(17
ratings, average: 4,12
out of 5)
Paving slabs are an element of decorative design of residential areas. Recently, it has become a real calling card of the adjacent territories.
Paving slabs, just like paving stones, differ relatively low cost, and if the hard road surface is made by hand, then the total cost of consumables is significantly reduced. How to make paving slabs at home? Before proceeding with the manufacture of paving slabs at home, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the theoretical aspect of the issue.
Production of paving slabs at home: manufacturing principles
In industrial conditions, the production process of paving slabs is put on stream. In a short time, huge batches of tiles and paving stones leave the factory. In the manufacture of paving slabs at home production principles somewhat change. The basic technological algorithm remains unchanged, only the volume of the produced material and its type are adjusted. High-quality work will allow you to achieve paving slabs, which will not be inferior to the factory model.
Manufacturing technology do-it-yourself paving slabs is based on two directions: vibrocasting method and vibrocompression method. Both can be used at home, with special equipment. Separate devices can be built with your own hands.
Undried tile material contains a small amount of liquid. The raw concrete mass in both production methods is affected by a vibration wave to eliminate accumulated air bubbles. During vibrocasting, the solution acquires a more liquid consistency, so it is fed into flexible forms. There it is kept until the initial drying. The second method, as its name suggests, is to apply pressure to form tile segments in a matrix. For this, a special vibration platform is used. After such mechanical influences, the workpieces are removed and put to dry.
Necessary equipment and materials
Since the tiles are made of concrete, the first step is to take care of purchasing concrete mixer. It is better if it is a forced action concrete mixer, functioning like a mixer. You can not do without a vibrating table, molds for casting and lubrication, concrete mix, metal rods for reinforcement, racks for drying finished products.
For drying in one layer under a canopy, a large area of free space is required. It is impossible for the completed forms to be stacked on top of each other. Products are placed on shelves so that there is a clearance of at least 20 cm between them.
In building hypermarkets, you can purchase casting molds of any size and various configurations. There are forms from:
- rubber (the most durable);
- plastics;
- polyurethane.
The range is very wide, the manufacturer makes them on an individual order, whether forms with drawings, textured surface or molds for glossy paving slabs.
Lubrication is needed to produce a trouble-free stripping of blanks after the concrete has hardened. It is purchased ready-made or made by hand. Protozoa lubricant recipe: 100 g of mineral oil are mixed with three liters of water until an emulsion is formed.
The main thing: it is necessary to achieve the required level of fat content, otherwise the lubricant can give the finished tiles an unpresentable appearance.
How to prepare a mortar for paving slabs?
Making mortar for hard pavement - key moment the entire technological process. The solution consists of:
- hard crushed stone of non-metallic rock 2-10 mm or granite screenings or gravel;
- cleaned washed sand;
- Portland cement;
- concrete plasticizer;
- dry dyes;
- water.
The composition of the mortar for paving slabs varies depending on what properties of the finished product are of interest to the consumer.
There is nothing complicated in preparing a mixture for paving slabs or paving stones, but careful preparation of the components and methodical observance of all stages are required. The amount of each ingredient is easily calculated when the required proportions of the volume of substances are known.
First of all, prepare additional components- plasticizer and concrete dye. The latter is used for the production of colored paving slabs. In the manufacture of products of the usual gray color, the need for it disappears.
The plasticizer, as a rule, makes up no more than a percentage of the total amount of all parts of the mixture. To knead 80 liters of concrete, you need 400 g of plasticizer. It should be noted that it is not added in dry form. In small portions, 400 g of plasticizer are poured into 2 liters of water heated to 70 degrees.
The dye accounts for approximately 2% of all components of the polymer mixture. Approximately 700 g of the dye is added to water (2.5 l), heated to 50 degrees, and mixed thoroughly.
The inner walls of the concrete mixer must be moistened. For this purpose, the device is rinsed from the inside, then the water is drained. The ratio of the cement mixture to the liquid determines how strong the concrete product will be.
To get high-quality paving slabs, the concrete to be mixed must be half wet. This effect is achieved by adding 25% less water than cement. A good example: for six buckets of cement (this includes plasticizer and dye), four buckets of water are needed.
Water is first poured into the concrete mixer, after which a portion of cement is added. As a result mixing a homogeneous emulsion should be obtained. After adding screenings to the resulting emulsion, a solution is obtained that must be thoroughly mixed. Next, pour in the pre-diluted plasticizer and dye. The polymer composition is kneaded until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
You can make a mixture for paving slabs using manual mixing, but this method requires good physical preparation and additional time.
Forms for the manufacture of paving slabs
An important role in the manufacture of paving slabs is played by molds for the production of such a building product. The most common among them are plastic, rubber, polyurethane. Each type has its own characteristics and technical characteristics. So, molds made of rubber withstand about five hundred production cycles. Rubber molds do not steam, they do not need any additional equipment.
