Laying granite paving is the best option for anyone wishing to add a sturdy, beautiful finish to their outdoor space. Granite is tough as nails - it's sturdy and durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or those that must withstand British weather. Also, granite will not crack or wear down easily, so you can expect it to last for years.

Not only is it robust, but it also looks appealing. Granite's natural colours and textures add a luxury touch to your yard, making everything look well put together. It's also low-maintenance; once it's down, there's little to no cleaning or repairs to worry about.

Preparation Steps Before Laying Granite Paving

Plan and Measure the Area

Before you begin anything, plan out your paving job. Measure the area where you'll be laying the granite to ensure it's the appropriate size for your demands. You'll need to plan for the number of granite slabs and the layout you wish to lay.

It's also critical to calculate the fall of the paving, which means ensuring that your surface slopes slightly to allow for appropriate drainage and prevent water gathering. While you're at it, don't forget to plan for a slight slope (around 1 in 60) so that water can drain away and doesn't pool on the surface.

Clear the Site

Once you've devised a plan, it's time to clean the space. Remove any old paving, weeds, grass, or anything else that might get in the way. You'll need a spade or shovel to remove the present materials.

If you're laying on grass or dirt, be careful to remove any roots or large debris that could damage the foundation layer. You want to start with a clean, level surface, so take your time with this step.

Prepare the Sub-Base

The next stage is to build a solid base. The sub-base is extremely significant because it keeps everything steady and prevents the granite from shifting over time. Begin by applying a layer of crushed stone or hardcore.

This should be between 75mm and 100mm deep, depending on how much foot traffic the region receives. If automobiles or vans will be driving on it, the sub-base should be thicker.

Once the hardcore is down, compact it using a vibrating plate compactor. This helps to ensure the base is hard and stable. After compacting, use a spirit level to ensure that the surface is flat and even. A flat base makes placing granite slabs considerably easier and prevents future difficulties such as uneven surfaces.

Lay the Bedding Layer

Next, you'll need to make a bedding layer for the granite slabs. This can be done with sharp sand or a dry sand-cement mixture. Spread the sand uniformly over the sub-base, leaving a thickness of around 25mm.

Then, rake it till it's nice and level. If you use a cement mix, it will be slightly more stable, but make sure it is not overly wet. You want a nice, sturdy, but slightly loose substrate to bed the slabs into.

Check for Level and Slope

Before you start laying the granite slabs, make sure the surface is level. The bedding layer should be flat with a small slope to the borders to allow water to flow away. This is critical to avoid puddles or water damage later on.

Ready to Lay the Granite Slabs

Now you're all set for laying granite paving. Start laying the slabs from one corner, ensuring they're spaced evenly with a small gap for the joints. Use a rubber mallet to carefully tap them into position, ensuring each piece is evenly aligned with the rest.

By following these preparation steps, you'll have a strong, stable foundation for your granite paving, giving you a flawless and long-lasting finish. Happy paving!

Techniques for Properly Installing Granite Paving

• Laying the Granite Slabs: Start by positioning the granite slabs in the appropriate design, leaving a consistent spacing between each one.
• Securing the Edges: For added stability, use edge restraints to prevent the paving from slipping over time. These can be built from materials such as wood or metal.
• Levelling the Surface: Use a spirit level to ensure that each granite slab is level with its neighbour. If required, correct the height using a bedding layer of sand or cement to ensure a sturdy, uniform base.
• Jointing: Use sand or resin-based grout to fill the spaces between granite slabs. Make sure the joints are completely filled to prevent weed growth and debris accumulation.
• Compaction: Using a compactor or whacker plate, gently press down on the slabs to ensure they are securely lodged in the base. Be careful not to damage the granite surface.

By following the above steps, you can create a lasting and attractive granite paving installation that will survive the elements and look great for years. 

Final Thoughts

The Stonemart provides the finest granite paving in the UK, offering durability, elegance, and a variety of styles to enhance any outdoor space, perfect for gardens, patios, or driveways. To summarise, putting granite paving is a good investment for creating a timeless and lasting outdoor space.

Its natural beauty, robustness, and little maintenance make it an excellent choice for places like gardens, patios, and driveways.

Choosing granite paving results adds value and beauty to your property. Trust granite to provide unrivalled durability and style for years to come.