Mandalay Blue Tumbled Outdoor Limestone Cobble

When fixing externally, the choice of whether to seal or not becomes one of personal preference combined with considerations of the installation environment. Many people choose to leave the stone tile unsealed and let it weather naturally with time. As it weathers the stone will gain character and develop a look all its own.

Proper ground preparation is essential for the successful installation of stone flagstones or cobbles, and it depends on both the intended use of the paved area and the specific site conditions.

1. Clearance Below Damp-Proof Course

It is crucial to ensure that the paving or cobbling is installed at least 150mm below the dampproof course (DPC) of any building. Additionally, a gradient of 1:60 should be maintained to create a ‘fall’ that ensures water drains away from the building, preventing water ingress.

2. Stabilising Layer

A stabilising layer, typically 100mm of scalping or crushed hardcore, should be laid down to create a solid foundation. This is followed by a 30-40mm sand bed, which should be compacted using a vibrating plate compactor to provide a stable base.

3. Laying the Perimeter Tiles

The perimeter tiles should be bedded in wet mortar to firmly anchor them in place and prevent any potential ‘spread’ during installation. This ensures the outer edges are stable before filling in the central area.

4. Bedding the Remaining Tiles

For the remaining tiles, a semi-dry or dry 4:1 sand/cement mix can be used for bedding, depending on the thickness of the stone. The right mix ensures secure adhesion to the substrate while allowing flexibility for the stone’s natural movement.

5. Considerations for Stone Type and Porosity

The porosity and shade of the stone must always be considered during installation. For example, lighter-coloured stones should not be laid with a wet mix, as pigments from the cement can bleed into the stone and cause permanent stains.

6. Suitable Substrate for External Stone Tiles

The prepared substrate will support exterior stone tiles of 20mm thickness or above. It is essential to verify that the material is suitable for exterior use. For thinner tiles, including many porcelain options, they can be laid on a concrete slab with adhesive and grout, following the same procedures used for internal applications. The concrete slab must be designed and installed according to relevant standards for external applications.

7. Grouting and Jointing

After the tiles are fixed, the grout gaps can be filled with sharp or pit sand, which should be brushed into the dry joints to finish the installation.