Often, when paving paths, they use paving stones, which has a relief surface. In such cases, it is advisable to use polyurethane molds. The mortar in them quickly seizes, and the finished elements are easily removed. Polyurethane synthetic fibers, being high-strength, practically do not allow the appearance of defective products. Forms made from this modern construction material can withstand about a hundred cycles without any complaints. How to make molds for tiles with your own hands?
Instructions for making a mold for paving slabs with your own hands:
- To make plastic molds, a special frame is prepared. The internal dimensions of the wooden frame must match the dimensions of the tiles. Plastic is melted and poured into the structure. After the plastic hardens (approximately 40–60 minutes), the finished mold is removed. The uneven edges of the resulting product are processed using sandpaper.
- If pouring silicone is used to make molds, then a pre-prepared container matrix is required. It can be made from any durable material. The seams are covered with a sealant. Screws are used to fasten the walls of the container. The frame is cleaned and degreased. Silicone ingredients are mixed in the right ratio: base, hardener, catalyst. Sculptural plasticine is placed in a thick layer in the matrix. A model is placed on top of the plastic material, which is used to take an impression. Before that, it is lubricated with sunflower oil. Next, pour in a thin stream of silicone. After 24 hours, the materials will harden, and the finished forms are taken out of the container. Small defects and irregularities are removed with scissors.
- You can make a wooden form without a bottom using bars. From prepared wooden planks fastened with metal corners, you can get a rectangular, square or hexagonal molding structure.
Why do you need a vibrating table?
The procedure for the manufacture of paving slabs involves the use of an equipped vibrating table. Beginners in this business are strongly advised to use vibrating table, since it is unlikely that without its use it is possible to obtain high-quality paving slabs or paving stones. This is due to the fact that even the most plastic material is not able to tightly fill the mold without the formation of air voids.
Not everyone can afford expensive equipment, so you can make a vibrating table yourself. You will need an unnecessary electric motor in working order and two thick plywood sheets. The engine is attached to these sheets of plywood from two opposite sides. A metal disk is fixed to the rotating shaft of the engine, which, when the mechanism is turned on, creates vibration. A homemade design is placed on tires from a car.
Forms filled with cement composition are laid out on a vibrating table, which is turned on for 15-20 seconds. This time is enough for the solution to thicken and air cavities disappear from it. Elimination of air space and compaction of the mixture significantly improves strength future paving slabs. A finished paving element that has not been compacted by vibration exposure will soon collapse. Such a tile is used only as a temporary track. This fact must be taken into account when it comes to the question of how to make a tiled road surface so that it lasts for many years.
How to properly reinforce paving slabs?
The increase in the strength of the pavement contributes to reinforcement of tiles metal elements. Both building reinforcing mesh, hot-rolled wire, and pieces of conventional reinforcement are used. Metal pieces are covered with unpainted cement mortar, tamped and smoothed the surface.
With the described technology for the production of paving slabs, the front side is placed at the bottom of the mold. This circumstance creates difficulties: it is impossible to follow the pattern, color and condition of the front side.
To be able to control everything, it is necessary to lay the cement mixture and reinforcement in the reverse order. This will allow you to qualitatively apply a pattern to the tile, deepening each blank to the desired level.
Perform if desired blank ironing. Thanks to this procedure, the product acquires special strength, and its surface becomes more even and smooth. Dry cement is poured onto the damp surface and smoothed with a spatula. Also, a small amount of cement can be rubbed with a brush.
Drying and stripping
Forms with a solution are placed on racks for further drying. It lasts approximately 2-4 days. The place for drying products is chosen so that direct sunlight does not fall there, it should be good ventilation. To reduce the rate of evaporation of moisture from the cement composition, the molds are covered with a film of polyethylene.
If the forms were made with their own hands from wooden planks, then the mount is removed at some joint, after which the frame is moved apart and the tile is removed. The tile is laid in one layer and dried for ten days in a ventilated area in order to become more durable.
To release the tile from the polyurethane mold, it is dipped into a bath of water heated to 70 degrees. The polymer will soften, and the tile can be easily removed from the mold. The product is dried in a cool place. In ten days the paving elements are ready for operation.
Paving slabs are an aesthetic material that is resistant to various external factors. However, its cost is also significant, so many owners of country houses are thinking about how to make paving slabs with their own hands.
We make paving slabs with our own hands
A step-by-step instruction will help in the manufacture of paving slabs with your hands.
. We purchase the necessary materials
To make paving slabs with your own hands, you need cement and sand. Additional components are dyes and superplasticizer. The latter is needed to increase the strength characteristics of products and their resistance to frost.
paving slabs with hands step by step instructions. A photo
. We select equipment
Of the equipment for the production of paving slabs with their own hands, a vibrating table and molds are required. vibrating table- a special device that creates small vibrations. Due to this, the mixture is compacted and the tile acquires the necessary strength. Buying such a device for home use is not profitable. If there are no rental options, then you can use improvised options. For example, the old washing machine, which remains in working condition if it vibrates strongly enough in any mode.
