but not wet sandy layer.
If it is necessary to use a cement-sand mixture, then not more than 20 mm of sand, but 30-40 mm are laid on the base, which was described earlier. An reinforcing mesh is placed on top of this layer, which is filled with a solution of cement and sand in a ratio of 1: 4.
Rules for masonry tiles
There are several recommendations that will help in laying paving tiles with your own hands.
Firstly, you need to put the paving stones from the lower point of the coating upwards. Secondly, styling is carried out by yourself. In other words, the master moves to the place where the material is already laid. If the tile is placed in a circular pattern, then you need to start from the center. To tightly install the tile you need to use a hammer with a rubberized shock part. You need to beat very carefully, since the paving stones are quite fragile and can easily crack. If we talk about the gaps, then only 2-3 mm will be enough so that the water can easily leave.