How to build a crazy paving path?

[Khush_Sappal]

Hello my friends, 

Please help me through the process for DIY style. 
It’s gonna be my first project ever and really looking forward to it. 

I’m planning to do the Crazy paving at the back and sides of my house. I kind of know the process because i have seen people doing it and have also gone through many videos. I would really like to get help from the workshop community to guide me through this. 

Firstly i was planning to do get the concrete done over here but now i have changed the plan and do the crazy paving by myself as it looks bit more aesthetic to me. 

I have uploaded the pics of the area and also another picture which inspired me for it. If anyone knows, could you please tell me what kind of pavers and fillers have they used.

The length of the house at back is 14 meters, sides are 13m and 6m. I would also like to calculate the cost for the same, would you be able to help me in that too. 

Thanks a lot in advance 

cheers

 

  

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Khush_Sappal,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community!

I’m really excited you’ve decided to tackle crazy paving around your home, it’s an rewarding project that will add character and durability to your outdoor space. 

One of our fantastic members, Kirsty (@EleventhCoastal), completed her Crazy paving front porch late last year and has been working on another crazy paving project in the last few months. I'm sure she will be happy to share some insights and advice if you have specific questions for her. 

To begin, take some time to sketch out the exact areas you want to cover. You’ve mentioned the lengths at the back (14 m) and along the sides (13 m and 6 m), so figure out how far out from the walls you’d like the paving to extend. Even a one-metre width gives you roughly 33 m² of coverage. Having this sketch on hand will help when you start planning out your materials.

Next, let’s talk materials. Your inspiration image looks like bluestone, similar to these Tuscan Path 800 x 400 x 20mm Bluestone Pavers. As these pavers are a fairly large size, you can break them up and customise them a fair bit. You can break them up with a rubber mallet to create those crazy shapes that are so desirable. 

Underneath those, you’ll want a stable, well-draining base. I’d recommend starting with about 100 mm of compacted road base. Check out How To Lay a Base For Pavers for some guidance. 

Once your base is compacted and level, begin “dry laying” the bluestone pieces like a jigsaw puzzle. This helps you visualise the final pattern and decide where larger or smaller stones should go. When you’re happy with the layout, lift each piece and apply mortar to the location on the ground and tap it into place with your rubber mallet. Keep a spirit level handy so every stone sits flat, and make sure the overall surface falls slightly away from the house for water runoff.

After the mortar has cured, which usually takes around 24 hours, you’re ready to grout. I'd suggest using a wide joint grout such as this Dunlop Mid Grey Wide Joint Grout. You can also mix it with Davco 4 In 1 Grout Additive to add some flexibility and strength to your grout. Mix it into a thick paste and trowel it into the gaps, pushing firmly so there are no voids underneath. Let the grout firm up for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess with a damp sponge, rinsing frequently to avoid haze on the stone faces. Give everything a final rinse a day later once the grout is fully set.

Feel free to post your photos once you’re at the base-preparation stage or when you’re laying stones, and the community can jump in with on-the-spot tips.

You might like to check out 20 paving ideas for outdoor entertaining areas for some further inspiration.

Also, allow me to tag @Nailbag, @ProjectPete and @jesseydiamond to see if they have any tips or insight they can offer.

Jacob

[Jason]

Hi @Khush_Sappal,

Let me also extend a very warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community.

Just thought I'd add that we have a step-by-step guide that you should find helpful - How to lay crazy paving

Jason

[Khush_Sappal]

Thanks a lot for your reply @JacobZ .

Your response was really helpful. 

I have gone through all the projects you have mentioned. All those projects are very knowledgeable and informative. I wanna mention that this workshop approach of Bunnings is really helpful for people like me and motivates people for DIYs.

I have just measured the lengths so far and still deciding on the width of the paving at the back because i’m also planning to do the decking later at some stage. Still trying to finalise the plan about the size and how area to cover with that. Feel free to throw some suggestions for that too if you have something in mind. 

I have few more questions regarding this project if you would be able to answer them.

1. Do i need to add some paving sand or some other sort of sand over the compacted road base? How necessary is this? 
2. Do the grouts come in different variants and colours or is it just standard?

3. Does the grout stick to the pavers as well during the process! Just asking this so i know should i just fill the grout in the gaps or should i pour it on the pavers and spread it over everywhere so i goes in the gaps. Would i be able to clean the excess grout from the pavers easily or not!

cheers

[Khush_Sappal]

Thanks @Jason 

I’m happy to be a part of this helpful community. you guys are doing a great job at it.

cheers

[EricL]

Hello @Khush_Sappal 

I propose using crusher dust to fill in any gaps in the gravel and to help level the surface. I recommend not having the crusher dust too thickly applied so that the mortar used will anchor properly to the gravel surface. The wide joint grout only comes in a mid-grey colour. The best practice would be to clean as you grout, in this manner the grout will not dry off on the surface of the paver and you won't have a difficult time removing it. 

The grout is usually mixed to a soft paste like consistency that is pushed into the gap with a trowel. If it is mixed with too much water it will not solidify properly and will not reach its intended strength. My best advice is to have two buckets of water so that you can quickly clean the sponge as you clean the surface of the paver.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Khush_Sappal]

Thanks @EricL 

 thanks for your knowledge and help.

I think i have an idea now how to do this project. I’ll soonish plan this project and will share the final pics with you guys. 

cheers

[EricL]

HI @Khush_Sappal 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the start of your crazy paving path.

Eric

[Khush_Sappal]

@EricL 

yes sure. 
honestly i’m trying to find some cheaper pavers atm. Since the covered area is big and my budget is low, i’m researching a bit where i could buy cheaper and durable at the same time. 
i’ll definitely post pictures. 

Thanks