Owners of suburban real estate in last years Much attention is paid to the design garden tracks, parking and entrances to the house. One of the main materials for the manufacture of coating data becomes paving slabs.

Market building materials It offers a huge selection of products of various shapes and colors. If it is necessary to cover the large areas, the paving slabs can be made independently. We will reveal some aspects of this process.

Composition of paving slabs

Material for manufacture paving tile is a concrete mix. It can be painted or unpainted. The main components of the concrete are cement, sand, gravel and water.

Cement for paving slabs

Cement is used as the main binder material in the manufacture of various products. For a private user, portland cement brands from 400 to 700 are most available. Most often, building markets and bases will offer you Cement M 400 or 500 in paper packs 50 kilograms.

An important condition is the quality of the main element of the concrete mix. Directly in bags, cement can be checked for the bundle and the absence of lumps showing a decrease in the quality of the binder, check the manufacturer and the package date. After autopsy, make sure that the powder color is monotony.

At home, an express test can be carried out by becoming a cement dough on salt-alkaline mineral water, such as Essentuki No. 17 and blinding a disk with a thick center and thin edges. In the process of drying, the disk is slightly warmed up, which is a consequence of a chemical reaction. High-quality cement will dry for a few minutes and after drying will be deprived of large cracks. A poor-quality binder with unauthorized impurities will require a final dryer for about an hour and can crack into separate parts.

Natural stone filler

Creating a concrete mix is \u200b\u200bimpossible without using crushed elements natural stone - rubble, for which the granite screening of one or another fraction is most often used.

It is also easy to purchase at construction bases in various packages.

Construction sand

An equally important component of the concrete mix is \u200b\u200ba building sand - career or river.

With its acquisition, as a rule, no difficulty does not arise. Directly on the career or in the car body, squeeze the handful of sand in the fist. In the case of the formation of a dense non-disintegrating lump, you can judge the high content of clay components that prevent the receipt of good concrete. High-quality sand should easily crumble. In addition, it is visually determined by the absence of strangers and lumps of clay.

Additives, improving the quality of concrete

To improve the quality of the mixture, we recommend using a specialized component - plasticizer. Due to the high dispersed ability, these substances adjust the viscosity of the mixture, make it better, and the products from it are more durable and moisture-resistant. The greatest distribution currently acquires a liquid C-3 plasticizer, produced in comfortable plastic packaging of various volumes.

Another component to significantly expand color gamut manufactured concrete products, are small powders, allowing to get products of various colors and expand the aesthetic capabilities of paving slabs.

Various styling techniques and alternation of products of two or three colors allow you to diversify the coating of various sections of the territory when using one geometric shape.

The ratio of components of the mixture

To obtain high quality paving slabs, the various components of the concrete mix must be taken in an accurate proportion. Exist various options. Here is one of them, designed to receive one cubic meter of the mixture:

• Construction sand - 840 kg.;
• Cement brand M-500 - 600 kg.;
• Crushed stone granite - 750 kg;
• C-3 plasticizer - 3 kg.;
• Dyes, if necessary, no more than 3% of the mass of cement;
• Water - 100-200 liters.

Other ratios are possible:

• Cement - 0.6 tons;
• Sand - 1.5 tons;
• Water - 100-190 liters.

• Cement - 0.5 tons;
• Edge granite - 9.32 tons;
• Sand - 1.15 tons;
• Water -100-200 l.

• Cement - 0.5 tons;
• Crushed stone - 0.9 tons;
• Sand - 0.9 tons;
• Water is 100- 200 liters.

With smaller volumes of the mixture, take the following number of items:

• Construction sand - 33 kg.;
• Cement brand M-500 - 20 kg.;
• Crushed stone granite - 30 kg;
• C-3 plasticizer - 0.075 kg;
• Dyes depending on the desired brightness of the color of products;
• Water is about 10 liters.

