Stone Paver Installation: What DIY Homeowners Should Remember

Stone pavers have been used in the residential set-up for centuries. Different types of pavers are often used on different outdoor areas, including patios and walkways.

Installation of stone pavers is an activity that a homeowner can carry in their individual capacity. Homeowners who choose DIY paver installation stand to save significant amounts of money that would have otherwise gone to the contractor, though if you're not up to this task, then you should definitely hire an expert.

This article discusses some of the key factors that the DIY homeowner should have in mind when undertaking stone paver installation.

The Substrate

The substrate refers to the surface upon which stone pavers are laid. In a large number of cases, pavers are laid on sand or over a slab of concrete. DIY homeowners need to ensure that their choice of substrate is able to provide adequate stability so that there is minimal (if any) movement during the installation of stone pavers.

Additionally, it is important for the homeowner to ensure that the chosen substrate is free-draining so as to bring down the chances of waterlogging on the substrate as well as on the stone pavers. A waterlogged substrate will encourage the production of salt deposits that stain the surface of stone pavers and can easily compromise their structural integrity.

Installation Method

Actual stone paver installation can be done using specialty mortars or using a wet or dry screed. Screeds are simply levelled layers of a material such as cement that are applied onto the floor surface before stone pavers are put in place.

DIY homeowners who settle for granite products as their screed material of choice should be aware that these products are almost synonymous with the production of very smooth surfaces that may have a negative impact adhesion between the surface and the pavers to be installed.

Dust particles on the screed surface are also known to have a negative impact on the adhesive capability of wet or dry screeds

Expansion And Control Joints

DIY homeowners need to ensure that they create adequate expansion joints on the patio or walkway so as to allow for thermal expansion of the paved surface. Expansion joints can be formed, grooved or sawed into the paved installation. Control and expansion joints should be spread evenly throughout the surface of the patio or walkway. After installation, homeowners should see to it that these joints are not grouted whenever the paved surface is being modified or repaired.

For homeowners unsure of how to go about DIY stone paver installation, professional paving contractors are a phone call away.