What is polymer-sand paving slabs: how to make them yourself, laying technology

Paving slabs made of polymer-sand are an eye-catching and long-lasting choice for outdoor surfaces. These slabs combine polymer resins and sand to produce a robust material that is resistant to a range of environmental conditions. Polymer-sand slabs combine the best qualities of traditional paving materials with concrete, making them ideal for driveways, walkways, and patios.

Creating polymer-sand paving slabs at home is a fun and cost-effective project that lets you personalize the appearance of your outdoor area. Sand and polymer resin are combined, the mixture is poured into molds, and it is allowed to set. You can get results that are on par with professionals if you use the right techniques.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the entire process of creating your own polymer-sand paving slabs in this guide, from material preparation to slab installation. You’ll discover how to guarantee a favorable result and receive maintenance advice for your recently installed paving surfaces. This guide will assist you in getting started, whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or just want to update your outdoor spaces.

Composition and manufacturing technology

Paths, sidewalks, and spaces next to private or public buildings are organized using polymer paving slabs. Parking lots, blind areas, kid-friendly playgrounds, and many other things are set up with their assistance. The inclusion of polymer components in the composition enhances the material’s wear resistance, plasticity, density, and aesthetic appeal.

Slabs are made using inorganic dyes, crushed polymers, and fine-grained sand with a fraction of up to 3 mm. The sand is deep cleaned, dried, mixed with other additives, and processed with specialized machinery before being added to the composition.

For work, a press, extruder, or concrete mixer are utilized. The tile becomes dependable and moisture-resistant once it has successfully completed the pressing and heat treatment stages.

They don’t mind being in hostile environments with constant exposure to chemicals, oils, and gasoline, or temperatures as low as -70 °C. The completed block comes in a variety of hues and textures and weighs not too much. Dust is no longer an issue while the machine is operating.

Comparative characteristics of polymer-sand and concrete tiles

Sidewalks and other areas close to the house are laid out using concrete slabs and polymer structures. The first material stands out due to its low cost and simplicity of production.

However, concrete becomes dusty and deforms quickly. Polymer-based products are therefore more widely used. They have a long service life, good plasticity, and resistance to water. Also, the tiles satisfy all environmental requirements.

Concrete has a water absorption rate of 4-6.5%, while materials based on polymer raw materials have a rate no higher than 0.15%. Concrete has a 200–400 cycle frost resistance, whereas polymer–sand tiles have 500 cycles. Polymer structures have a bending strength of 25–35 MPa.

Hazardous substances may start to release from concrete surfaces when exposed to temperatures higher than + 45 °C. Polymer products must be melted by heating the material to +120°C in a specialized furnace.

Since sand and dyes make up the raw materials for the polymer material, they are safe for the environment. Heavy machinery and quarries are needed for concrete blocks.

Comparison of polymer-sand and cement-sand tiles
Properties Sand-polymer Concrete vibrocast Vibration-pressed concrete
Density kg/m3 1650-1800 2350-2400 2200-2400
Water absorption 0.15 4-4.5 5.5-6.5
Compressive strength, MPa 17-18 40-50 5.0-5.5
Frost resistance More than 500 cycles 300-400 200-300
Abrasion 0.05-0.1 0.3-0.4 0.5-0.7

Advantages

Paving stones made of sand-polymer offer many unique qualities and benefits. They include being adaptable to different construction tasks and having a universal purpose.

  1. Long service life. According to the manufacturers, the tile can serve its owner for at least 30 years.
  2. Ability to absorb water and withstand frost. The degree of water absorption is 0.03, which prevents deformation processes during temperature changes.
  3. Strength and plasticity. The material is not subject to cracks and chips, so the amount of waste during installation, delivery to the construction site and operation is reduced. Due to its high resistance to wear, the product is difficult to separate into two parts.
  4. The tile is lightweight, so it is easy to transport and lay. It can also be used for installation on the roof or in the interfloor ceiling.
  5. The thermal conductivity indicators are minimal, so ice or snow does not accumulate on the surface.
  6. No sliding materials are used in the production of tiles.
  7. Polymer-sand structures are resistant to acids and oils. The polymer is protected from the formation of fungi, mold or alkaline environments.
  8. Technological efficiency. Technologies for laying polymer sand paving slabs allow using different methods. When doing the work yourself, hand tools are used, experienced specialists have professional equipment. With its help, the installation of tiles is simplified.
  9. Compliance with environmental standards. Unlike asphalt, which releases carcinogens under the influence of high temperatures, tiles do not have the problem of harmful fumes. The only thing is that it can only create cement dust. Even if the temperature outside is quite high, the paving stones are not overheated and do not soften, but retain their original properties. As a result, they are completely safe for plants, seedlings and human health.
  10. Excellent maintainability. In case of damage to 1 element, it can be quickly dismantled and replaced with another.
  11. Attractive design and a wide range of textures and shades. The color of the paving stones does not change during use. At the same time, many shapes and geometries are available for sale, allowing you to organize any options for paths and areas.