Preparation of concrete mix

It is convenient to prepare a concrete mixture for tiles conveniently in a specialized device - a concrete mixer, which is rotating with a small speed of a sufficient capacity.

Initially, all the dry components are covered and mixed thoroughly, the dye is better to pre-dissolve in a small amount of water. After some time, the required volume of water is poured into the container, and the mixture is re-stirred until the required consistency is reached.

In the absence of concrete mixer, you can use a building mixer, but the volume of the concrete made is significantly less.

In compliance with the proportions, the quality of the mixture prepared and the topics and in other ways is not very different.

Dear readers, if you have any questions, ask them using the form below. We will be happy to communicate with you;)

Paving tile, without exaggeration, is the most common pavement material in modern construction. The scope of its application is diverse: sidewalks, platforms, parking, elements landscape design In cities, dachas and household plots - this is not a complete list of objects where it is used. Industrial enterprises produce bridges, small private plants and workshops, individual varieties (concrete) can be made in handicraft conditions. To do this, it is necessary to have simple devices and clearly know the composition of the solution for paving slabs, since its quality is 70% depends on how correctly the necessary components are selected and the proportions are comported when mixed them.

What is myself

The composition of concrete for sidewalk tiles includes:

2. Filler of small - sand with a dimension module not more than 2 mm and the content of clay impurities up to 3%. As large aggregate use granite rubble With a fraction of 5-10 mm, a storage grade from 1200, inhibitivity not more than 25% and frost resistance of at least F200.

In the regions where for any reason it is impossible to acquire waste crushing granite, can be included in the solution for the manufacture of paving slabs with their own microcarce.

3. Chemical additives: C-3 plasticizer, PFM-NLK modifier, polypropylene fiber.

4. Dye (pigment), resistant to alkaline medium.

Varieties of mixes

The concrete pavement is produced in 2 ways and for each of them the composition has its own characteristics:

1. Vibrating press - the concrete mixture has a low water-cement ratio, due to which the tile produced by such a method has high strength and frost resistance, low water absorption and good resistance to abrasion. The composition of the solution to make the houses of the tile by pressing, includes:

• cement;
• sand;
• water.

2. Vibrolier - the solution is distinguished by the high ratio of cement-water than when pressed, because littered products specifications worse. To improve them, it is necessary to introduce a plasticizer for paving slabs to the mixture, as well as increase the number of cement. Obtaining the solution involves the use of the following components:

• cement;
• sand;
• plasticizer;
• dye;
• water.

Reception and cooking at home

The proportions of the tile solution, which will be manufactured by the vibratory method (at the rate of 1 m 3 of concrete):

• cement - 700 kg;
• sand - 1350 kg;
• water - 160 liters.

First, the cement-sand mixture is prepared in the concrete mixer, into which the water is then poured, simultaneously stirring the solution. In the finished form, it is fed to the vibropressive table, where under pressure is pressed into forms.

The vibrating process involves filling the mixture into the form sequentially, two layers:

1. the textured, providing tile good frost resistance, low abrasability and water absorption;
2. the main definition of the product is the necessary thickness and the required strength.

The composition of the mixture for tiles is prepared in such proportions (at the rate of 1 m3):

To mix all components use concrete mixer. Preparation of concrete for both layers occurs on one technology in two concrete mixers at the same time and consists of 3 stages:

• Preparation of dye. The dry pigment is poured with warm water and, stirring, brought to a creamy state. Defend for 1 hour to increase dispersion.
• Preparation of plasticizer. Dissolve in warm water with a temperature of 30-40 ° C in the ratio of 1 part of the plasticizer into 3 parts of the water, thoroughly stirred for 10 minutes, they give to stand at least 24 hours. After - stirred again for 15 minutes and the finished solution is obtained.
• Loading and mixing in the concrete mixer is carried out in a specific order: first the sand is laid + dye (it is mixed 15-20 seconds), rubble (20 seconds of mixing), cement + water + plasticizer + fiber (1.5 minutes is mixed).

