How to Prepare The Ground to Lay Sandstone Paving: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you considering a stunning sandstone paving project to transform your outdoor space? Whether you’ve chosen classic colours or the elegant Kandla Grey sandstone, it can’t look good if it hasn’t been installed correctly. Without a proper base layer, the stones are vulnerable to weeds, can appear slanted, and they’ll potentially sink and shift apart. 

However, with the right advice, these problems are easily avoided. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of preparing the ground for your outdoor landscaping project.

1. Gather the Right Tools

To start your sandstone paving project, you must have the right tools. Ensure you have the following equipment:

• A measuring tape, wooden pegs, and a string line to mark the area and ensure it’s square and level. Spirit levels can also be used to measure tilt.
• A shovel, spade, pick, or rake to remove vegetation, roots, and topsoil.
• A wheelbarrow to transport excavated soil and materials for the sub-base and bedding layers. If you don’t have access to a wheelbarrow, a large container will do.
• A plate compactor or roller to compact the sub-base and bedding layers, ensuring proper drainage and levelness.
• A trowel, float, or screed board for spreading and levelling the bedding layer.
• Don’t forget to use protective gloves and goggles for safety during the project.

2. Check the Weather Forecast

Before you begin any outdoor project, it’s wise to check the weather forecast and avoid working during rainy or windy conditions. Not only is it miserable, but it can seriously disrupt your paving project. Strong winds can disrupt the sand and other materials used for the laying course and jointing material, making it challenging to achieve a level finish. Rain can saturate or flood the sub-base and laying course, which inevitably leads to unstable groundwork.

3. Mark Out the Area

To create a precise layout for your sandstone paving, use string and stakes to mark out the area. This step ensures that your project is the correct size and shape, helping you avoid costly mistakes later on.

4. Remove Vegetation and Topsoil

Eliminate any vegetation, roots, and topsoil within the marked-out area. A shovel, spade, pick, or rake will help you remove grass, weeds, and other plants. Dig to a depth of at least 200mm (8 inches) to create a stable base for your paving stones.

5. Measure the Right Depth

Measuring the right depth is crucial for the success of your Sandstone Paving project. To ensure your stones sit at the perfect level, measure the depth consistently throughout the excavation process. Maintain a depth of 200mm (8 inches), plus the depth of your paving stones to create a stable base. Double-check your measurements and adjust the excavation as needed to maintain this depth uniformly.

6. Create the Sub-Base Layer

The sub-base is the backbone of your Sandstone Paving project, and it must be strong and well-drained. For the best results, use a material like Type 1 MoT (Ministry of Transport), a blend of solids and fines that compacts well and promotes water drainage. We recommend at least 75mm of deep sub base and compact for 50-100mm of compacted base. Spread the sub-base material evenly over the excavated area and compact it using a plate compactor or roller. Once you’re confident that it’s level, you can then move on to the next layer.

7. Establish the Bedding Layer

The bedding layer provides essential support for your paving stones and allows for variations in thickness and level. Depending on your choice of paving stones, you can either use sharp sand or a moist mix of sharp sand and cement. Spread the bedding material over the sub-base layer and level it using a trowel, float or screed board.

8. Laying Your Sandstone Paving

With the ground properly prepared, you’re now ready to lay your slabs. Follow our detailed guide on how to lay your paving stones correctly for a stunning and durable outdoor space. If you aren’t sure how to do this, take a look at our guide on how to lay paving stones.

9. Know When to Call in the Professionals

While DIY projects can be rewarding, complex paving installations may require professional input. If you encounter challenges beyond your skill level or if your project involves intricate designs or special requirements, it may be better to call in experienced landscaping or paving professionals. They have the knowledge, tools, and experience to ensure a flawless finish and address any potential issues.

Ultimately, to ensure the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, careful planning and preparation is important. By equipping yourself with the right tools, monitoring the weather conditions, making the correct measurements, and creating sturdy base layers, your outdoor space will soon be transformed into a long-lasting haven.