Laying on Gravel - Warren Keys Isle of Man

Dry laying on gravel is a practical, versatile solution that provides a contemporary effect, bringing added style to patios, paths, pedestrian walkways and courtyards and relaxation areas in general.
The key benefits are:

Fast installation
Easy removal and repositioning
Cost savings, as no skilled labour is required
Effective rainwater drainage through the open joints
Creation of seamless surfaces, since expansion joints are not required.

Preparing the substrate

Laying on gravel allows the creation of a paving without a concrete substrate.
Insert a containing kerb around the edges of the area to be paved, with edges tall and strong enough to ensure effective retention.
Remove the surface of the ground: the depth of soil to be removed will depend on the type of terrain (loose or firm), but will be more or less from 10 to 20 cm.
Level the bottom of the dug-out area as accurately as possible with a rake, a rule and a spirit level.
Flatten and compact the ground for a more compact paving.
Lay a sheet of non-woven fabric on the bottom to prevent plant growth.
Add a layer of about 10 cm of gravel with mixed particle size (16-35 mm) for better rainwater drainage.
Compact the substrate firmly. It should have a slope of at least 2% to ensure good drainage.

Laying surface

For laying on gravel, create a bed of at 10 cm of gravel with particle size 4-8 mm and level it carefully. The laying surface must be kept level throughout the process.

Laying the slabs

When laying pavings, stand on the surface just laid to lay the next slabs, and so on as the job progresses.
The alignment of the joints should be checked carefully every 5 m of progress.
The paving must be compacted with a tamper and a (white) rubber hammer to ensure its flatness.

Joints

Gaps of at least 4 mm should be left between slabs, using spacers to set the correct width. Joints may be left empty or filled with fine sand, which may also contain cement for a firmer set.