The next required equipment is forms. Further there will be information on how to make molds for paving slabs with your own hands, but in some cases it is more convenient to use ready-made ones.
how to make paving slabs with your own hands. A photo
Ready-made molds are rubber, plastic and polyurethane. Most durable rubber. They withstand five hundred castings. Least durable polyurethane. They are able to survive only a hundred castings. in the middle plastic- two hundred and fifty castings. Rubber and plastic molds are more expensive than polyurethane molds.
. Production technology
Preparing to fill out the forms mixture. The number of components will be as follows. For five kilograms of cement, twice as much pure fine sand and thirty grams are taken superplasticizer. Dye is added as desired.
paving slabs with their own hands at home. A photo
All components are thoroughly mixed first in a dry form. Then water is added, which is poured in small portions. The result should be a homogeneous and fairly viscous mixture. Water should not be too much. From a liquid solution, insufficiently strong products are obtained.
In addition to the main components, fine gravel or screenings can be added to the solution. It will make the paving stones more durable and give it a natural appearance. In this case, the ratio of components changes slightly. Thirty grams of superplasticizer and two parts of cement, sand and gravel are taken.
Before pouring the solution, the mold is lubricated with a special emulsion. There are many kinds of them. However, you can use a simpler option - dishwashing detergent. This liquid is applied with a brush to the entire inner surface of the mold.
production of paving slabs with their own hands. A photo
After processing all forms, it is poured into them solution. To do this, the containers are filled halfway and placed on vibrating table or a device that replaces it. Vibration is turned on and then the forms are filled to the brim.
After some time, the forms are transferred to the room and covered film so that the concrete does not dry out too quickly. After about two days, do-it-yourself paving slabs are removed from the mold.
For quick extraction, the mold with the tile is lowered into hot water (80 degrees). The shape expands and the tile is easy to reach.
The finished tile is placed on a pallet or a pallet of boards and covered with a film. Better the first ten days of her withstand in the utility room, i.e. under the roof. After that, she is taken out into the street and left for another month so that she gains strength.
Paving slabs with river pebbles
There are many options for paving slabs. Additional components are often added to the main solution, for example, river pebbles or other stones. Consider how to make paving slabs with your hands in step-by-step instructions.
The manufacture of paving slabs with their own hands begins with preparation solution. To do this, we take a plastic basin or other container, as well as a measuring container. Pour one part of cement and three parts of sand into the basin.
Pour water into the mixture, stirring constantly. The consistency of the finished solution should be pasty.
To make interesting paving slabs with your own hands, you should prepare not only the solution, but also the stones. Pebbles of an interesting shape and color are selected.
Required to make tiles the form. It can be made in the form of a wooden formwork. If tiles of different sizes are required, then you can additionally take polyethylene flat containers.
do-it-yourself molds for paving slabs. A photo
The molding process is more convenient to perform on a plank platform covered with polyethylene. The formwork is placed on the platform. The bottom is smeared with used machine oil so that the concrete does not stick to the film.
concrete mortar spread trowel and distributed over the entire area. It should be laid out gradually, smoothing the composition and tamping it down.
After creating an even cement layer, lay out on its surface pebbles. The layout is carried out taking into account the color and size of the stones so that the entire area is filled.
After laying, the stones are pressed into the solution with a trowel. This process will require the use of force. At the same time, similar procedures are performed in small molds. Forms with tiles are covered with polyethylene and kept for three or four days. If the weather is hot, then they are additionally watered with water in the morning and evening. Formwork should be removed when the tiles begin to move away from the walls.
The resulting paving slabs are laid in various combinations. The result is consistently impressive.
Do-it-yourself molds for paving slabs
Many people would like to independently make paving slabs with their own hands for a suburban area. However, many things scare them, and in particular, the high cost of forms. Consider how to make molds for paving slabs with your own hands.
. Plastic construction
Plastic is one of the most convenient materials for making molds. It lags well behind the edges of the tile and is quite durable. If you make such forms for paving slabs with your own hands, then they will be a relatively inexpensive option. Naturally, a homemade form will not create an ornament on the surface of the tile.
Production will require wooden form with carefully crafted details and plastic(can be secondary). The form is set as evenly as possible using a level.
When everything is prepared, pour the plastic. It settles down in about an hour. After that, the product is removed, the roughness is cleaned. The finished plastic mold is dried for another two or three days.
Plastic home-made molds for paving slabs are made from any plastic containers. Most importantly, they should not crack when compressed.
Another way is to cut unnecessary PVC pipes into rings of the desired height. They will make great shapes for round tiles.
. Wooden form (formwork)
The wooden mold is one of the simplest and most inexpensive and can be easily made. To create this form for paving slabs, several pieces are taken with your own hands. wooden bars. The desired figure is formed from them, its corners are verified with a special tool. Temporarily the connection is made with adhesive tape.
