In the design of garden and park areas, flagstone is often used. This natural stone used for paving paths, platforms and other pedestrian and carriageways. What it is and how to use it is described in detail later in the text.

Advantages and disadvantages of the limestone track

• The use of this environmentally friendly natural building material has several advantages:
• a large assortment of materials that differ in the type of breed, colors, texture and other indicators;
• lack of harmful components;
• good resistance to external factors and durability;
• the ability of most breeds to support the weight of vehicles;
• affordable process of laying and processing stones;
• simplicity in further care.

• But there are some disadvantages to coatings from limestone:
• higher price of material and cost of work;
• the need for preparatory work, such as, for example, removing the topsoil;
• use of additional equipment (transportation of heavy plates, etc.);
• longer installation process (shrinkage of heavy plates).

But, despite all the shortcomings, flagstone seems to be more advantageous in comparison with other materials. To ensure comfort in the garden and save money by choosing not too expensive stone. It is necessary to focus on compliance with technical requirements (durability and durability), as well as on simpler laying technologies.

Did you know? Mineral crystals of the same name are similar to pomegranate seeds. The number of faces can reach 72. Paper, powder for grinding the skin, and even mirrored glasses are made from this mineral.

Types of Limestone

Limestone is mined by cleaving formation deposits of various species. The result is plates with even or chipped edges. Depending on the breed, the material may differ in color, thickness, density and other factors. Based on these indicators, a stone is selected for specific work.

The most popular in the design of garden paths are plates of the following sedimentary rocks:

• sandstone - the cheapest material. The thickness of the plates varies from 1 to 4 cm. The color scheme is different: gray-green, sand-yellow, dark gray, brown, etc. Resistant to external factors;
• granite flagstone - a leader in durability, toughness and density. Thickness starts from 8 cm and more. This stone is frost-resistant, resistant to pollution and water absorption, which makes it ideal for paths. The color is most often gray-cream with black spots;
• slate plates they are 1.2–5 cm thick. Somewhat less durable than granite. They are distinguished by a thin-layered structure and the ability to separate into thin layers. Thanks to the layering, the slate has an unusual texture and patterns. Its demand in design is explained by a wide variety of color shades (light yellow, gray, brown, etc.), as well as ease of processing.

Less commonly used dolomite or limestone.

When processing the material can acquire a different texture:

• smooth polished (with a mirror shine);
• with a rough surface (relief height up to 0.5 mm);
• with traces of abrasive uneven effects (roughness up to 2 mm);
• with uniform irregularities (up to 5 mm) with bouchard trim.

Did you know? Grains of quartz are found everywhere: in granite, in sand, on roads and even in house dust. This mineral has more than 200 varieties.

Necessary tools and materials

When laying stone flagstone you can not do without a number of tools:

• stakes, thread (cord), level for marking;
• tape measure (about 5 m in length);
• shovels (shovel and bayonet);
• trowel with a metal rule;
• Bulgarian;
• capacity for construction compounds;
• hammer, wire brush and mallet;
• tamper tool or vibratory rammer (on large areas);
• concrete mixer (for large volumes of work).

1 - rubber mallet; 2 - brush; 3 - level; 4 - trowel; 5 - manual tamper; 6 - a chopping cord; 7 - sand; 8 - crushed stone; 9 - ram rammer.

When buying limestone, you should pay attention to some requirements:

• material extracted from nearby territories will be more suitable in terms of frost resistance than imported from distant deposits, so it is advisable to be interested in the location of the extraction site;
• color is also important. The lighter the tile, the softer it is. Limestone with the greenish tint is the most durable, and light yellow is the softest;
• a tile thickness of about 1.5 cm is sufficient for laying walkways, and at least 4 cm for traffic;
• if possible, plates of the same thickness should be selected (since even in one batch it can differ);
• a flat edge is preferable, but if necessary, it can be corrected by a grinder. However, in this case, the amount of waste should be within acceptable limits.

In addition to limestone, in accordance with the laying method, the following materials are required:

• sand;
• crushed stone;
• cement;
• borders (if necessary).

If there is a shortage of any tool, you can rent it, which will help to save.

Drawing and layout

Before starting construction work on the site, you need to draw up a project. When creating a drawing, the location of the main buildings, lawn, garden and other design details should be taken into account. You can place tracks along trodden paths. To simplify the work, you can hire specialists, but then the construction will cost more.

When drawing up a drawing yourself, it is advisable to take into account certain points:

• you need to draw a plan of the site with all the buildings;
• in order to save, it is advisable to pave the tracks in the shortest possible way;
• should not save on width. It should be sufficient for 2 people to pass at the same time (1–1.2 m). But it is also irrational to do broader. The size of the sites is chosen arbitrarily, based on the wishes and capabilities of the owners;
• to give greater decorativeness, you can experiment with the shape of the paths, but you should consider the main directions of movement of households in the area.

After drawing up the drawing, it is time to start marking, for which you need stakes, rope (or twine), tape measure and a hammer.

When laying the paths of paths, several nuances are important:

• it is not advisable to score stakes with large gaps. If the tension of the rope is weak, reduce the distance;
• a compass of 2 stakes and a rope will help in marking smooth turns (1 stake is hammered into the center of the circle, and the second draws an even arc);
• on landscape changes it’s easier to take a step. This technique will look aesthetically pleasing, and will help to better lay down the flagstone;
• too smooth paths with right angles conceal the space.

