Can i lay slabs on gravel

The key benefits are: Fast installation Easy removal and repositioning Cost savings, as no skilled labour is required Effective rainwater drainage through the open joints Creation of seamless surfaces, since expansion joints are not required. Preparing the substrate Laying on gravel allows the creation of a paving without a concrete substrate. Insert a containing kerb around the edges of the area to be paved, with edges tall and strong enough to ensure effective retention.

Remove the surface of the ground: the depth of soil to be removed will depend on the type of terrain loose or firm , but will be more or less from 10 to 20 cm.

Level the bottom of the dug-out area as accurately as possible with a rake, a rule and a spirit level. Flatten and compact the ground for a more compact paving. Lay a sheet of non-woven fabric on the bottom to prevent plant growth. Which one you use depends on your project: a fire pit will need a different type of gravel to your driveway, for example.

Medium gravel is a good general choice, providing you with both strength and drainage. It compresses neatly, but still allows water to pass through it. For heavier duty use, play it safe and order in coarse gravel.

If you have poor drainage clay soil, for instance, provides very little drainage or want to build a driveway for multiple cars, this is by far the best and safest option. So, before you order your supplies, think about your projects, the type of soil you have, and how you will be using your paved area. Again, this depends on your application, as something like a heavy-traffic driveway will need tougher foundations than a low-footfall walkway.

Most experts suggest at least 4 inches for the gravel or crushed stone layer, then an extra inch for a layer of sand. For driveways, some builders insist on digging down a foot , ensuring that you have one tough and reliable paver base layer.

Of course, the local dirt has as big a part to play in paver construction as the actual application itself. If you live in one of the rainier states or have clay soil, the deeper the drainage layer, the better. Excavate to your chosen depth, then on top of the soil, the first thing to introduce is the layer of landscape fabric. Excavate the area with a slope for drainage; the proper slope is 2 inches for every 8 feet of length.

Multiply this number by the paver coverage rate -- this rate should be supplied by the manufacturer or retailer. Spread the paver base in an even layer. Place edging restraints along the edges of the crushed gravel around the perimeter of the area. Edge restraints keep your pavers and sand base in place during and after the installation process.

The sand makes a cushioned bed for the pavers. Even out the sand with a 2-by-4 -- or screed board -- by dragging the board across the surface of the sand.

Lay string out in a crisscross pattern over the sand by tying it to stakes positioned along the outside of the area to be paved.

The center should be marked by the crossing of two pieces of string to create a starting point and guide for laying the pavers.