How to Lay Cobblestones

Posted by John Doe 09/04/2020 0 Comment(s) Paving, Slabs and Pavers,

Granite Cobblestones can be laid on sand or concrete base. Sand is quite common and cheaper, but it can be prone to movement, and is also not as durable when any weigh is applied (such as cars etc). Cement would be the platform of choice but needs more preperation and matierals, and is therefore more expensive. 

Laying Cobbles in Cement

We recommend laying in cement if possible. Here are some guidelines for preparation and laying, but if in doubt consult a professional landscaper or builder.

  1. make sure the base is flat and compacted. You can use a wacker plate, compacter, or roller
  2. Lay around 3 inches of sharp sand over the base and vibrate/compact down - this should be your basic level minus the thickness of setts and cement
  3. Along the first line lay 3" (or 4” if you want to drive over the pavement) of 6 : 2 : 1 dust to 8mm gravel : sharp sand : cement, then combine additives - plasticiser. Be sure not to mix too dry. In mainland Europe polyester fibres are added to reduce cracking.
  4. Make up a builders line and place stones along the first line. Knock down with rubber hammer while maintaining straightness and about a 2 cm grouting depth. Keep face as clean as possible.
  5. Lay second line. When placing stones along this line be sure to align the stones along their centres rather than align each one with its side to the line as this may result in an uneven appearance.
  6. Continue with remaining lines, keeping as flat and even as possible while continuously checking lines and adjusting accordingly.
  7. Allow to harden for one week minimum, and more time if you intend

Grouting Cobbles layed with a cement base

You have a number of options:

  1. Make up a 3 : 1 : kiln dried sand : cement (dry) mix. Mix well and brush in fully. This has to be done on a very dry day with setts completely dry. If you wish to water, use only a very fine mist. This method though commonly used and is the simplest it is not however the best for strength and long term frost resistance. A wet grout mix is superior but difficult to apply.
  2. Use a jointing slurry from companies like Steintec (comes in many colours). 3. Use an epoxy based product from Resiply or Romex that has 3 - 40 ton rated grouts, see http://www.romex-pfm.de. This is probably the best overall solution but is the most costly. It is water permeable (puddles do not form in the joints), as well as being flexible and strong. It is also the quickest to apply, and leaves the face totally clean. If application cost it factored it may not be as expensive as it appears and certainly gives the best final effect. It offers many advantages including ease of application and working while standing being its major advantage. This product is available from TheStoneYard.co.uk and prices are available on enquiry.
  3. An asphalt base grout from Colas also produces good results