When everything is ready, the bars are connected screws. For quadrangular formwork, eight screws are sufficient for secure fastening.
finished frame sanding. To prolong its service life and make it easier to remove tiles, the surface can be coated with varnish.
It is convenient to disassemble the wooden frame to remove the tile. This will avoid damage and cracks.
. iron mold
The iron version of the form is one of the most durable and relatively easy to manufacture. You can create such home-made forms for paving slabs from remnants of reinforcement or other similar materials. The slats are selected, which are cut into the required number of pieces of a certain size. Next, the corners are verified and all parts are welded together. Handles are welded for ease of use.
. Polyurethane mold
Polyurethane is one of the varieties of polymer masses. Forms from it are best suited for the production of paving slabs, as they are distinguished by a combination of strength and flexibility.
When creating such a form for paving slabs with your own hands, be sure to take into account security measures. You have to work with gloves. If the processes take place indoors, then good ventilation is required. The container with polyurethane must be tightly closed. Immediately before pouring the polymer, a rubberized apron is required in addition to gloves.
To create a polyurethane mold, first prepare matrix. This is a product that should look like a future tile. First, a master model is prepared, i.e. sample made from any material. Starting with clay and ending with plasticine. You can take as a basis a ready-made tile.
The sample is washed and dried, and then applied to it adhesive compounds. It is better to take wax-based options. With this composition, it is necessary to treat all surfaces with which the polyurethane will come into contact during pouring. The adhesive composition dries for about twenty minutes.
make formwork in which the sample will be placed. She should be three centimeters taller than him.
The polymer mixture is made in compliance with clear proportions. The prepolymer and hardener are heated to room temperature and then mixed in equal proportions. The finished composition should be homogeneous, without air bubbles.
The composition is applied to the surface of the stone with a brush, and only then it is completely poured. The matrix is ready. The next step is to create the mold itself.
Further, the manufacture of a mold for paving slabs with their own hands is carried out in a day. The matrix is placed on a flat surface and gradually poured two-component polyurethane, lifting one of the edges of the matrix. The mixture will spread on its own. Ready-made forms are taken out after a day and left to dry for another two days.
. Silicone molds
The silicone version is highly flexible. This is convenient for removing tiles, but if the mold is not positioned correctly, the product may be skewed.
They make such a form for paving slabs with their own hands from three-component silicone mixture. You will need a base, catalyst and hardener. They are mixed in specific proportions.
A container is prepared in which the form will be created, it is degreased. At the bottom, you can lay out a pattern with sculptural plasticine. The entire surface of the mold is smeared with a thin layer of vegetable oil. After that, the silicone mass is poured in a thin stream, trying to avoid air bubbles. The form is completely ready for use in a day.
In most cases, homeowners often try to plan in advance the arrangement of paths in their summer cottage. Many try to produce at the same time a large number of plausible elements related to landscape design.
In all cases, the material that is used to build the tracks is important. In this case, natural stones and wooden saw cuts and many other elements are used. But for this purpose it is more practical paving slabs. She has a wonderful appearance. Tiled materials have good indicators of durability and quality.
Elements of paving slabs, which are produced in-house, in fact, become original additions to the design of garden plots. In this case, they also harmonize well with the house or its style.
The creation of building materials is considered a very laborious and rather long process. But, if you look at all the work in a different way, then this process is more interesting. Today, paving slabs are considered an exclusive product, successfully combined with picturesque paths. It is worth noting that creating tiles on your own allows you to significantly save finances, which is important today.
For comparison, we can say that the purchase of finished tiled elements will cost many times more than the independent production of the same material. Do-it-yourself products may not be suitable for the design of sites that are designed to accommodate more massive equipment, but they will perfectly decorate paths and sidewalks.
Such material becomes a very good solution for the design of any ideas. If the concrete mixture is done correctly, then the material will be better. In this case, better quality tiles are obtained.
Regarding the process of preparing elements and decorating garden paths, this can be a pretty good activity. It allows you to open the creative potentials of the owners.
At the time of laying, and even after it, you can get a lot of good emotions.
How to make tiles when decorating plots in the garden: everything in order
Choice of tools and materials for cooking paving slabs- This is a difficult task that should be completed before all work begins. A kind of paving stone is created on the basis of dry mixes, where there is: sand, water and cement.
An important factor is the exposure of proportionality, which seriously depends on the purpose of the materials. It is worth noting that for the preparation of durable tiles, cement powder with a grade of m 500 is used. It is not recommended to save on cement.
If we talk about such significant components as sand and water, which will be used for the manufacture of mixtures, then they must be cleaned of debris. If suddenly there is a small amount of solid particles in the sand, excluding wood, then the solution will not suffer from their presence.
Plastic blanks that are used to make tiles can be bought at construction equipment sales points. The shape or size can change in different directions.
