How to make paths from paving slabs in the country with your own hands
Neat pavement paths in the country organically complement the landscape design any territory. The most budgetary and easiest option is to lay paving slabs in the country. You can do the work yourself, which will allow you to save money and implement your own design solution.
Advantages and disadvantages of using outdoor tiles
Pavers have a number of positive characteristics. The list of main benefits includes the following:
- High performance characteristics. Over time and under the influence of precipitation, the tile does not deteriorate and retains its original decorative properties.
- Wide range of applications. Using tiles, you can lay out all types of paths and paths, depending on individual wishes for the design.
- Affordable price.A large amount of material can be purchased at minimal cost.
The disadvantages of paving slabs can be encountered only in the case of the purchase of low-quality products. Building materials produced with the use of unsuitable components and violation of the manufacturing method will quickly decay after installation and strongly absorb moisture.
To check the quality of products for purchase, just knock two tiles against each other. If the product is of good quality, a slight ringing will be heard.
How to fix it with your own hands
When laying tiles in your summer cottage yourself, it is recommended to follow step-by-step instructions. This will help avoid common mistakes and ensure the durability of the coating.
Design
The first stage of the work is the design. During the design, a schematic drawing is prepared with the definition of all dimensions, the color of the material and the exact location on the site.
Quantity
You can calculate the required number of tiles for a track using a special online calculator or manually. For the calculation, measure the area of the site in square meters and check the consumption of the selected tile per 1 square. You need to purchase the material in larger quantities by about 5%, as part of the pavers will need to be cut to create smooth corners. If you plan to lay the material diagonally, the number of tiles cut to fit will increase compared to laying straight.
Width
The width of the track at the summer cottage is determined taking into account the dimensions of the material, adding the size of the gaps between the tiles. This will avoid difficult cuts of large amounts of material.In the same way, the width is calculated for a patterned layout, but this approach is only allowed if tiles with the correct geometry are installed. Using a circular pattern and complex geometry does not allow always do without cutting the cobblestones, and therefore it will be necessary to think about the exact location of the whole and cut elements.
Appointment
When choosing paving slabs, you need to consider its purpose. The higher the load on the material is assumed, the thicker and more stable the pavers should be.
Tile thickness
There is no specific tile thickness that will be optimal for all suburban areas. As a rule, for paving a path in a suburban area, a thickness of 40 mm is sufficient. Such material is able to withstand the weight of a person, a loaded garden cart and other equipment. In this case, it is inappropriate to pay too much for extra thickness.
If it is assumed that a passenger car will pass along the paved path, then it is worth choosing a thickness of about 80 mm.
Implantation scematic
The most popular combinations of coatings consist of combining several types of materials. This gives sidewalk paths an original look:
- square scheme - placement of elements in several rows;
- checkerboard - the location of the central part of the tiles above the junction of the elements of each previous row;
- herringbone paving - at an angle of 45 or 90 degrees;
- braid - a kind of herringbone, visually similar to weaving due to the alternation of longitudinal and transverse paving;
- chaotic pattern - lay out the material in a random order and experimentally choose the optimal option.
When choosing a scheme, you need to take into account that the pursuit of complex patterns is not always justified. The simpler the scheme is chosen, the more chances you have to implement it yourself with high quality. The pavers option should be chosen based on a unique design concept and style for the main building. The adjacent territory and its individual elements should be a logical continuation of the buildings.
Colors
Paving slabs can be selected in one color or a combination of options in several shades. When deciding on a color scheme, they consider their own wishes and the surrounding landscaping. In most cases, a material of neutral colors is chosen so that the finished coating does not create a strong accent.
Preparation of materials and tools
Before carrying out installation work, you need to prepare a sufficient amount of materials and working equipment. By making sure to prepare in advance, you can avoid being distracted during work.
Roulette, level and ruler
In the course of the work, it will be necessary to carry out a number of measurements, therefore appropriate tools are required. The length and width of the territory and the tile itself are measured with a tape measure. The slope of the horizontal and vertical planes is determined by the level of the building.
With the help of a level, a preliminary marking of the sidewalk path is made. The aluminum ruler allows you to level the surfaces before directly laying the material.
