How to lay patio slabs DIY

How to lay basic patio slabs. In this video we show you how to lay 450x450mm patio slabs and just the method to bed the slab down. We don't go into detail about digging out or bases, we just show you how to lay a patio slab the right way, great for DIY patio layers.

[williammullally]

Just brilliant
He explained and shows it without any nonsense great job

[jamienoonan]

Great video, good work 👍. Thank you for sharing.

[lou]

That looks like a perfect mix. Very nicework.

[nickbrown]

Great video. I'd love to do a proper job like this in my garden but might struggle with mixing the mortar, due to access issues to get a mixer in the garden, and my physical inability to mix that much mortar by hand. Do you rate any of the dry ready mixed products, such as Blue Circle's Slab Layer product, where you put the mix down dry and sprinkle with water, then lay the slab on? They look easier to use for someone like me, but I'm just worried the slabs won't stick properly. (I'll be using 450x450mm concrete slabs to make a small shed base.)

[MarlonKingShow]

Thank you, i just laid mine on sand in my garden, has dropped a dash over a few years but still overall pleased. Might try this way if i do again in future.

[randomstoragespace]

Thanks mate. Very helpful. Going to lay some this weekend!

[brianherbert]

Brilliant video sam - thanks. I'm a complete beginner and this has given me enough confidence to have a go. I only have to lay 4 slabs so is it ok to use the flat side of a sledge hammer to tamp down my hardcore that I will lay as the base? I'm following you as you very professional and don't waste time.

[samdub]

Thanks for the tips. No BS and very clear, thanks.

[harold]

Is this on top of a mot bed? Sorry I am just interested as I want mine done and I am thinking about DIY as not confident with the people I spoke to. This gent seems really good.

[djpaulsid]

I have some loose slabs and advised to use a slurry mix. Can I just use a mortar mix or should I include sbr?

[bessufekadkenaw]

Hope you can help out with this. For context to the questions let’s say I use a 40oz container for each part of my sand and cement. In other words, I’ll put 40oz of sand 5 times and 40oz of cement once per mix.

1. Why is plasticiser necessary for the 5:1 ratio?

2. Could I go without it and have a strong base for the pavers?

3. What do I lose without it even if I’ve got the 5 parts sand and 1 part cement? Is it worth tripping about?

4. If I’ve got to use it, any alternatives to plasticiser for the 5:1 ratio because from my brief research it seems like it isn’t common to find in the US in 5L?

5. Given the context above, how much plasticiser should I pour into the 40oz container per 5:1 sand/cement mix?

6. Would I still need to use a weed barrier underneath the 4-6 inch gravel base since a full layer of mortar is being used under each paver.

7. Do you still brush in polymeric sand between the joints when using this method (i.e. the 5:1 mortar mix) as the base for paver?

Would appreciate any links to good plasticisers in the US and also any alternatives.

[salimgauzel]

Great video, quick question what cement did you use pleased?

[tolgawalsh]

One tip for you mate, you can sprinkle cement before layong pave for it to settle firmly

[michalrychter]

Thanks for the tips. I will be doing crazy paving with irregular shape slabs soon.

I have a question: will 25mm bed do the trick when passenger car is parked on top? The slabs have different thickness as well (between 25mm and 45mm) so I will try to use thicker ones to cover the area where car is to be parked.

[alexmorgan]

What sand do you use in the mortar, soft or sharp?
How much plasticiser do you need to use?
Also I don't see you using spacers like you would in tiling to get the gaps spot on each time?
Also in laying this patio have you factored in a drop so water drains off?

Thanks for making and sharing.

[Shads]

What do you use to space them out soe evenly?

[gal]

Great video, how much plasteriser do you add?

[brolovski_brodog]

Excellent video. Clear explanation. 🇮🇪 👍🏻

[Physocrusher]

@SamDaviesBuilder great video and very easy to follow thanks 👍

i have the old concrete in my garden which is easily over a foot below my house when i step out.
Would you recommend using a breaker and stripping the whole lot out or building a sublayer on top using the MOT material?
Would this move as the MOT would be sitting on concrete? Least to say there will be a lot of levelling as the concrete to side of the house takes a dip away from the house for water drainage.

Sorry for the essay and appreciate your advice!

[ahmedtheyab]

good video, please show how to start the 1st slab and distance from edge, also how to fill the gaps between the slabs, what material to use. thanks