Bluestone pavers are highly preferred options for outdoor landscaping and are widely used in making of patios or walkaways. It is effortless to lay down bluestone pavers, but absolute detailing should be kept in mind to avoid underlying issues.
The article will tell give you step by step guidance for laying Bluestone pavers and tiles.
Buying the Right Shape & Size
If, as a house-owner, you are unsure about the pattern of the patio or walkway area, buying of the rectangular or squarely shaped bluestone paver is strongly recommended. These are the most comfortable form to work with. This will also allow you to make last-minute changes if required.
Excavation and Slope Preparation
The final appearance of Bluestone pavers and tiles will depend on the preparation and planning of the site. Before installing these bluestone pavers, you must also ensure to take the following measures:
- Step one includes the marking of the area where pavers will be laid. You must determine if there is enough space for pavers in the area that is selected. To be perfect and avoid mistakes, you should draw your plan on a graph paper.
- Now, you are required to remove all possible obstructions that fall in the marked area such as garden fountains, stones, etc. This will also make the digging of the land easier.
- Having a slope is essential for pavers so pooling and ponding are prevented. It can cause damage to pavers in the long term. But at the same time, it is essential to ensure the water runoff is not directed towards the basement. Hence, you must keep the slope of the paver away from your home.
- Calculating the right number of tiles is also essential. It will save money as well as time. To make the right calculations, first, measure the length and width of the area that has to be paved. Now multiply the length and width. The outcome is the square foot of the area. Now add 10% to this result and you will have your answer,
- Now comes the digging part. To make sure Bluestone pavers and tiles are laid properly, you must maintain a minimum depth of six inches.
Paver Base Preparation
It is not very difficult to prepare the base of Bluestone pavers and tiles, but it has to be prepared with care. The base of Bluestone pavers and tiles should be at two inches in thickness. You can spread dry gravel beds by using an adequate amount of water.
Laying Bluestone Pavers
Laying the Bluestone pavers and tiles with hand conforms the solid foundation. It requires ensuring each tile is pushed against the other for making the edges compact.
You must use a level to make sure tiles are laid uniformly. After lying off the Bluestone pavers and tiles, a sprinkling of coarse sand on them is required. You need to sweep the sand into every small crevice or crack of the paver pathway.
The excess sand should then be washed off with a water hose. The sanding process should be repeated with the rinsing. The application of water ensures the sand is secured into the smaller and remote corners. The last two steps are required to be repeated several times until the pathway is laid properly.
Maintaining these tiles is easy, but proper cleaning of Bluestone pavers and tiles is required in the long term for a long-lasting beautiful appearance. Proper cleaning is even more important if your house is in a damp or rainy area. Power washing is not recommended for pavers & tiles as it will dislodge the joint sand.
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