The finished solution should be immediately pouring into the forms on the vibrationtole. The first textured layer should not be thicker 2 cm. Then, for 30 seconds the vibrator turns on so that the concrete will give the shrinkage, the second, the main layer, which must fill the shapes to the top, for 30 seconds the mixture is subjected to vibration. Turning off the vibrator, you must swear the surface of the tile using a trowel. Finished products are removed from the vibrostol and go on drying.

Paving slabs - a great way to improve space. Distinctive feature It is that with its help you can create a wonderful pattern on the territory adjacent to your site. Paving slabs perfectly copes with the creation of good, durable tracks on panstoneBesides, she has several advantages.

First, good tile strength, secondly, the possibility of self-making tiles with their own hands. At the same time, do not forget that, using such a material, you will have a gorgeous opportunity to implement the most different design solutions Due to the wide range of forms, as well as the colors.

Its versatility of use makes paving slabs quite popular. It is used both in urban arrays and in private territories. Excellent will decorate any terrain.

Another obvious plus in working with a paving-type tile protrudes the simplicity of its laying, with which even a novice master can cope with. It is important to remember that when laying a tile, you will need not only tile itself, but also additional materials. And yet the priority remains the manufacture of tiles.

Walking on her cooking too. But here to know the features of the preparation of the solution - it is very important. Competently with all the proportions and components, you will avoid a number of trouble.

The composition of the solution for paving slabs

It should be borne in mind that not only the components of the solution are important, but also their proportions. There are often cases when during operation of the tile begins to lose the form, color and other characteristics after a few days after laying, not to mention the winter. And why?

Most likely the production technology was broken, the proportions of fillers, the main ingredients of the solution were incorrectly selected. It happens less often if the pavement is laid incorrectly.

Before choosing materials for the mixture, keep in mind that such unfavorable factors will affect your paving slabs as:

• Temperature differences ambient At different times of the year and day.
• The impact of precipitation and sun rays that contribute to the appearance of cracks, the destruction of the product.
• Other environmental conditions, such as aggressive chemicals, machinery, cars. Well, the mechanical impact on the walk of man himself.

It's no secret that such a type of sidewalk has the basis of the basis - concrete solution. What is the difference in this type of solution from others like him? What is included in his composition and what to take the proportions of the material?

The solution includes components such as:

1. Main components

This category will include fine-flower crushed stone, or the scope of different rock solid textures. In addition, they are mixed with sands with different fractions. The sand takes a varinforce, up to 2 mm in size, while the clay content should not exceed 4 percent.

1. Cemental substances (or plasticizers)

Exist different types Plasticizers who are an integral part of the solution. One of the common and popular portland cement, especially the brands of M-400 and M-500. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the C-3 plasticist, which makes your paving slab much stronger.

Pay attention to the plasticizer, which is a polypropylene fiber. It will improve the stability of products to the drops of temperature, significantly increases mechanical stability.

As you can see, plasticizers are one of the most important materials.

1. Pigment additives

1. Water

Here, everything is clear because water is an integral part of a concrete mix of any level.

Proportions of components for paving slabs

The mixture should be prepared immediately before the fill and quickly fill the forms, because it has a property to quickly capture.

If the tile is needed for sections of a small passability, besides, not the most expensive, beautiful and durable, for example, to make trails in the garden, you will be enough to take sand and plasticizer (Portland cement M400-M500) in the ratio of 1.5: 1. In this The case take so much water until the consistency reaches the characteristic liquid sour cream form.

Another simple way is the manufacture of a classic sidewalk solution that includes these proportions of components:

7 pieces of sand on 2 parts of Portland cement, with 1.5 parts of the water, if all in buckets take, then it is about 13-15 liters of water.

Paving tile with plasticizer

it best recipe The solution for this kind of products that allows you to make high-quality products using vibrolica. Let's start with proportions.