It is worth knowing that molds for pouring are often calculated for 250-300 fills. To speed up such a process, it is necessary to apply not one form, but ten or more.
Sometimes they resort to the use of molds taken from food storage packages. They can also be quite good with enough flexibility and elasticity. With the help of similar tiles, you can quite simply make good products.
How to prepare a concrete composition
If everything that was mentioned above is already there, then you can safely start making attractive tiles to decorate garden plots. Mixing can be done with a mixer or concrete mixer.
For your information, when the volume of water slightly exceeds the allowable value, this can reduce the strength of concrete. To prevent this, moisture-repellent additives, as well as reinforcing fiber, are added to the composition of the solution.
Painting of tile materials in the most unusual colors is carried out using selected pigments. They are resistant to temperature fluctuations. With regard to the influence of an alkaline environment, these pigments can maintain the desired qualities under any conditions.
In any case, when adding dyes to the composition, it is necessary to achieve a more homogeneous solution. It is worth remembering the proportionality of the dye and the concrete mixture.
How to pour the solution into silicone molds
Before pouring mixtures into molds, they will need to be coated with a special composition. This prevents the solution from sticking to the mold walls. Oil mixed with water works great as a lubricant.
In most cases, automotive grease, simple working out, can work well for this. In this situation, the process of unpacking already finished products is facilitated.
In order to increase the strength of products, it is possible to lay metal mesh in almost 50% filled forms. They can be placed and fittings or wire.
After the reinforcement, it is recommended to add the remaining mortar into the mold. To compact and remove a large number of bubbles that are in the mixture, a practical device is used, such as a vibrating table. If this device is not available, then shelves or racks are used as an alternative. Tiles are laid on them and with the help of a hammer, several blows are applied to the racks.
How is the product dried?
The composition in the forms should be closed with a film made from polyethylene. All this will need to be left for the right time.
You need to check the tile for readiness by the appearance of dew on the inside of the film. It is worth noting that it is recommended to maintain an appropriate level of humidity by periodically wetting the tiles with water. This is done over several days.
It is advised to dry the tiles not under the influence of the sun, but simply in the shade. As for the drying period, it lasts about 15-20 days.
Video instructions for making paving slabs with your own hands
Concrete tiles for paths and playgrounds are used everywhere today. However, its price does not always match the quality. Purchased specimens often do not withstand repeated freezing cycles and crack after 2-3 years. To provide yourself with high-quality paving stones, you need to learn how to make paving slabs with your own hands. The process does not require the purchase of expensive equipment and materials. The main thing is to understand the production technology, choose the shape and knead the “correct” solution.
The manufacturing technology of paving slabs is quite simple. However, there are many nuances that must be taken into account when planning to organize the production process.
Facing the site with paving slabs
Vibrocasting or vibropressing: the choice of method
The process of creating paving slabs has two main directions: vibrocompression and vibrocasting. Technologically, they are characterized by some differences, which affects the characteristics of the finished product.
The first method involves the use of expensive equipment - a vibrating press and a heat chamber. The solution with a small amount of water is fed into the mold, compacted, subjected to pressure and vibration. After that, the blanks enter the drying chamber. At elevated temperatures and high humidity, the slabs gain strength sufficient for laying in places with intense traffic.
The technology of vibrocasting involves compaction of the working mixture under vibration influence - the solution is evenly distributed over the form and compacted. The filled molds are moved to drying racks, and the finished tile is removed two days later.
Vibrocompression of paving slabs
Making paving slabs at home is possible only by vibrocasting. For work, you can use inexpensive tools and equipment, and make a vibrating table with your own hands.
The production cycle consists of the following stages:
- Mold preparation.
- Mixing concrete mix.
- Molding on a vibrating table.
- Exposure and drying in forms - about two days.
- Stripping tiles.
Important! Tiles made using "vibration technology" are optimally suited for the formation of garden paths and paths. It is not suitable for a parking lot, as it is inferior in terms of strength characteristics to pressed products.
Homemade vibrocast paving stones
Equipment and tools for organizing the process
The expediency of purchasing this or that equipment depends on the expected scale of production of paving slabs at home. However, for work you will need:
- Forms. The construction market offers a wide range of molds for home and mass production of paving stones. The material of the form determines the convenience and durability of its use:
- silicone models - the creation of complex structural surfaces, the form will withstand 50 cycles;
- plastic - simplicity of ornament, strength and durability - designed for 800 production cycles;
- polyurethane forms - hold the "geometry" of the tile well, the service life is 100 cycles.
- Rack and shed for drying. The place for "setting" of concrete must meet a number of requirements:
- horizontal racks - distortions of the base of the forms are unacceptable;
- finding the site in the shade - exposure to sunlight is fraught with cracking of finished products;
- the presence of a canopy that protects from rain.
Important! The minimum allowable temperature for natural drying of paving slabs is +10°С.
The variety of forms for the production of tiles
For work, you will need additional equipment: a bucket, a shovel, a level and rubber gloves.
