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What base for laying slabs on?

Hi,

I've been asked to create a paved area using 600x600 standard slabs. Years ago when I worked on sites they laid them on sand with a sprinkling of dry cement on top, but I'm now seeing guys on YouTube (albeit in United States), laying slabs or pavers on 3/8 to 3/4 inch clean chips. I know some lay pavers on mortar, I'm just looking for advice on what is the best and most effective, cost wise and longevity wise.

Many thanks again

 

Neil  

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  • PRO

    Defo wouldn't use the bodge the builder method.

    I use 1part cement 6parts sharp sand mix for slabs

    Have a look at  the pavingexpert web site for the best source of paving info.

    • I take it you would screed a large area rather than spot laying? 

  • Don't trust the Yanks they are a differnt speices :)

    A lot depends on what they are going to use it for, heavey traffic and a lot of use you will need a sub base of hardcore then sharp sand cement mix,

    If the ground is solid and you are useing the 50mm thick slabs you could get away with laying on 50mm+ of sharp sand and cement mix 

  • Thanks for the advice guys, really appreciate it. I begun the job today but mini digger packed in so it'll be a couple days before I'm back to it! The joys of being self employed! The slabbed areas are only for patios so there's never going to be anything heavy on them but I'll still use a layer of type 1 followed by cement and sharp sand for the laying course. 

    I'll let you know how it goes as the project progresses. 

    Many thanks again

     

    Neil

  • If you think you are going to do more patios take a look at this, it's a suction pad for slabs and comes in graet with larger slabs like 600x600, only really works on smooth slabs and tiles.

     

    Grabo

    Nemo Grabo
    • Does the Grabo work ok with dry cast slabs? Certainly looks the business!  

  • I have not used it to my knowlage on dry cast slabs, the roughest surface i have used it on is Marshals Saxon, the Grabo wouldn't make a seal to stick to the slab so i had to keep the Grabo sucking while lifting where as on a smooth slab you switch it off once it has sealed.

    It is a very good machine if you can lift the slab with the Grabo with one hand you can position the slab very easy, i know some poeple will say it's a waste of money but believe me once you've used one there's no going back, i recently had to lay 3' x 2' council type slabs i wheeled the slab to near where i wanted it then moved it into position with the Grabo it was so easy and time saving.

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