Application area

Installing polymer-sand tiles is highly popular because of its many advantages.

  1. Household plots – elegant garden paths, areas and gazebos are created on the basis of paving stones.
  2. Landscape design – decorative tiles skillfully "fit" into the design of the site and are combined with plants.
  3. Road surfaces at gas stations or service stations.
  4. Shopping halls.
  5. Areas on summer terraces.

You can use tiles for roofing because they can be purchased in tile form. There are also facing products for finishing work on the market.

Preparation of the concrete base

The concrete base must be properly prepared before you can manually lay composite tiles made of polymer materials.

  1. Marks. Define the boundaries along the edges of the site or sidewalk that will correspond to the dimensions of the future paving. Between the pegs driven into the ground, you need to stretch a thread or twine.
  2. Deepening in the soil. The fertile soil layer must be removed to a depth of 20-25 cm, and then compacted using a special construction device and water. Proceeding to the next stage, you need to make sure that the soil is dry.
  3. Formwork. Its presence will prevent the tiles from shifting or bending. To increase the stability of the material, you should pour a 5 cm thick crushed stone layer.
  4. Crushed stone (15-20 cm). A waterproofing film is laid in the middle of the layer, which will prevent water from seeping from the ground to the top.
  5. Sand layer. It is used to fill voids and compact substrates. If the area is large enough, it is better to use special equipment for rolling or vibrocompression.
  6. Reinforcement. Metal rods or mesh are used as it. The presence of reinforcement is a prerequisite for car or driveway paths, as well as areas with large areas. When using individual rods, be sure to tie them together with wire. The finished mesh is firmly fixed to the side rods.
  7. Cement solution. Cement, crushed stone and sand are combined in proportions of 1:2:3, and then diluted with water to form a homogeneous consistency. After careful leveling, the surface is left to dry for 2-3 days and covered with a film.

Paving slabs with polymer-sand are a strong and adaptable choice for designing fashionable outdoor surfaces. This post will walk you through the steps involved in creating these slabs and offer detailed instructions on how to lay them properly. Your paving project can have a polished appearance if you know what materials to use and how to use them.

Preparation of crushed stone and sand base

The only differences in Moscow’s polymer-sand composite tile laying technology are the kind of top layer and the lack of an adhesive foundation between the cushion and the paving stones. The tiles are laid on crushed stone or sand. Crushed stone is poured first and then cement-sand grout is applied if the first technology is applied. In the second instance, water is dripping onto a layer of sand.

What is Polymer-Sand Paving Slabs? Polymer-sand paving slabs are a type of paving material made by mixing sand with polymer resins. This combination makes the slabs strong, durable, and resistant to weather conditions.
How to Make Polymer-Sand Paving Slabs Yourself To make them yourself, mix sand with polymer resin according to the manufacturer"s instructions. Pour the mixture into molds and let it cure for the recommended time. After curing, remove the slabs from the molds and they are ready for use.
Laying Technology Begin by preparing the ground where the slabs will be laid, ensuring it"s level and compact. Lay a base layer of gravel or sand for stability. Position the slabs, leaving small gaps between them for jointing material. Finally, fill the gaps with jointing sand or another suitable material and compact everything to ensure a stable and even surface.

Paving slabs made of polymer-sand provide a useful and long-lasting solution for a range of paving requirements. Sand and polymer are combined to make slabs that are durable, weatherproof, and wear-resistant. Customizing the shape and color of these slabs to perfectly fit your space can be a satisfying project when you make them yourself.

The proper ratios of polymer and sand are mixed, and the mixture is then compressed into molds. As a result, a robust, long-lasting paving material that is both decorative and practical is produced. By using the right laying techniques, you can make sure that your slabs will look fantastic and stay stable for many years to come.

Polymer-sand slabs are an affordable and fashionable option for paving a patio, walkway, or driveway. You can get results that are comparable to those of a professional right at home with a little work and attention to detail.

Video on the topic

My POLYMER SAND TILES 4.5 years later. Draw your own conclusions.

Do-it-yourself paving slabs. TWO TIMES CHEAPER than purchased.

Do-it-yourself paving slabs – economical and practical

BASE FOR PAVEMENT TILES. BEST TECHNOLOGY. FILLING THE PLATE.

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Andrey Ivanov

Experienced civil engineer with more than 20 years of experience. Specializing in the construction of industrial and civil facilities. Author of many publications in professional journals.

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