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Council Paving Slabs 900x600x50mm (3 x 2 ft)

These thick concrete paving slabs are typically used by city councils due to their durability and strength under high traffic. Council paving slabs often give you an extremely durable solution and also come at an affordable price due to their bulk purchasing by regional councils around the UK. Council paving slabs are solid concrete and will provide you with a long-lasting paving surface, especially suited for high traffic and adverse weather conditions.

Imperial size 3 x 2 ft x 2 inches approximately 

Commercial paving is ideally suited to areas that are subject to heavy footfall. We supply products ranging from council paving slabs for pavements to Tactile paving to aid the visually impaired.

To work out how many slabs and aggregate you'll need to lay them on we recommend this handy calculator. 

Guide to Laying 3x2 Council Paving Slabs (71kg) 

Laying heavy 3x2 council paving slabs can be a rewarding project for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. These slabs, weighing around 71kg each, require careful planning, proper tools, and assistance due to their weight. This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure a professional finish while keeping safety in mind.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need:

• 3x2 Council Paving Slabs
• MOT Type 1 Sub-base
• Sharp sand and cement (for the mortar mix)
• Spirit level
• Rubber mallet
• Shovel, rake, and wheelbarrow
• Plate compactor (if available)
• Wooden pegs and string
• Trowel
• Pointing tool
• Lifting equipment (such as a slab lifter) or assistance from another person
• Hose or water sprayer

Step 1: Prepare the Area

1.1. Clear the Area:

• Remove all plants, grass, and debris from the area where the slabs will be laid.
• Measure and mark the boundaries using pegs and string, ensuring the area is slightly larger than the planned slab layout.

1.2. Dig Out the Base:

• Dig out the ground to a depth of 150–200 mm (6–8 inches). This allows enough space for both the sub-base and the mortar bed.
• Ensure that the area has a slight fall (slope) of around 1:80 away from buildings to aid water drainage.

Step 2: Lay the Sub-base

2.1. Spread MOT Type 1:

• Lay a 100–150 mm layer of MOT Type 1 sub-base in the dug-out area. This material improves drainage and provides a solid foundation for the paving slabs.
• Rake the sub-base to create an even surface, then use a plate compactor to compact it firmly. A solid, well-compacted base prevents your slabs from sinking over time.

Step 3: Mix the Mortar

3.1. Prepare the Mortar:

• Mix your mortar using a ratio of 3 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement. Add water gradually to achieve a semi-dry consistency. The mix should be wet enough to bind but not too sloppy.
• Use a wheelbarrow or mortar mixing tray to combine the materials evenly.

Step 4: Lay the First Slab

4.1. Apply the Mortar Bed:

• Spread a 30–40 mm thick layer of mortar over the compacted sub-base where you plan to lay the first slab. Ensure the bed is slightly higher than the final position of the slab.

4.2. Position the Slab:

• With the help of lifting equipment or a second person, carefully lower the first 3x2 slab onto the mortar bed. Aim to position it as close to the desired spot as possible.

4.3. Level the Slab:

• Gently tap the slab using a rubber mallet to embed it about 15 mm into the mortar. Use a spirit level to check the slab is flat, adjusting as needed to maintain the slight slope for drainage.

Step 5: Lay the Remaining Slabs

5.1. Leave Gaps:

• As you continue laying the slabs, leave a 10 mm gap between each one for expansion and to allow for pointing.
• To keep the spacing uniform, you can use spacers or a piece of timber cut to size.

5.2. Check for Level:

• After placing each slab, check it against the previous one using a spirit level. Make adjustments by adding or removing small amounts of mortar to ensure all slabs are level with one another and maintain the proper drainage slope.

Step 6: Let the Mortar Set

6.1. Spray the Slabs:

• After all the slabs are laid, lightly spray the entire patio with water to help the mortar set. Do not drench the area, just enough to moisten the mortar without causing puddles.

6.2. Let it Set:

• Leave the slabs undisturbed for at least 24 hours to allow the mortar to harden fully before proceeding to the next step.

Step 7: Fill the Joints

7.1. Pointing the Joints:

• After the slabs have set, use a mix of 4 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement to create a pointing mortar. The mix should be slightly wetter than the bedding mortar.
• Using a trowel and pointing tool, carefully fill the gaps between the slabs, pressing the mortar down firmly. Take care not to stain the surface of the slabs with mortar.

7.2. Finishing Touches:

• Use a pointing tool to smooth the joints, ensuring a neat finish. Let the pointing mortar dry for 24 hours before using the patio.

Safety Tips:

• Heavy lifting: Always lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid injury. Consider using lifting aids such as slab lifters or asking for help from others.
• Wear appropriate protective gear: Gloves, knee pads, and safety boots with steel toecaps will protect you during the project.
• Check weather conditions: Avoid working in freezing temperatures or wet conditions, as this can affect the setting of the mortar.

Final Thoughts:

Laying 3x2 council paving slabs can transform your outdoor space or walkway, creating a durable paved area. With careful preparation and proper technique, you can achieve a professional finish that will last for years. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional builder, following these steps ensures a strong, level surface ready for any weather.