If you’re planning to give your garden, patio, or driveway a timeless upgrade, slate paving is one of the best choices you can make. At Honister Slate Mine, our Westmorland Green Slate paving is not only beautiful but also durable, eco-friendly, and long-lasting. But how exactly do you lay slate paving to achieve a professional finish?
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about laying slate paving — from preparation to finishing touches.
Why Choose Slate Paving?
Before we get into the “how-to,” let’s talk about why slate is such a popular option:
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Durability – Slate is naturally strong and resistant to weathering.
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Low Maintenance – Easy to clean and keeps its colour over time.
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Timeless Style – Its unique texture and rich tones add character to any space.
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Eco-Friendly – Slate is a natural, long-lasting material that offers a sustainable choice for outdoor projects.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
To get started, gather the following:
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Slate paving slabs, flagstones, or crazy paving
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Shovel and wheelbarrow
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String line and stakes
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Spirit level
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Rubber mallet
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Cement mix and sharp sand
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Trowel
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Jointing compound or mortar mix
Step 1: Plan Your Design
Measure your space carefully and decide on the layout. Whether you’re going for a modern grid with slabs or a rustic look with crazy paving, sketching out the design will save you time and mistakes later.
👉 Pro Tip: Order 5–10% more slate than you need to cover cutting, breakages, or design adjustments.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground
A solid foundation is key to long-lasting paving.
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Dig out the area to a depth of around 100–200mm.
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Add a layer of hardcore or crushed stone (about 100mm thick).
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Compact it with a plate compactor to create a firm base.
Step 3: Create a Bedding Layer
Spread a mortar mix (4 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement) over the compacted base. Aim for a depth of 30–40mm. This bedding layer will hold your slate firmly in place.
Step 4: Lay the Slate Paving
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Start in one corner and work outwards.
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Position each slab on the mortar bed, tapping gently with a rubber mallet.
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Use a spirit level to ensure the surface is even, with a slight fall for water drainage.
👉 Pro Tip: Leave a joint gap of 10–15mm between slabs for mortar or jointing compound.
Step 5: Cut Where Needed
For edges and corners, you may need to cut slate slabs to size. Use a stone cutter or angle grinder fitted with a diamond blade for clean cuts. Always wear safety goggles and gloves.
Step 6: Fill the Joints
Once the paving is laid, fill the gaps with a jointing compound or mortar mix. Brush it in, then smooth with a pointing trowel for a neat finish.
Step 7: Let It Set & Clean
Allow the paving to set for at least 24–48 hours before walking on it. Once cured, give the surface a good sweep and a rinse with water.
Maintenance Tips for Slate Paving
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Sweep Regularly: Keep your paving free from leaves, dirt, and moss by giving it a quick sweep once or twice a week. This prevents organic matter from breaking down on the surface and keeps it looking tidy.
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Wash Occasionally: A light power wash or hose down every few months will refresh the natural colour of the slate and remove stubborn dirt. Avoid overly strong jet settings, as they can disturb jointing material.
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Check Joints & Reseal: Inspect the joints annually. Repoint or reseal them every few years to maintain stability and prevent weeds from growing through gaps.
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Treat Stains Promptly: For oil, food, or plant stains, clean as soon as possible with warm soapy water and a soft brush to avoid long-term marks.
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Consider Sealing: While not essential, applying a breathable stone sealant can add extra protection against staining and weathering, especially in high-traffic areas like driveways or patios.
Transform Your Outdoor Space with Honister Slate Paving
Laying slate paving may require some effort, but the results are well worth it. With its durability, elegance, and timeless appeal, our Green Slate paving will elevate any outdoor space for decades to come.
👉 Browse our full range of Slate Paving Products and bring authentic Lake District slate straight to your home.