How to Build a Walkway for Under $199

If conduit or wires are located in the area to be excavated, contact the representatives of the company concerned before the work is started. To ensure sufficient drainage, excavate the soil to obtain a minimum incline of 2% (20 mm/m or 1/4 inch per foot). The excavation contour should extend beyond the surface to be paved by at least 300 mm (12"). Ideally, this distance should be 1 to 1-1/2 times the thickness of the foundation. The stability of the project depends on this measurement, which ensures that the slabs at the edge will be as well supported as those in the centre. Level the bottom of the excavation with a rake and, if the soil is sandy, compact it with a vibrating plate or roller. It is preferable not to pack clay soil at this stage. In this case, the use of a geotextile membrane placed between the natural soil and the foundation is recommended to prevent foundation contamination by clay and ensure greater.

Spread and compact the 20-0 mm (0-3/4") stone in 100 mm (4") layers. Lightly water the 20-0 mm (0-3/4") stone to make tamping easier. To ensure an adequate foundation, compact the stone several times with a vibrating plate, or a jumping jack.

Once this stage is completed, you will be able to see what the final result will look like. You can verify the final level of the slabs by placing a slab on a guide.

Spread between 15 mm (5/8") and 25 mm (1") of concrete sand or screening. Level the concrete sand using two (2) 25 mm (1") diameter pipes and a straight plank. Any significant variation in bed thickness may cause irregularities in the paved surface. Take care not to compact the screenings or the sand before laying the slabs on the installation bed. 

Arrange the slabs according to the pattern chosen with a 90° angle if possible. Proceed by walking on the slabs. Fill the holes left by the pipes. Slabs are manufactured with side spacers that will set a space of 3 mm (1/8") between each slab. A space of 2 mm must be allowed for slabs without spacers.

To obtain an even distribution of colour and texture, it is recommended that you choose slabs from more than one cube at a time. Moreover, working across each cube always gives the best results. Check the alignment of the slabs after every five rows installed and adjust them, if necessary, using a screwdriver. 

Spread concrete sand over the slab, let dry, if necessary, then work it into the joints by brushing in all directions.

Remove the excess sand. Repeat steps the two previous steps if necessary. If, after a few days, some joints are not properly filled, repeat the procedure. We suggest setting aside a number of slabs for replacement.