This sandstone originating from Yorkshire has enduring popularity as a highly versatile and durable flooring material. Many professional and domestic customers use it for construction and restoration of landscape paving, patios and indoor floors. With this in mind, we put together this guide to laying Yorkstone so that you can reap the benefits of this hardwearing natural product.
There are many factors to take into account when laying reclaimed Yorkstone for outdoor paving. Here are the key steps for achieving the best results:
1. Consider the type of Yorkstone being used, as the slabs can vary in thickness. The 2 main types are…
▪ Riven Yorkstone: high quality natural paving stones with rough surfaces which vary in individual size. They come in a variety of colours for outdoor use.
▪ Sawn Yorkstone: high quality stone which is particularly strong and durable. Has a smooth, polished and well-shaped surface.
2. What thickness of slab are you looking for? If vehicles will be driving over them you should lay thicker Yorkstone at a minimum of 75mm (38-75mm if laid indoors). If there will be vehicle traffic, or if the vehicles are heavier than regular cars, choose a more compact sub base.
3. Before you begin arranging the position of your slabs, make sure you can lift the slabs safely or use equipment to help you. Yorkstone is very heavy!
4. Prepare the sub base (the area that the slabs will be laid onto). You must create a solid sub base by covering it with rubble or crushed stones, then impacting it down with a roller. This will prevent the heavy slabs from sinking. If vehicles will be travelling across the Yorkstone, consider using a concrete sub base of 75-100mm in depth.
5. Once the sub base is ready, cover it with bedding of mixed sand and dry concrete. We would advise a bedding thickness of 30-60mm, although you will have to lay the bedding as you work if the slabs vary in thickness.
6. Now to positioning your slabs.
Yorkstone can be hard to lay, especially if you use the riven type with its random slab sizes. Lay them out as you got along, numbering each slab so that no gaps are left on the bedding.
If the slabs are all one size, such as the sawn type, it will be a lot easier to lay an evenly paved area which would be more appropriate for indoor floors.
6. If there is heavy rain, the last thing you want is excess water causing damp areas up walls or in buildings. Laying Yorkstone flooring well can achieve this.
Once you have followed these simple steps with care, you should now be left with attractively finished Yorkstone paving, patio or landscape area that you can enjoy using for many years to come.
For further information call us on 01622 746 225 or fill out our contact form here.
Last updated: March 26, 2015 at 13:21 pm