Tile cooking takes:

• Portland cement M-400 brand in an amount of 60 kg;
• 155 kg of river sand;
• c-0.3-0.6 kg plasticizer;
• pigment dyes -1.8 kg;
• 17 liters water;
• polypropylene fiber in the amount of 0.1 kg.

All this forms the upper factory layer. But this is not all, as we need the main layer.

For him take such proportions:

55 kg of Portland cement per 80 kg of river sand, using a granite drop-down 80 kg and 16 liters of water, as well as 0.3 kg of plasticizer C3.

The process of making a solution

The process of manufacturing paving slabs is extremely simple. It is worth noting that if you adhere to the right proportions, everything will succeed. At the same time, the main thing is to put the materials correctly. It is better to apply a concrete mixer for the knead, but for small quantities you can use trough.

So, the stages of cooking will be such:

1. Prepare a dry mixture, mix dry ingredients.
2. Get a homogeneous dry mass and pour gradually water.
3. Stir to homogeneous consistency, similar to thick sour cream.
4. Add polypropylene fiber if such is used. Parts.
5. At the end, different fillers and rubble shallow fractions are added.

If you want to more learn about the manufacture of paving slabs with your own hands, as well as the proportions of the solution, we recommend paying attention to this video:

Paving tile has become hardly the only acceptable option for creating pedestrian walkways on a country site, pedestrian tracts in parks, sidewalks, barbecue areas. It is really more durable of concrete and wood, more practical gravel and safer asphalt, but despite the variety of modern tiles, make your own part of the original becomes harder. Yes, and prices for complex curly products often bite. But there is a way out - you can make the paving slabs with your own hands at home.

Advantages and disadvantages of homemade tiles

Those who have not decided to create homemade tiles scares two considerations: considerable time and doubt as ready-made products. But if you consider, the possibility of phased production, which allows production on the weekend or in free timeThe process is not so long. In addition, the costs of materials will also stretch out over time, because 10% from the family budget for 3-4 months is much easier than spending half of the monthly income.

As for quality, it is enough to adhere to technology here and do not try to save greatly, then the ready tile will serve as decades.

The combination of gray and beige tiles (from white cement) looks stylish and helps to save on pigments

Table: Compare the advantages and cons of handicraft paving slabs

Benefits	disadvantages
Saving money (from 30 to 60% depending on the equipment and materials used).	Large time (from 1 to 6 months, depending on the number of forms and area of \u200b\u200btracks).
Unique design tile.	High probability of flaws with good pattern detail.
The ability to create non-standard angular and connecting elements that are missing in the manufacturer's directories.	The complexity of creating forms for accurate parts. It often happens that homemade angular tiles have to be laid with a large or uneven seam.
The ability to experiment with tile makeup, which allows you to save money or time, strengthen the standard composition, or add an additional decorative filler.	Lack of quality guarantees and durability.
Tile is suitable for all types of garden tracks, recreation areas, outdoor terraces.	Reliable tiles for large loads (driveway, car parking area) without special equipment and careful compliance with the recipe is almost impossible.
Fascinating pastime, the ability to realize your ideas.	In practice, the work turns out to be physically difficult, requiring attention and accuracy.

As you can see, on each drawback of the homemade tile you can find the corresponding dignity. Therefore, if you want to proudly demonstrate the guests of your hands, you can safely begin the implementation of the intended design of the tracks.

Existing manufacturing technologies

The tile and a pavement that you could see from the neighbors is made in total three technologies: fill in the formwork, vibrating and vibratingressing.

Access track with imitation of paving slabs by stamping

There is also a sidewalk simulation technique when the texture is created by stamps on a wet concrete surface. At first glance, the track may be similar to a powerful, but in fact it is a monolithic concrete slab with all its shortcomings. Looking at the seams it is easy to see that they are inseparable from the plates and are not able to ensure the removal of water into the ground. Therefore, if you liked the option seen in the photo with imitation, we recommend reproducing it in classical technology, from individual plates. In this case, your copy will serve 3-4 times longer than the original.

