How to Paving Polygonal Tiles
If you want a natural stone that will break up your patio, you could install quartzite polygonal slabs, for example. The irregularly shaped and differently sized fragments look less severe than slabs with straight edges. Laying them is also a little different from the usual procedure.
What are polygonal tiles?
Polygonal slabs made of natural stones are floor coverings with irregular edges and various sizes, which are often used for garden paths and terraces. In addition to natural stone slabs, there are alternative polygonal slabs made of ceramic. Slabs made of natural stone offer you countless design and layout options for paths and surfaces, as well as a rustic and natural look. However, polygonal slabs are usually not passable by car.
Laying polygonal tiles is comparatively simple and convenient for the do-it-yourselfer. A decisive role is played by the correct preparation of the substrate. For example, make sure that no water can run under the tiles and freeze there after installation. This will damage the flooring over time. Therefore, to protect the polygonal tiles and the entire flooring, it is important to have a suitable foundation. The foundation can be concrete or a gravel bed. A sufficiently strong and well-compacted base layer is also crucial for the durability of the flooring. The base layer can consist of a 3.9 in thick reinforced concrete layer and sealing slurry or a 5.9 to 7.8 in thick gravel layer.
Laying polygonal tiles
When laying quartzite polygonal tiles, you should first of all extensively plan the preparation. This will save you time and nerves, which are especially important when the mortar is already mixed or even spread on the surface. With polygonal tiles, you should always think in advance about how they will be arranged. Because of the irregular shapes, it is like a kind of puzzle that must be put together. And this may take longer than the mortar remains wet. So layout the patio slabs “dry” once beforehand, making sure that the joints are no wider than 0.78 in. A beautiful overall appearance is obtained when polygonal slabs of different sizes are mixed. Copies with partially straight edges are particularly suitable for the edge of the area. Once you are satisfied with the arrangement, number the plates on the back by writing the numbers on a piece of tape. When you are finished, take a picture of the pattern so that you can clearly reconstruct it when laying.
The base for laying
Before laying the quartzite polygonal slabs, you should ensure the evenest substrate with a slope of about 2%, for example, with the help of underlayment. The surface on which the natural stone mortar will be applied should be cleaned beforehand. Once the subfloor is clean and dry, you can start laying. Mix the mortar and the cementitious slurry at the same time, because these two components must be applied wet to wet. First, spread the cementitious slurry over the substrate, and while it is still wet, pour the mortar over it. This should have a stiff consistency (not too liquid, otherwise the polygonal slabs will shift each other!) and be applied about 1.57 in thick. Smooth the surface of the mortar by placing two pieces of wood 1.57 in high at the edge of the area and running a squeegee board along the top edges.
The final steps
Now you can lay the polygonal plates, here you orientate yourself on your photo and the glued-on numbers. Place the plates on the mortar bed and tap them with a rubber mallet. Use a spirit level to check that the polygonal slabs are aligned at an even height. Once all the slabs are placed on the mortar, scrape it out of the joints with a trowel until they are about 0.78 in deep. Once the mortar has hardened, you can finally apply the grout. At the very end, when everything is dry, you can clean the surface with cement residue remover to remove excess material. It is also possible to impregnate the patio tiles. Ready is your self-installed polygonal slab patio!