Construction stages

A further step-by-step process for mounting tracks is as follows:

1. Digging a trench.
2. Installation of borders (if necessary).
3. Fill the base.
4. Laying plates.

Digging trenches

At the end of the marking, you need to remove the top layer of soil between the ropes. The depth of the trench can fluctuate, but its average value is about 30 cm. To some extent, the soil properties affect the depth. The stronger and harder the soil, the lower the rate, and vice versa. For loose soils, the depth can be in the range of 0.5–0.6 m.

Important! If there is no concrete or cement base, then to avoid the growth of grass between the plates, the bottom of the pit can be covered with geotextiles.

This is necessary for styling:

• crushed stone drainage layer;
• sand pillows;
• cement or concrete base;
• directly limestone.

Installation of borders and pouring the base

It is advisable to fill the bottom of the prepared trench with a layer of drainage from crushed stone up to 10 cm. After carefully tamping, sprinkle about 5 cm of sand on top and also compact well. A similar layer will act to protect against flooding by melt and groundwater. Next, cement-sand mixture is poured, crushed stone or concrete mixture is poured. To make the track last a long time and have a more decorative look, it can be fenced with borders.

As a fence for pedestrian coatings, various materials can act:

• of brick you can make a major border. To do this, first dig a ditch (you can prepare a common foundation pit for both the curb and the track). After laying a layer of crushed stone and sand, lay the bricks on the cement mortar. To strengthen the structure, reinforcement can be placed under the bricks;
• profile or metal corner perform the functions of a border, remaining almost invisible;
• plastic borders, border tape or a special plastic profile are not able to bear a very large mechanical load, but they do an excellent job with the decorative function;
• concrete fences are the most popular. For their installation, a groove and backfill of crushed stone and sand are also necessary. Borders are placed on a cement mortar. You can purchase ready-made fences, pour them yourself into the formwork or make separately in forms and then lay them in trenches.

Laying limestone on a prepared foundation, depending on the type

Limestone can be mounted on various bases: sand cushion, concrete mix, crushed stone, and other options.

On a sand pillow

The simplest and cheapest method for founding is using sand. However, this method is practiced mainly for pedestrian walkways. It is unsuitable for heavy loads (driving cars, etc.). For such masonry, limestone is used, 5-8 cm thick and large.

1 - compacted soil; 2 - geotextile; 3 - gravel 10-15 cm; 4 - sand cushion 5-10 cm; 5 - natural stone 4-6 cm; 6 - a border of stone or concrete

The process of creating such a path consists of several stages:

1. Dig a trench a little deeper than the thickness of the tile (about 10 cm).
2. Fill the pit with a sand layer of several centimeters.
3. For greater density, you need to moisten the sand (it is better to fall asleep in 2 sets, tamping well).
4. Lay the flag with small gaps (they are needed for joints).
5. Fill the gaps between the stones with sand (if you use the earth, you can sow grass in it).

A sand base is not entirely practical, therefore, it is recommended to use a dry sand-cement mixture, which after a certain time will become a monolith under the influence of moisture.

On concrete

In flooded areas, as well as in bulk territories, the most practical base is concrete. The base of other materials serves several years, after which the stones begin to sink into the soil, and the tracks have to be redone. Concrete pouring is also able to withstand heavy loads and is used on any type of soil. The only drawback is the complexity of the process.

The technology for laying such a foundation is as follows:

1. Dig a pit with a depth of at least 40 cm.
2. Strengthen edges with formwork.
3. Pour a gravel or crushed stone layer at least 10 cm thick.
4. Unfold the reinforcing mesh.
5. Pour concrete with a layer of 25-30 cm. Align it and leave to dry.
6. To prevent cracking, the top should be periodically watered.
7. After the concrete has completely dried, the formwork is removed.
8. For masonry tiles, you can use special mounting glue.

On crushed stone

The base of crushed stone (or gravel) is well exploited on clay soils. A dark flagstone about 3 cm thick or light material with a thickness of at least 4-5 cm is laid on it.

Important! When laying natural flagstone on a sand or gravel base, the allowable thickness of the material should be about 5–8 cm, and thinner tiles can be laid on concrete screed (on footpaths — about 2–4 cm, and on access roads — not less than 3 cm).

The installation process consists of several methods:

1. Dig a trench about 25–35 cm (depth excluding tile thickness - 20–30 cm).
2. Fill a layer of sand and a layer of crushed stone or gravel of equal thickness.
3. Pour over water and pack thoroughly.
4. Lay the tile on the cement mortar, dividing it with seams of 2-4 cm.
5. After the hardening of the material, fill the seams with sand, fine gravel or earth.

Surface cleaning and leveling

At the end of the installation of the tracks, it is necessary to give them a more decorative look. To do this, they need to be cleaned of dirt and debris. Work is performed using a metal brush. For large volumes of work, a drill with appropriate nozzles is used. After this treatment, the coating becomes more saturated in color.

Track processing after laying

In order to extend the service life, in addition to cleaning, limestone can be treated with various compounds. Appropriate hydrophobic mixtures form a protective coating and protect against mold.

The following preparations are used for further care of limestone:

• cleaning agents are used to clean up the tracks after installation;
• water repellents - substances that increase frost and moisture resistance;
• antifungal agents are intended to protect the material from mold;
• decorative compositions improve the appearance of the tile, prevent color loss.

To give a cottage or a personal plot of a well-groomed appearance will require a lot of time and effort. The use of limestone in the design of tracks will give an individual style to any territory, create comfort and safety in movement.