Laying paving
Remember to select paving from different packs as you go along. This enables colour blending and will help to alleviate any shade variations that may occur between packs, giving your design a "Natural" look.

Depending on your ground type (see 3 opposite) use a mixing board to make up a slightly wet mortar mix of 1 part cement to 5 parts of building sand. Starting from a corner or straight edge, trowel five large dabs of mortar at each corner and in the middle of each slab, placed slightly higher than the finished level of the paving. (1)

The theory of the ī5 spot methodī is that it allows for easy alignment and adjustment for required finished surface level and it also enables any variation in thickness of each individual slab to be taken up. After laying the first slab, (2) lay the ī5 spotsī for the next slab and also lay a strip of mortar where the next joint will be. (3) With the trowel, draw and butter this mortar to the side of the slab, thus minimising pointing afterwards.

Tap each slab down to the required level, preferably using a rubber hammer. (4)

Continuous checking of levels and falls should be on-going during the laying process and should be taken across the top surface profile of a number of slabs. (5) Before proceeding too far, it is important to equalise slab spacing, gently shuffle the slab with a twist of the trowel until the joints look even. (6)

Cutting
Because Pavestone products come in a variety of shapes and sizes cutting can be minimised. If your project involves a lot of cutting we advise the hire of a powered cutting tool incorporating a diamond tipped blade (advise the hire shop of what you are intending to cut, and ensure that a suitable diamond tipped blade is selected). Its use will ensure accurate clean cuts are achieved but please use with care and also make sure that your hire shop issues you with full instructions and relevant safety equipment including goggles.

Pointing
You can use small pieces of wood as 10-15mm thick spacers to help get each slab equally distant from the others but remove them straight after laying.

Do not walk on the paving for at least 24 hours. (7)

The joints should then be pointed as soon as possible but not if rain or snow are forecast. As with all natural stone products from Pavestone, we recommend that paving is laid allowing for a minimum 10-15mm joint. We recommend joints are pointed using a wet (but not sloppy) cement mortar mix to produce a more permanent waterproof finish.

Do not leave unpointed for more than a few days. You must not attempt to brush the mix across the surfaces of the slabs as any cement left on the slab will result in unsightly staining and will often mean a complete renewal of products.

Care should be taken not to use too wet a mix and any mortar spillage should be immediately removed with a clean damp cloth or sponge. All joints should be raked out using a special tool (available from builderīs merchants) or with a suitably rounded piece of wood, to a depth some 5mm below the adjoining paving surfaces.(8)