Fill in removable formwork

Production of paving slabs by filling in formwork

Filling technology in formwork is the easiest and easiest time consuming method of manufacturing paving slabs. Products are cast right at the place of use over the rammed soil, so no effort to spend on drying and move the plates. Since the form is removed while the concrete is not fully frozen, you can use only one form and prepare small portions of the solution in the bucket of a building mixer (without concrete mixer). The form can also be poured not completely, forming neat bends of the garden path.

But there are disadvantages:

• the factor of the front surface of the plates is always the same, since the form is open and sets only the edge around the perimeter of each fragment;
• the concrete mixture is impossible to compact with vibration, so more plasticizer should be added to ensure strength;
• despite the addition of binders, the service life of such a tile is several times less than that of vibrolite.

Distinguish the track from such a tile is simple enough. As a rule, it imitates the layout of wild stone with fragments incorrect formBut the repetition of the picture is easy to notice. In the seams of such a tile, the grass often sprouts, because it is mounted directly to the ground without a sandy-gravel pillow and often without sweeping of seams.

Vibration

Vibrolic paving slabs - the most common option

Vibrolic plates are the most common option for paving private territories. Distinguish the product of this technology is the easiest of design. Neither the pouring nor the vibropressing creates the complex shape of the tile and the small factory pattern on its surface. The front side of the vibrolyta tile is usually more glossy, and the color is brighter than that of vibropressed.

Among other advantages of this finishing material:

• the service life of the tile is several times longer, since the vibration when casting is expelled air bubbles and enhances the water and frost resistance of the product;
• lower consumption of plasticizer (compared to the fill in the formwork);
• the possibility of making durable high-quality tiles at home with minimal snap;
• a wide variety of finished forms from different price categories.

From the disadvantages, only a small plate thickness can be distinguished, which does not allow the finish to withstand high mechanical loads. On the smooth tile, the risk of slipping is also increasing, so it is recommended to make textured forms for manufacture.

Vibropressing

Laming in the parking area is a vibropressed paving slabs

Vibropressing is complex technological process. The main difference from the vibration is that the solution in the form is subjected to powerful impact of a special press. As a result, the density of the concrete cement mixture increases an order of magnitude, according to its properties, the material is an analogue of an artificial stone. Therefore, it is precisely it is used for the packing of urban sidewalks, tracks in squares and parking areas in private territories. Due to the high density of the tile is very frostable, it is able to withstand up to 300 cycles of freezing / thawing.

Method is most often used for production. paving blocks, not tiles. It is easy to distinguish from the increased thickness at low size (it is rather brick than tile). In addition, such material is usually more rough, and his color is paler. Since the pattern on a separate fragment is impossible to make it, to enhance the decorative effect, the blocking is laid in beautiful ornaments (at home you can use the cross-stitch pattern).

Among the shortcomings of the vibropressed tile, only a high price and considerable weight that complicates transportation and installation can be distinguished.

Production of paving slabs at home

Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of paving slabs made by different technologiesIt is easy to come to the conclusion to make house vibrolynted products. It remains to determine the equipment and the necessary materials.

Even with homemade equipment from undergraded means you can cast a good tile

What is necessary for work

As a rule, owners country houses There are at least a little construction experience, and many even take their home from the first stone of the foundation to the horse on the roof. Therefore, some necessary tools and minimal skills with them you probably have.

