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How to Lay Paving Slabs on Concrete

Paving slabs are used both in residential and commercial properties, as they are a well sought-after choice for landscaped areas, be it a patio, driveway, or walkway, regardless of the square footage. They come in various sizes, shapes, designs, patterns, and colours which gives the outdoor area a more appealing look. This is why paving slabs are always a great choice for anyone seeking to improve their outdoor appearance.

Laying paving slabs may either be done on soil, grass, concrete, or sand base. However, we will always recommend a concrete base for many reasons, one of which is its durability and reliability. With a concrete base, paving slabs can stand the test of time without being susceptible to the damages that exist with the use of the other bases. It becomes resistant to mechanical damages, as the coating would not get affected by factors like a sudden change in temperature. Also, using a concrete base is a faster and easier option, which gives room for a DIY especially if it is ready to mix concrete.

With how tedious construction works can be, using ready mix concrete comes in handy, even in large sites, or in situations where mixing concrete on site is impossible. Choosing ready mix concrete is gradually gaining popularity and becoming a more preferred choice, as it enhances greater convenience, reduced wastage, reduced time and cost, greater quality, and is also eco-friendly. 

At Oxcrete, our standard ready mix concrete makes laying paving slabs on concrete easier, as we provide the accurate quantity for the job with a mix design already prepared in advance before your order is placed. Also, our ready mix concrete can be discharged into the handling equipment or formwork directly, with the certainty of maintaining the same quality throughout the entirety of the job.

So, if you are interested, even the slightest bit in knowing how to lay paving slabs on concrete, especially when the base is made with our ready mix concrete, stay with us while we give you a detailed guide on the steps to take. 

Prepare the Perimeter

Proper cleaning of the perimeter, which is the concrete surface inclusive of the edges before commencing the entire process of laying the slabs is needed. It needs to be totally clear of dirt and debris and properly dried as well. This may either simply be done by sweeping the surface of the concrete or using a hosepipe to wash off stubborn dirt. It is also important to fill up any cracks on the surface, to enhance smooth operation when laying the slabs.

Prime the Pavement Slabs

The primer is to be applied to the back of the pavement slabs, which will be a glue to keep the pavement slabs securely on the concrete surface. This should be cement-based, as it does the job perfectly.

Plan out Placement

The next step to take is to plan out the placement of the pavement slabs, considering the direction and pattern you would want it to take. For this, you will need measuring tape and chalk to mark out needed strategic locations.

Create your Mortar Mix

Creating the mortar mix will entail mixing one part of cement, four parts of sand and one part of water. Mix the dry ingredients first, and then add the water gradually until it has a firm consistency. Lay a 30mm of mixture evenly across the concrete surface.

Lay the Pavers

Make sure to leave a 10mm gap between each slab, looking out to lay them evenly and secure them, with a rubber mallet to hold them into position. This should be done after the mortar mix is thoroughly levelled on the concrete surface. Also, use your spirit level to ensure the pavement slabs are evenly laid in the same pattern.

Fill the Gaps

The last step in this process is filling in the gaps previously left with the leftover mortar mix. You should be careful in order to avoid getting the mixture on the pavement slabs. Use a brick jointer to smoothen the mixture between each slab. Once this is done, you need to allow 24 hours for the pavement slabs to set before being in use. 

We are pleased to be able to offer ready mix concrete to our customers. Contact us today and be rest assured that we will deliver to your requirement.