Important Notice:
Please note: We highly recommend hiring professional installers for the installation of porcelain pavers, including excavation.
• Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Before any excavation, it is crucial to call 811. This service notifies all telecommunication and utility companies, ensuring existing cables and pipes are properly marked to prevent any accidental damage.
• Depth Consideration: When excavating, ensure to dig to a depth that encompasses the entire base. The depth of the base should be determined by factors such as preexisting soil conditions and climate considerations specific to your area.
By adhering to these precautions and recommendations, you can ensure a smooth and secure installation process for your porcelain pavers.
Step 1: Site Preparation
Ensure there is a minimum 2° slope for drainage away from any building.
Mark the perimeter of the area to be excavated using marker posts connected by a string. Ensure to extend the excavated area approximately 200mm on all sides for stability at the outer edges.
Step 2: Excavation and Leveling
Use a shovel or excavator to remove the soil within the marked area.
The depth of excavation will depend on various factors including anticipated loading and soil conditions. Ensure to level the excavated area and provide a slope of at least 2° for good drainage.
Compact the soil with a vibrating compactor.
Step 3: Perimeter Preparation
Install a restraining perimeter wall unless it is in direct contact with a sufficiently rigid footpath, wall, or existing edge.
Fix the perimeter wall to the ground with mechanical fixing devices or construct it as a solid barrier using poured concrete.
Step 4: Geotextile Fabric and Gravel Placement
Place a sheet of geotextile fabric over the compacted soil to prevent soil mixing with gravel.
Fill the excavated area with 15-20mm stone screenings to a thickness of 200 – 300mm, depending on the planned loading.
Add a further layer of 10mm gravel to a thickness between 100- 200mm.
Compact the two layers and then level, ensuring there is a slope of approximately 2°.
Step 5: Geotextile Fabric and Sand Placement
Place a sheet of geotextile fabric over the compacted gravel to prevent gravel mixing with sand.
Fill the area with paving sand to a thickness of between 20-25mm and compact with a vibrating compactor.
Step 6: Paver Installation
Level the surface by sliding a wood or steel board placed on two parallel runners across the entire area, ensuring there is a slope of approximately 2°.
Carefully lay the paving slabs using 3mm spacers, taking care not to disturb the sand bed. Do not butt joint.
Tap the pavers with a rubber mallet to ensure they are not rocking on the sand bed and that they are level with each other.
Step 7: Joint Filling
Fill the joints with polymeric sand suitable for use with porcelain tiles.
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