Can You Lay Porcelain Slabs Yourself?

Laying porcelain slabs can transform your outdoor space into a stunning, low-maintenance oasis, but the question remains: can you do it yourself? With the right tools, a bit of patience, and some expert guidance, the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process like a pro.

Preparing the Groundwork

Before you start laying your porcelain slabs, it's crucial to prepare the groundwork. This involves clearing the area of any soil, vegetation, and roots. Mark out the space with wooden pegs and dig down to a depth that allows for a sub-base, a laying bed, and the thickness of your pavers. For a typical garden patio, a compacted sub-base of 100mm to 150mm is ideal.

Sub-Base and Drainage

Fill the dug-out area with MOT Type 1 material, compacting it down to the required depth. Ensure you allow for a gradient to facilitate drainage; a 1 in 60 fall is usually sufficient for domestic patios. Proper drainage is key to preventing water accumulation and ensuring your patio remains safe and secure.

Priming Your Porcelain Slabs

Porcelain slabs are non-porous, which means they require a special primer to adhere properly to the mortar mix. Apply a generous amount of slurry primer to the back of each slab. You can use a ready-made primer or create your own by mixing SBR bond with cement to a thick consistency. This step is vital for creating a strong bond between the slab and the mortar bed.

Laying the Mortar Bed

Mix a fresh bed of mortar for each slab to prevent the mixture from drying out. For VITAGRES or similar porcelain pavers, use a wet mix of 5 or 6 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement. The mortar thickness should be between 15mm and 30mm. Lay the mortar mix onto the sub-base using a trowel, ensuring the entire slab will be in contact with the mortar for a strong bond.

Laying the Porcelain Slabs

Place the primed porcelain slab onto the mortar mix, gently tapping it into position with a rubber mallet. Check the levels with a spirit level and make any necessary adjustments quickly before the mortar dries. Leave a gap of approximately 5mm between each slab to allow for jointing compound later.

Jointing and Finishing

Once all the slabs are in place, fill the gaps with a jointing compound. Use a sweep-in product like EASYJoint paving joint compound to ensure a smooth surface and prevent moss and weeds from growing between the pavers. Brush away any excess compound and let it dry for at least 24 hours. If wet weather is forecasted, protect the area with a tarpaulin or waterproof material.

Tips and Tricks

• Work One Slab at a Time: To prevent the mortar from drying out, lay the mortar bed for one slab at a time.
• Use the Right Tools: A rubber mallet is essential to avoid cracking the slabs, and vacuum pump suction cups can aid in transporting and laying large tiles.
• Clean as You Go: Remove any spilled mortar or primer immediately to avoid staining the slabs.

Laying porcelain slabs is a rewarding DIY project that, with careful planning and execution, can result in a beautiful and durable outdoor space. So, don’t be intimidated – grab your tools, follow these steps, and transform your garden into a stunning porcelain patio.