How do I lay patio tiles, path tiles and paving blocks on natural ground?

Patio tiles, path tiles and paving blocks should not be laid directly on undisturbed ground or made ground. Topsoil is not load-bearing, while clay soil can heave in frost. As a result, the tiles and paving blocks may settle unevenly or be lifted.

Topsoil is therefore removed, and the ground is levelled to the formation level and compacted. Where fill is required, it is placed and compacted in layers. The total construction depth is determined by the intended use, the soil type and local frost exposure. A garden path imposes lower loads than a driveway, and heavy clay requires a deeper sub-base than sandy soil. Protection against frost heave depends on the total depth of construction from the finished surface down to the formation level.

Rubber tiles are not normally laid on a loose layer of sand, angular grit or gravel. Instead they are laid on a gravel stabilisation grid, also called a gravel grid, filled with angular grit to its top edge. Where the soil is firm, not frost-susceptible and exposed only to light loads, the grid is placed on a carefully prepared formation level with a smoothly levelled laying course of angular grit, 2 to 5 cm deep. Where soil conditions are less favourable or loads are greater, a sub-base of compacted crushed stone is installed in layers on the formation level. Paving blocks and rubber tiles fitted with connecting pegs require an edge restraint.