Instructions for creating molds for tiles
At home, you can create a mold for paving slabs with your own hands from wood, plastic, gypsum or improvised means.
Option 1. Making a wooden mold from boards and plywood:
- Cut out two parts from the board, the length of which is 3 cm higher than the edges of the tile itself, and the height is 2 cm more.
- Two more details must exactly match the dimensions of the tile.
- Fasten the boards with iron corners - you need to screw in the screws, which can be easily removed after the concrete has hardened.
Advice. When pouring the mortar into a wooden mold, it is advisable to lay the reinforcing mesh in the middle of the tile thickness.
Wooden removable molds
Option 2. The easiest way to create a mold is to cut off the bottom of a 5 liter plastic bottle.
The height will determine the thickness of the paving slabs. In addition, unnecessary plastic containers and packaging are suitable as simple forms. If you lay a patterned mesh or leaf on the bottom before pouring, then the front side will acquire a relief surface.
Plastic molds for paving slabs
Option 3. Creating a plaster template:
- Prepare the gypsum mixture and an approximate cladding element, such as a textured ceramic tile with a protruding pattern.
- Make a formwork out of wood according to the shape of the workpiece and insert a tile into it.
- Treat the template with grease - this will prevent plaster from sticking.
- Dilute gypsum with water, adding a little plasticizer.
- Pour the resulting mass into the form.
- After a day, remove the formwork and remove the tiles.
Homemade plaster template for tiles
The disadvantage of the gypsum template is fragility. When hit or dropped, there is a high probability that the form will crack.
Option 4. Having the skills to work on a welding machine, it will be possible to make a metal structure of a simple shape from pieces of reinforcement or rails. “Cut out” strips of metal 5 cm wide according to the dimensions of the future tile and weld them together. Provide handles for ease of use.
Metal hexagon shape
High-quality mortar is the basis for the durability of plates
The composition of the mortar for paving slabs includes:
- cement;
- large and small filler;
- dye;
- plasticizer;
- fiberglass;
- water.
Quality cement does not contain lumps
The components are combined in a strict dosage, and certain requirements are imposed on each component.
The manufacturing technology of paving slabs at home or in production involves the use of Portland cement grade M 500 (minimum - M 400). An important condition is the quality and "freshness" of the cement. When buying, you need to check the production date (every month the composition loses 5% of its properties), the absence of lumps and flowability.
Advice. The express test will help determine the quality of the cement. Knead the cement dough in alkaline mineral water and roll it into a thin disk. Good cement will dry in a few minutes. If it took about an hour to dry, and the disk became covered with cracks, then the composition is supplemented with foreign impurities and low-quality binder.
Sand and gravel - mortar fillers
As a large filler, pure granite screenings, pebbles or slag are used. Fine filler - quarry or river sand without clay and impurities. If, after being compressed in a fist, the sand retains the shape of a coma, this indicates a high content of clay components.
The choice of plasticizer for the manufacture of the mixture
Plasticizer for paving slabs, due to its high dispersion ability, regulates the viscosity of the mixture, increasing the strength, wear resistance and moisture resistance of the product. Experts recommend adding brand components to the solution: Plastimix F, Master Silk, "Component". The "Superplasticizer C-3" has proven itself to be excellent.
Fiberglass is used to reinforce the concrete solution. Suitable polypropylene fiber Micronix 12 mm, crushed fiberglass or basalt fiber MicronixBazalt 12 mm.
Important! The length of the fiber should not exceed the size of the coarse filler in the concrete mix.
Types of fiber used
The optimal proportions of mortar for paving slabs are indicated in the table.
The ratio of components in solution
The nuances of tinting homemade paving stones
Mineral and organic pigments are selected for coloring tiles. Artificial colors based on minerals have a high coloring power, resistance to chemicals and temperature extremes. Natural pigments allow you to achieve muted natural shades.
Before you make paving slabs, you need to decide on the method of tinting it:
- coloring of the finished product;
- adding dye to the raw mass.
Tinting paving slabs
The first method is quite laborious, since high-quality painting takes a lot of time. To speed up the process, you can use a spray gun, but in this case it is difficult to achieve uniform staining.
The second way is more costly. Dry dyes that provide a water-repellent coating are expensive, and to achieve a lasting and rich color, you will need to add about 7% by weight of concrete. Therefore, many craftsmen and manufacturers use the two-layer pouring method.
The prepared form is half filled with colored concrete, and on top - colorless. It is important that the interval between fillings is no more than 20 minutes. In addition to savings, this method increases the strength characteristics of paving stones.
Step-by-step production of tiles by vibration shrinkage
We will analyze in stages how to make paving slabs at home using vibrocasting technology. For the manufacture of paving stones, you will need to build a simple vibrating table.
Scheme of manufacturing a vibrating table
Construction of a vibrating table from improvised means
The vibrating table has a design that is easy to manufacture and maintain.
