How to Lay Paving Slabs on Grass: A Step-by-Step Guide

Laying paving slabs on grass is an excellent way to create pathways, patios, or seating areas in your garden.

Whether you’re looking to create a decorative walkway or a solid surface for outdoor furniture, the process is relatively simple and can be done with just a few tools.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to lay paving slabs on grass, ensuring your project is successful and long-lasting.

Tools and Materials Needed:

Before you start, gather the necessary tools and materials:

Paving slabs
Measuring tape
Garden spade or shovel
Spirit level
Wooden stakes and string (optional)
Garden trowel
Sand or gravel
Weed membrane (optional)
Rubber mallet

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

The first step is to plan where you want to lay the paving slabs. Decide the area that will benefit from a paved surface. This could be a pathway across your lawn or a patio area.

Measure the space using a tape measure to ensure your slabs will fit well.
Mark the area by placing wooden stakes in the corners and tying string between them to define the borders.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground

It’s essential to prepare the ground properly for the paving slabs to ensure they sit level and securely.

Remove the grass: Use a garden spade to remove the top layer of grass and soil in the area where you plan to place your slabs. Dig about 4 to 5 inches deep to allow for the slab and the base material.
Level the ground: Once you’ve removed the grass, use a rake to level the ground as evenly as possible. Check the level with a spirit level to ensure it’s flat.

Step 3: Add a Base Layer

For a more durable surface, it’s recommended to lay a base layer of sand or gravel beneath the slabs. This helps with drainage and keeps the slabs from shifting over time.

Spread a layer of sand or gravel: Add about 2 inches of sand or gravel to the dug-out area. This helps improve drainage and gives the slabs a stable base.
Compact the base: Use a tamper or the flat side of a garden spade to compact the sand or gravel base. Make sure it’s as level as possible.

Step 4: Lay a Weed Membrane (Optional)

To prevent weeds from growing between the slabs, consider laying a weed membrane. This step is especially useful for pathways that will be exposed to sunlight, which encourages weed growth.

Place the membrane: Lay the weed membrane across the area, ensuring it covers the entire surface where the slabs will go. Trim the edges to fit.

Step 5: Position the Paving Slabs

Now it’s time to start laying the slabs. This step requires precision to ensure your paving is even and visually appealing.

Lay the first slab: Start by placing the first slab in the corner of the area you’ve prepared. Use a spirit level to ensure the slab is sitting flat and level. Adjust the sand base if needed by adding or removing sand beneath the slab.
Lay the remaining slabs: Continue placing the slabs one by one. Leave a small gap (about 10-15 mm) between each slab for drainage and expansion. Check each slab with a spirit level to make sure they are all even.

Step 6: Tap the Slabs into Place

Once all the slabs are in position, you need to ensure they are firmly in place.

Use a rubber mallet: Gently tap the surface of each slab with a rubber mallet to secure them into the sand or gravel base. This helps to bed the slabs down evenly.

Step 7: Fill the Gaps Between Slabs

To complete the project, you’ll want to fill the gaps between the paving slabs. This can be done with either sand, fine gravel, or soil if you want grass to grow between the slabs.

Brush sand or gravel into the gaps: Sweep sand or fine gravel into the gaps between the slabs. This locks them in place and gives a finished appearance. You can use a broom to ensure the material fills the gaps evenly.
For grass joints: If you want grass to grow between the slabs, fill the gaps with soil and seed grass into them.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

Once the slabs are laid and the gaps are filled, give the area a final check.

Check for level: Use the spirit level one last time to ensure that the entire surface is even. Make any necessary adjustments by adding or removing sand beneath any uneven slabs.
Clean the surface: Sweep away any excess sand, gravel, or soil from the surface of the slabs for a neat, clean finish.

Step 9: Allow Time for Settling

After installation, it’s important to allow time for the paving slabs to settle into the base material before using the area. Avoid placing heavy furniture or walking on the slabs for at least 24-48 hours.

Conclusion

Laying paving slabs on grass is a straightforward and cost-effective way to improve your outdoor space. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a durable and attractive paved area in your garden.

Whether you’re laying a simple path or a larger patio, proper preparation and attention to detail will ensure your paving slabs remain level and in place for years to come.