Rubber or wooden mallet
A mallet is a type of hardwood carpentry hammer. There are also rubber varieties of the tool. Using a mallet, the pavers are compacted into the ground to prevent accidental movement under external influences.
Trowel
The base of the trowel is a steel plate to which a handle is welded at a slight angle. The tool is used to level the surface in small areas and in hard-to-reach places. In the case of connecting a large number of elements, you can flatten the building material used as a fixer with a trowel. When choosing a trowel, consider the shape, thickness and weight of the steel plate.
Hose with diffuser
A hose with a diffuser is used to clean the tile surface.This type of hoses are easy to use due to the ability to stretch in length. After cutting off the fluid supply, they automatically return to their original size. Other advantages include lightness and strength.
Rake and broom
A rake and broom are used to remove foliage and debris before and after work. Using tools, most of the debris is removed and the remains are raked out by hand.
Profile or rail to level the surface
The surface can be leveled with a strip or profile of the appropriate size. The tool is selected taking into account the size of the treated area. Among all types of inventory, it is better to give preference to metal options, since they are distinguished by increased strength.
Lady
A rammer is a tool used to compact soil. The operation of the tool is ensured by an internal combustion engine running on gasoline or diesel fuel. The tamper produces precise impacts at high speed and compacts the soil.
Tile
The selection of tiles should be given special attention, since the performance and appearance of the finished coating depends on the literacy of the choice. In order for the sidewalk path to serve for many years and please the eye, you need to familiarize yourself with the available options and choose the most suitable.
The size
The visual perception of the finished track and the style features depend on the dimensions of the material. There are no universal dimensions, therefore, the shape and purpose are taken into account when calculating.
Color spectrum
There are a wide variety of pavers on the market that differ in color. Most often, in suburban and suburban areas, the material is laid in a gray or brick shade. Such colors look laconic on any territory and successfully complement the given style of landscape design.
Form
Pavers can come in different geometric shapes. The variant with an irregular shape is also common. Depending on your preferences and design, you can choose the appropriate shape.
Round tiles look more laconic, while square and rectangular tiles look strict.
Varieties
There are several types of pavers to pave sidewalk paths. Each variety has its own characteristics and characteristics, including material, appearance and manufacturing method.
Plastic
Plastic paving slabs are superior to other varieties on a number of criteria.
The main advantages of the plastic look are:
- increased resistance to low ambient temperatures and the ability not to accumulate water on the surface;
- environmental friendliness, no emission of harmful components when exposed to high temperatures;
- withstand heavy loads and a long period of operation, reaching several decades;
- anti-slip and durable grip on shoes.
rubber cover
A distinctive feature of the rubber coating is its lower weight compared to other varieties.Rubber tiles are non-slip and elastic, which is why they are often used as flooring in playgrounds. The material is not subject to destruction during prolonged use and temperature drops.
A natural stone
Natural material is suitable for classic landscaping. The material is distinguished by its exquisite appearance and high durability. Natural stone paths look harmonious in combination with plants and decorative elements.
Clinker
The variety of clinker tiles is similar to that of standard wall bricks. The clay from which the clinker coating is made is plastic and homogeneous. The material is able to withstand high temperatures and mechanical stress.
Concrete
Concrete pavers are produced by vibro-compression or vibro-molding in special moulds. The finished products have high levels of frost and abrasion resistance.
Polymer sand
Polymer sand tiles are valued for their high strength and durability. Even under mechanical stress, the polymer-sandy material does not split or fade. The material provides good grip on the shoe, so it is almost impossible to slip on the surface.
markup
Before laying pavers, you need to mark the location of the sidewalk path. To mark the territory, you can insert pegs along the perimeter of the future path and pull ropes over them.
How to properly prepare the base
The base is an earth trough, which is a dug trench. To prepare the base, use a shovel, removing a layer of soil, after which the surface is leveled.
On the sand
When planning the creation of a sand base, sand is poured into the trench, the layer is leveled and compacted.To do this, sand is poured with water at the rate of 0.5 liters per square, and after 10-15 minutes processing is carried out with a vibrating plate.
