Finally it is time to get out the paving slabs and remind ourselves what the patio or path is eventually going to look like!

Make sure that you store the paving slabs close to their eventual resting place as they can often get damaged if they have to be hauled for long distances.

Besides, by this point in the procedure, my arms are usually getting a bit on the weak side so any labour saving technique is welcome!

Spread a layer of sharp sand ( as mentioned before) over the excavated area and rake it so that it looks level. To compact the sand, put down a straight plank of wood and walk over it.

Once this has been done you can thoroughly tread the whole area to ensure that it is compacted to a depth of 30/40mm.

On a mixing board make up a slightly wet mortar mix of 1 part cement to 5 parts of building sand and, starting from a corner or straight edge, trowel five large dabs of mortar at each corner and in the middle, so that these blobs are slightly higher than the finished level of paving.

The theory of the 5 spot method is that it allows for easy alignment and adjustment for required finished surface level and it also enables any variation in thickness of each individual slab to be taken up.After laying the first slab you can lay the 5 spots for the next slab.

At this point it is also a good idea to lay a strip of mortar where the next joint will be.

Take your trowel and spread the mortar along the side of the paving slab like you were buttering bread. When the next slab is then put into position, this strip of mortar gets squeezed between the two slabs securing them together.

By doing this you also reduce the amount of time you will have to spend 'Pointing' (or filling in the gaps between the slabs) afterwards.

To make sure that you keep the gaps between the paving slabs equal you can cut up a 10-15mm thick piece of hardboard or plywood. Then simply slot a few of these in between the paving slabs to act as a guide and to make sure that you keep the correct spacing. When you are finished laying the slabs and are ready to fill in the gaps, just remove them. Simple!

After laying and positioning each slab, you will also need to ensure that they are at the correct level and that the slope is maintained.

The easiest way to do this is to place a piece of softwood over the top of a few of the paving slabs and tap them down with a hammer.

Your spirit level will enable you to check if the 'fall' or slope is being maintained correctly.

After laying the slabs make sure that they are not walked upon for at least 24 hours and make sure that you treat yourself to a long hot shower or bath to relax those aching muscles and bones!

Pointing & Maintenance >