Laying large porcelain pavers

britishboy7 · 22 May 2020

we’re planning on having our old patio replaced and have decided on large porcelain pavers that are 120 x 60cm. Our old paving looks to be on a solid base (we’ve lifted several and it’s a solid concrete base by the looks of it)

We assumed the new paving would be laid on a compacted sand then cement base, but been told also to have them laid on a solid cement base, similar to a screeded floor as you would indoors.

What’s the preferred method please? And how would you get the 1cm per 1m run off from the house if laying on a solid ‘screeded’ base?

lonner · 23 May 2020

If the solid base is wrong I,e too high you would need to correct that.
If you can lay on a full mortar bed with PVA added to the mix, ideally laid brick laying mix wet with a plasticiser so you get good suction.

britishboy7 · 25 May 2020

Thanks lonner

Is there a better quality of porcelain paver? Guy at the showroom said to avoid Chinese and Eastern European porcelain and go for (I think, Spanish or Italian?)

Ever heard that before? Or is all porcelain much the same?

Just want to get the best we can for the money

lonner · 25 May 2020

I'd go Italian , something like this if you have the money.

https://vitripiazza.co.uk/

britishboy7 · 27 May 2020

Thanks again lonner, they are stunning

Are porcelain a pig to lay do you know? Ive watched videos on YouTube (not to self teach, just to see the process) and one highly rated video shows a compacted bed of sand and then a fairly dry sand/cement mix to stick them down

Yet others, including the local tile supplier and an installer i spoke to there said a solid cement/screeded base to lay them on, the same as tiling a concrete floor indoors?

lonner · 27 May 2020

You can lay them as a tile, or with wet mortar.
As long as its solid it will be good, cost may be a little prohibitive with tile adhesive but shouldn't be too bad in the grand scheme of things.
They're lovely things to lay, flat polished and usually very well sized.

Hope you get a super job ,as this will look stunning.

britishboy7 · 27 May 2020

Thanks again lonner - the tiles i saw locally were stunning. I was quoted £4,500 to lay 60 sqm of them, but to lay only, no prep (building up some steps etc). That was to lay them directly onto a solid cement base as a tile. Included adhesive and 60m2 of Ditra mat underlay. Not too sure if that was a good price or not?

lonner · 27 May 2020

britishboy7 said:
Thanks again lonner - the tiles i saw locally were stunning. I was quoted £4,500 to lay 60 sqm of them, but to lay only, no prep (building up some steps etc). That was to lay them directly onto a solid cement base as a tile. Included adhesive and 60m2 of Ditra mat underlay. Not too sure if that was a good price or not?

Is that supply and lay, ?
Or just lay ?

Supply price is sensible, lay only is Dick Turpin

britishboy7 · 28 May 2020

Lay only!! And that's with them expecting me to have the full mortar bed already laid for them, so basically just for them to come round and lay the Ditra mat, adhesive and pavers!

lonner · 30 May 2020

britishboy7 said:
Lay only!! And that's with them expecting me to have the full mortar bed already laid for them, so basically just for them to come round and lay the Ditra mat, adhesive and pavers!

Fook me, you know what to do.

britishboy7 · 1 Jun 2020

yes, shop around!!

britishboy7 · 2 Jun 2020

Quick update lonner (and anyone who stumbles across this thread - Had a change of plan (and finances) and decided on composite decking, so will start a new thread on here for that

lonner · 5 Jun 2020

Save you a fortune, and probably a better bet with our climate

charlottesmth23 · 31 May 2023

When it comes to laying large porcelain pavers for a patio, there are a few preferred methods you can consider. One common method is known as the "full mortar bed" or "thin-set" method, which involves laying the pavers on a solid mortar base. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to proceed:

Prepare the base: Remove the existing patio surface and ensure the area is clean and free from any debris. If you have a solid concrete base, make sure it is clean and level. If you don't have a base, you'll need to excavate the area, create a solid substrate, and ensure proper compaction.
Install a solid mortar bed: Mix a suitable mortar mix according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spread a layer of mortar on the prepared base using a trowel. The thickness of the mortar bed will depend on the specific paver and manufacturer's recommendations, but it's typically around 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm).
Level the mortar bed: Use a screed board or a long, straight edge to level the mortar bed. This ensures a flat surface for your pavers. Check the level regularly to ensure an even surface.
Apply mortar to the back of the pavers: Before placing each paver, apply a layer of mortar on the backside using a notched trowel. This will create a bond between the paver and the mortar bed.
Lay the pavers: Carefully place each paver onto the mortar bed, pressing it down gently. Use a rubber mallet or a wooden block to tap the pavers lightly into place, ensuring they are level and even.

Regarding the runoff from the house, if you have a solid "screeded" base, you can achieve the 1cm per 1m slope by adjusting the height of the mortar bed. Start with a thicker layer of mortar near the house and gradually decrease the thickness as you move away. This gradual slope will allow water to flow away from the house.

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Laying large porcelain pavers

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