How To Install Bluestone Pavers and Tiles

Guide to Installing Natural Bluestone Pavers and Tiles

Installing natural bluestone pavers requires precision and the right tools to ensure a successful installation. Here is a step-by-step guide along with a list of tools you will need:

Tools Required:

• Measuring tape
• Chalk or marking tool
• Rubber mallet or wooden block
• Level
• 12mm notch trowel
• Grout float
• Soft brush or sponge
• Bucket
• Damp cloth or sponge for cleaning
• Safety glasses and gloves (recommended for handling materials and using adhesives)
• Dust mask when mixing sand and cement or adhesive and grout.
• Hire a wet saw from Kennards Hire to cut the stone pavers
• Hire a cement mixer or if a small job mix sand n cement in a wheel barrow.

Installation Steps:

1. Preparation:

1. Assess the area where you plan to install the natural bluestone tiles and ensure it is suitable for the intended purpose. If there is a existing slab and its in good order proceed to lay in adhesive or sand and cement.
2. If no concrete slab exists prepare the base by removing any existing materials and debris to a depth of approx 150mm and level off the area with a compacted 100mm of road base. Now proceed to lay the bluestone pavers in a slurry of sand and cement.
3. For 12mm thick stone tiles: Apply a layer of adhesive using a 12mm notch trowel onto an existing concrete slab. Always remember to butter the back of EVERY bluestone tile during laying process.
4. For 20mm and 30mm thick bluestone pavers: Choose one of the following methods:

1. Adhesive method: Apply a layer of adhesive using a 12mm notch trowel onto an existing concrete slab.
2. Slurry or wet mix method: Create a slurry or wet mix of 4 parts sand and 1 part cement with 1 litre of bonding agent. Spread the mixture onto a prepared crushed rock base (100mm). We strongly recommend buttering the back of every bluestone paver with adhesive prior to laying into the wet mix of sand and cement.

2. Laying the Bluestone Pavers:

2. Carefully place the natural bluestone pavers onto the adhesive or slurry, ensuring proper alignment and spacing.
3. Use a rubber mallet or a wooden block to gently tap the pavers into place, ensuring they are level and secure.
4. If laying into adhesive use a 12mm notch trowel and use plastic spacers of 5mm for grout joint spacing. Simply push and twist the tile into the ahsesive bed.

3. Grouting:

3. For all thicknesses: Fill the gaps between the pavers with a manufactured premix sanded grout or a 5:1 mix of sand and cement with an EFFLOC additive.
4. Apply the grout using a grout float, making sure to fill all the joints completely.
5. Remove any excess grout from the surface using a damp sponge or cloth, being careful not to disturb the newly installed pavers.

4. Curing and Cleaning:

4. Allow approximately 5 days for pavers laid in adhesive or 2 weeks for pavers laid in sand and cement to cure before proceeding with cleaning and sealing.
5. Clean the pavers using a mild detergent and water, scrubbing gently with a soft brush or sponge to remove any remaining grout residue or stains. Or in case of stubborn marks from grouting use a domestic gernie to clean the stone.
6. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to ensure all cleaning agents are removed.

5. Sealing (if required):

5. Depending on the type of natural stone and desired level of protection, consider applying a suitable sealer to enhance the appearance and provide additional durability. Bluestone is often not sealed, dependent on area used.
6. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific sealer, applying it evenly and allowing it to dry completely before use.

Remember to always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific natural stone pavers you are installing, as recommendations may vary. Following these steps will help ensure a successful and professional-looking installation of your natural stone pavers. ALSO please adhere to the manufacturers directions on the adhesive, grout and sealer products.