To create it, you will need the following materials:
- sheet steel 5-10 mm thick - under the countertop;
- metal corner 5 * 5 cm - to create sides on the table;
- channel with holes for fixing the motor;
- pipes 4 * 4 cm 2 mm thick - support posts;
- pipes 4 * 2 cm - for the manufacture of upper crossbars;
- metal plates - the formation of the base of the supports;
- springs providing vibration;
- bolts and washers for fixing the engine;
- electric motor (IV-99E, IV-98E) with a power of 0.5-0.9 kW;
- electric cable, switch, socket.
Manufacturing sequence:
Preparing the mold and mixing the solution
Before filling, the form must be lubricated with a special emulsion ("Lirossin", "Emulsol") or use their substitutes:
- soap solution;
- vegetable oil;
- engine oil.
Advice. It is undesirable to lubricate the form with saline - it leaves stains on the surface of the product, and the template itself quickly deteriorates.
The solution is mixed in a certain sequence in compliance with temporary recommendations:
- First, sand, plasticizer and dye are mixed. The kneading time is 30-40 seconds.
- Crushed stone and cement are added to the dry mix. With this composition, the concrete mixer works for another minute.
- Then water is gradually introduced until a sufficiently dense consistency is obtained.
- The final stage is the addition of fiber and re-kneading for one minute.
Adding Mortar Components to the Concrete Mixer
A do-it-yourself tile mix should not flow down the trowel, but at the same time it should be easy to fill the mold.
Vibrocasting and drying of paving slabs
Paving stone forming technology:
- Put the greased molds on a vibrating table and pour the solution into them.
- Turn on vibration mode for 5 minutes.
- If a white film appears on the surface of the mixture, turn off the engine. Excessive shaking may cause separation of the solution.
- Rearrange the blanks on racks, cover with plastic wrap and leave for 2-3 days. Be sure to check the evenness of the surface of the racks. If the tile dries on a slope, it will not be possible to lay it evenly on the path.
Demoulding homemade paving slabs
Demoulding of the finished product and cleaning of molds
When the concrete sets, the tile can be removed from the mold. To facilitate removal, the mold with filling is lowered into a container with water heated to 60°-70°C. Five minutes later, the finished product is knocked out with a rubber mallet on a soft surface - you can spread the old bedspread.
The “raw” tile is dried on the same racks for another 7 days, then it is folded into pallets and gains final hardness after a month. Only after that the material is ready for lining the tracks.
Pour the spent forms with saline solution (30 grams of table salt per 1 liter of water), clean, rinse and dry.
Paving slabs with river pebbles
Decorative tiles with stone: master class
On a suburban area, landscape-style paving stones using river stones look beautiful. A simple technology for making paving slabs with your own hands, the available composition of the mixture and natural materials make it possible to realize the idea in your country house.
- When the composition is ready, press the stones into the solution.
- Cover the molds with cellophane and leave to dry for four days. Twice a day, water the blanks.
- When the tile begins to move away from the formwork, the product can be removed and dried without a mold.
Creation of composition and tamping of stones
Making paving slabs with your own hands is a fascinating process. Guided by step-by-step instructions, it will be possible to create an original and high-quality product designed for a long service life in the yard or garden. If there is no certainty of success, it is worth studying the topic more deeply by consulting with experts.
Every owner who wants his property to look beautiful and be functional tries to do a lot with his own hands. Especially if he is a creative person. From this article you can learn how to make paving slabs with your own hands.
Where is the product used?
In principle, the scope of such material is quite wide. Most often, you can see such products in private areas of residential buildings, cottages, baths or other structures. You can also lay such tiles in gardens, squares, parks and other public places. Naturally, in the latter case, ready-made material is purchased.
Before you begin to understand how to make paving slabs with your own hands, you need to figure out whether it is worth doing it, what advantages the finished product has, what you need to prepare for work. First of all, it must be said that the manufacturing process is not complicated and does not require expensive equipment.
Material advantages
Before you make paving slabs with your own hands, you should consider its advantages. Among them are the following:
originality of elements. During the manufacturing process, you can play with colors and fillers. In this way, you will create exactly the design and shape of the tiles that you yourself want. Naturally, one should be careful here, because the technical characteristics of the product depend on the proportions of the ingredients.
Low cost. Naturally, before you make paving slabs with your own hands, you need to select the necessary materials, which must be of high quality. You should not "buy" for cheap cement.
Relative strength (although you should not lay these elements where the car will drive).
Manufacture of products directly at the installation site.
No need for expensive equipment. However, if you decide to open your own business, then you cannot do without a couple of machines.
Ecological purity.
Resistance to rapid wear and durability (if all manufacturing steps are performed correctly).
Minimum injury risk.
Now consider the question of how to make paving slabs with your own hands.
What materials will be required?
Naturally, all ingredients must be of the highest quality. So, for work you need to prepare:
1. Cement (only the M-500 brand is required, since this type of material allows you to make a mixture that, after hardening, will be very strong).
