When you want the very best for the exterior of your home, you have to think about natural stone paving. Learning how to install Indian Sandstone paving can allow you to get a glamorous look that can help to create your outdoor oasis. Below is a guide thanks to Indian Sandstone specialists Stone Traders on how to install Indian Sandstone Paving.
Where You Want the Sandstone Paving
There are all sorts of options when it comes to where you want the Indian sandstone paving located. You may want to create a pathway from your front door to your garden. You may also want to have an area in your garden where you can set up a table and chairs, a bench, or BBQ. This can be a great opportunity to create an outdoor seating area so that you can enjoy the fresh air (and beautiful English weather) throughout the year.
Indian Sandstone comes in many colours
Indian sandstone comes in a variety of colours and designs, and because it is a natural product no piece is the same. This allows you to coordinate with the exterior colours of your home. This includes being able to find antique grey, autumn brown, and plenty of other shades so that you can colour match to the details of your home.
How to Install indian sandstone paving
Learning how to install Indian sandstone paving is easier than you might think. While you can choose to hire a professional, it is something that you can also take on as a DIY project as long as you have patience and the right set of tools to do the job.
Prepare the Site
Before you even think about installing the sandstone, the ground needs to be flat, firm, and well drained. This will allow for long-term usage and stability. Poor drainage can cause water retention, which may cause the Sandstone to move from the original area. Any vegetation such as weeds and topsoil that is in place should be removed, and you should go approximately 165 mm deep with this.You will then want to lay a sub-base of compacted hard-core that is approximately 100 mm deep.
How to lay Sandstone paving slabs
Once your site is prepped, you can then begin laying the Sandstone. Be sure to find the right style of sandstone you like the first time round. The last thing you want is to have the wife say ‘Oh love I don’t like the colour can we change it’. All of the paving should be placed onto a wet bed of the mortar, which consists of five parts building sand to one part cement. The mortar should be approximately 25 mm thick.
You will want to start with a fixed point such as a corner, which could be your front door, a boundary wall, or something else. Then, as you move towards an edge, everything else can be adjustable.
Mortar needs to be close to hand so you can spread into the joints with a trowel. By doing this and drawing the mortar on the sides, you can minimize pointing. A rubber mallet should then be used to tap the slabs down. Check the levels continuously so that you can make sure it is all even. ( use a spirit level for this, not your eye).Allow for all of the paving to dry at least 24 hours before you do any walking on it.
Tips for cutting your sandstone paving
If you need to do any kind of cutting, it’s best to use the right tools. A diamond tipped blade is going to be best when cutting through natural Indian sandstone because it will give you the accurate and clean-cut. You should also make sure to wear personal protective equipment, including goggles and gloves.Remember cutting paving should never been done dry. Ensure plenty of water is regularly applied to prevent overheating of the blade.
Getting Started
When you are ready to get started with installation, it’s best to have a clear idea as to where you are creating the paving. From there, collect all of your supplies so that you don’t have to stop midway in order to purchase something else.