Cement-sand mixture, concrete
When using a sand-cement mixture, you can buy a ready-made solution or prepare it yourself. To obtain the required composition, cement and sand are mixed in a ratio of 1: 4. The cement-sand layer is laid on top of concrete, which gives the base additional reliability.
Installation procedure
To lay the curb path correctly, you need to consistently perform a number of actions. The quality of the track depends on observing the order of actions.
Leveling and sealing joints
Before paving the path, the surface of the earth is carefully leveled to avoid distorting the material. First, the main area is leveled, after which the edges are processed.
After laying the pavers, the joints are sealed with cement, sand or other suitable material.
Reinforcement
You can firmly tap the material into the base with a mallet. After laying the cobblestones, they hit it with a mallet so that it hardens into cement or sand.
stepper device
Not only paths can be made of cobblestones, but also steps. A concrete monolith with compacted sand powder is used as the base for the steps. The material is attached to the base on all sides and reliably reinforced.
Operation and maintenance rules
With daily care, it is enough to monitor the purity of the material, without using special technologies.
You can wipe the plates with simple detergents.
Review of the best manufacturers
When choosing pavers, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer.It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with information about trusted manufacturers.
"Siyan"
The Russian manufacturer specializes in the production of many types of materials. The work uses German equipment, the manufacturing process is automated, and the finished products are of high quality.
"Unigrane"
The Unigran company produces vibropressed pavers. The assortment includes several dozen items. The product catalog is regularly updated with new offers.
stellar
The production of paving slabs is one of the key areas of work for Stellard. The production uses advanced technologies and modern equipment.
white hills
White Hills manufactures coatings that imitate natural materials. In this case, the products are lighter than natural stone, which simplifies laying.
Steingot
Steingot pavers are manufactured on modern equipment using vibrocompression technology. The manufacturer guarantees the quality of all products.
Design options
Cobblestones are laid in different ways, which allows you to embody any design wishes. When designing landscape design, it is recommended to consider common options for paving decorative paths.
Herringbone
When laying with a rafter, the paving elements are offset at a certain angle relative to each other. As a rule, an angle of 45 or 90 degrees is left. This method has become widespread because the herringbone pattern gives the track high strength and prevents displacement from its original position. For herringbone paving, square elements are mainly used.
brick dressing
The brick dressing option got its name because it resembles masonry. To lay out the track in this way, you need to use a rectangular material.The advantages of brick dressing include the ability to hide irregularities in the base.
With offset
Staggering each subsequent row when tiling the path creates an original visual effect. Using this laying technology, it is important to make regular shifts so that the finished coating looks harmonious.
cobblestone ornament
The presence of an ornament on the material will transform the appearance of the track. There is a huge variety of ornaments, among which you need to choose the appropriate option according to your own preferences.
Balance
Umbrella-shaped cobblestones with a rounded base, when laid in large quantities, create an imitation of scales. The material looks original, but when paving you will have to cut the side edges if you plan to make a flat path.
Concentric circles
To create an ornament with concentric circles, several tiles are connected into a single circle. Each circle design is made up of many small details. This method of paving allows you to give the track an original look and conciseness.
chaotic styling
Pavers of various shapes and colors can be placed randomly on the base. Depending on your own preferences, you can experiment and create a unique design version of the track.
Mixed
When laying cobblestones, it is allowed to combine several design variants. The combination of different types of materials allows you to experimentally create your own style.
Common Mistakes
The main mistake when paving a path is the lack of compaction of the material. As a result, there is a displacement from the original position and a violation of the appearance of the track.
Additionally, the list of common errors includes the following:
- Bad choice of material.Purchasing the wrong type of paver can lead to deterioration due to external influences due to poor quality.
- Lack of sealing. The gap between the individual elements often causes deterioration in the strength of the track.
- Violation of aesthetics. By combining different types of materials, it is not always possible to make a beautiful track. Therefore, before carrying out the work, it is worth preparing a project and carefully considering the design.
Examples of use in landscaping
A garden path in a summer cottage serves as a decorative element. There are a huge number of tiling options, so you should get acquainted with ready-made examples and take into account your own wishes. Displaying examples helps to find new ideas and develop design ideas.