Natural slate paving stones are a classic choice for gardens, especially for older homes. But they're not just for traditional styles – they work in many different garden looks. Slate is great because it naturally splits into flat pieces, making it perfect for smooth surfaces. Additionally, it's available in a range of hues including Brazilian Black, Brazilian Grey, and subtle Green, which are well-suited for contemporary designs. Rustic slate boasts a mix of colors such as rusts, greys, and black, lending it plenty of charm, particularly when wet. This variety complements older homes nicely, as its color blend harmonizes with their aesthetic.
Slate is tough and great for places with lots of people walking or where it gets wet. It's perfect for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, making it awesome for parties and gatherings.
Brazilian Black Slate: It's mostly black with some grey streaks. Each tile can look a bit different.
Brazilian Grey Slate: It's mostly grey with some darker streaks. It's more consistent in color than the black slate.
Multi-Colored Slate: This slate has a mix of colors like grey, rust, orange, and yellow. It adds a unique style to any room.
Riven Slate: The most common finish, it's durable and easy to care for.
Honed Slate: Smooth to the touch, it shows off the slate's features.
Brushed Slate: It's smoother than riven slate but still has texture.
Chiselled Edge: The edges are rough, giving it a rustic look.
The thickness and sizes vary depending on the finish. You can find all the details on the product page.
Slate is a modern and stylish stone that forms naturally deep in the Earth over many years. This process makes it strong, durable, and able to withstand wet and cold weather. Because of these qualities, slate is a popular option for giving your garden patio a new look. It's not just good-looking – it's also tough and long-lasting, making it perfect for outdoor use.
Slate paving isn't usually very slippery because of its texture, but it can still be slippery when it's wet. How slippery it gets depends on things like how steep the surface is and if there's water or dirt on it. To make sure you don't slip, pick slate with texture, keep it clean, and think about using products that make it less slippery, especially if it's often wet.
Here's a simple guide to laying slate paving slabs:
Prepare the area: Clear the ground of plants, debris, and old paving. Make sure the ground is flat and firm.
Create a solid base: Lay a layer of hardcore or MOT type 1 about 4 inches deep. Use a compactor to pack it down well.
Add a bedding layer: Spread a layer of sharp sand or mortar mix about 1.5 inches deep evenly over the compacted base.
Start laying the slabs: Begin at one corner and place each slate slab onto the bedding layer. Press them down firmly.
Keep spacing consistent: Use spacers between the slabs to keep them evenly spaced.
Check for level: Use a spirit level to ensure each slab is flat and even with the next one. Adjust the bedding material as needed.
Cut slabs if necessary: Use a saw or chisel to cut slabs to fit around edges or obstacles.
Finish the edges: Use special stones or edging to create a neat border around the paved area.
Secure the slabs: Fill the gaps between slabs with dry sand or jointing compound to keep them in place.
Compact and tidy up: Use a compactor to press down the slabs and fill any remaining gaps with sand or compound.
Allow to set: Let the paving set for at least 24 hours before walking on it or putting heavy objects on it.
Always follow any specific instructions from the manufacturer, and if you're unsure about anything, consider hiring a professional to help.
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