4. Small stones.
5. Kohler (one or more).
6. Plasticizer (sold in a hardware store).
All ingredients must be free of impurities (garbage, leaves, grass). Also, before you make paving slabs with your own hands, collect all the necessary materials and necessary tools.
Required Equipment
So, in order for the process of manufacturing products to go relatively quickly, you need to take care of all the technical devices in advance that will help speed up the work. So, you will need:
Concrete mixer. If there are several, that's good. In this case, the process will go faster.
Shaping vibrating table. You can also build it yourself. Although this machine is optional.
Form set. It is better if there are several dozen of them.
Tables or shelving that will be set as level as possible. Otherwise, the mixture in the molds may freeze incorrectly, with a skew. Naturally, such elements will already be considered defective, since they cannot be laid evenly.
Tool for pulling finished products out of containers.
Since almost everyone can do it, you should consider the technology of the work.
Features of the choice of form
This question is not difficult. Most often, plastic molds are used for home-made material presented. They may have different sizes. In addition, our construction market represents a huge selection of types of such forms. That is, you have the opportunity to make a very original tile that no one else will have. Naturally, such a container must be strong enough so that it can be used more than once.
Before you do it yourself, you need to decide on the shape of the containers: square, round or some other. If you do not want to buy such material in the store, then you can use ordinary plastic food containers. However, they won't last long.
Features of the preparation of the solution
Before you make paving slabs yourself, you should find out in what proportions you need to mix the ingredients so that later the elements turn out to be of high quality and durable. You will need the following amount of materials for one batch:
It must be mixed thoroughly. And in order for there to be no air in the solution, it will need to be processed on a vibrating table.
Manufacturing instructions
Now consider the question of, in fact, how to make paving slabs yourself. The whole process involves the implementation of several stages that cannot change their sequence:
1. Preparation of the solution. All ingredients must be mixed thoroughly. This can provide Although gravitational works no worse.
2. Filling molds, as well as vibratory compaction of the mixture. This should be done carefully. Filling is done with a conventional shovel. For compaction, you need a vibrating table. His vibrations should not be too strong. That is, make sure that the solution in the form is distributed evenly. Such a seal will make the elements as strong as possible and prevent their delamination. When loading concrete, consider its level. In all forms, it must be the same. To do this, you can simply make marks on the inside of the container.
3. Aging and drying of the elements. Since you want to make paving slabs at home quickly, many manufacturers may violate production technology. The quality of the elements suffers from this. Therefore, it is necessary to withstand the time that is allotted for the aging of concrete and its drying. So, after compaction, the molds with the mixture should “rest” on a flat surface for at least two days. In order for the maturation to go well, and the cement not to crack due to moisture loss, the containers should be well wrapped with plastic wrap.
4. Removal of finished products from molds. Now you understand how to make paving slabs at home, you also know the composition of the mixture. However, you should consider how to properly remove the finished elements from the molds so that they do not break or crack. To do this, it is better to place them in a bath of water, the temperature of which will be no more than 70 degrees.
5. Warehousing products. In order for the concrete to dry quietly further, it is necessary to cover the tile with a shrink film.
After all these steps, the product is almost ready for installation. Naturally, he should be given time to gain strength. It is best to leave the material alone for a few weeks. Now you understand how to make paving slabs at home.
What is a "plastic bottle tile"?
The problem of recycling is very relevant today. However, a way has been devised to use plastic bottles, which involves reducing the degree of environmental pollution. They learned how to make pavement tiles out of them. Moreover, this process can take place both at home and at work.
Before you make paving slabs from plastic bottles, you should consider the features of this procedure. Its advantage is the low cost of the product, as well as the absence of problems with the amount of raw materials.
The production of such material is divided into the following stages:
Grinding of raw materials.
Melting plastic in a special heating apparatus and mixing it with raw sand and pigment.
Pouring the resulting solution into molds and pressing.
Cooling tiles.
It should be noted that such a product is characterized by durability, high strength and resistance to abrasion, external beauty, a variety of forms, and speed of production.
Making paving slabs with your own hands is not very difficult. However, the process has some nuances. For example, if you want to save a lot of color, you can use the layer-by-layer casting technique. Naturally, in this case, you will need two concrete mixers. Layers are stacked alternately, and colorless should be inside. The thickness of each is 1-2 cm.
If you have defective pieces of tile, then it can be broken and reused in the solution. New forms can be treated with a special substance so that later the concrete moves away from the walls better. After use, the plastic must be washed with a weak solution of hydrochloric acid. Forms for work can be made independently using silicone or wood. Naturally, these elements will need to be well fastened before work.
Please note that the plasticizer helps to increase the strength of the elements, as well as their resistance to temperature changes. However, don't add too much. For the manufacture of the presented building material, not only concrete can be used.
Now you know how to make paving slabs at home. Good luck!
Loading...