Table: Equipment for vibrating paving slabs

Equipment / Tools	What is required	Where to get
Concrete mixer	Must be carefully knead all the components of the composition so that there are no even small lumps, provide a homogeneous texture and tile color. If the track area is greater than 20 m 2, to do with a perforator with a mixing nozzle (not to mention the screwdriver) will not be possible - the tool is simply spoiled from the unbearable loads.	If you yourself built a house, the concrete mixer is found in the garage or workshop. Buy it only for the manufacture of tiles is only if you are planning a homemade mini business. For the manufacture of tiles under their own needs, you can lend a concrete mixer from familiar or rent.
Vibrostol.	We are necessary for high-quality sealing of the solution in the form that the finished tile was more durable and weatherproof. If you skip the vibration process, air bubbles and pores will remain in the tile, in which water will fall and destroy the product. Resistance to mechanical loads will be below 30%.	Vibrostoles are expensive equipment, so the purchase is justified only to start a business. For yourself, you can make the table yourself, and with small volumes - to do the old washing machineincluded in the spin mode.
Forms	We need to give a concrete solution of a given configuration, creating a decorative effect.	You can buy inexpensive plastic forms in the store, adapt under these needs unnecessary plastic containers or silicone baking molds, or make an exclusive model yourself.
Measuring tanks or scales	We will be needed for the correct dosage of plasticizer and dye. Establishing the proportion, you guarantee the same high quality of all products and color match between tiles from different batches.	You can use kitchen fixtures, only the containers can already be used to eat. Kitchen scales measuring building materials, better protect the film.
Bucket, Tazik	Create when kneading the solution and when removing the resistant tiles from the form.	Construction or economic containers are suitable.
Rack	We are necessary for drying products in forms, and then to dry the plates after the platform. Since non-disgraced tiles can not be laid on each other in order to avoid defects, the equipment of the shelving is required.	The tiles can be decomposed on the shelves in the garage or place on the building pallets under the canopy. The main thing is to arrange the tiles strictly horizontally into one layer and protect them from the rain.

How to make vibrotole yourself

Pouring plates without vibration an order reduces the durability of the product, although appearance This is first and imperceptibly. Adding an additional plasticizer to a solution slightly improves the situation, but experienced masters still advise the use of at least a handicraft vibrationtol.

Scheme of a device of simple vibrostol

As can be seen from the scheme, the main difference between the vibrationtol from the usual in the fact that the table top is attached to the base is not hard, but through the springs. This allows you to create the necessary vibration and simultaneously provide a steady horizontal position of the tile. If you have an unnecessary kitchen table with a metal cable, it may well be the basis for the desired equipment. It will only be left to attach a worktop through the springs and fix the motor from the old washing machine under it.

If you solved firmly to make a full-featured analogue of industrial vibrationtol, you should start with the drawing.

Detailed drawing of vibrostol with exact dimensions

In the drawing found, you can change:

• the height of the legs (the main thing is to have enough material and it was convenient for you to use);
• the proportions and the size of the countertops (it is desirable that all forms of one batch are placed on the table);
• the number of springs (if it seems to you that the available springs are weak, you can add to four in the corners more than the midline of long parties).

If you wish, you can accurately reproduce this drawing, or choose more suitable on the network.

The following tools and materials will be needed to implement the project:

• the welding machine (the wooden base for the product does not suit, and the cas' mount on the bolts quickly breaks away from vibration, so without welding it is not necessary);
• bulgarian for cutting metal with appropriate disks (it is better to buy consumables with a margin);
• drill for drilling mounting holes with a sharp drill;
• the electric motor (for the manufacture of a small batch there will be a suspicious single-phase motor with a capacity of 700 W);
• a metal sheet for a tabletop is 6 mm thick or more (you can do a thinner sheet, but it will be necessary to enhance with rods or a grid and weld to the frame from the corner);
• metal corner (To determine the amount of material, fold 4 table lengths and 4 widths);
• pipes suitable length for table legs;
• cut pipes with a diameter of 2-4 mm larger than the diameter of the springs (needed to build glasses);
• 4 springs with a size of 120x60 mm (used used valve springs from the truck motor, which are often emitted to a hundred)

The correct spring for the vibrationtol under the weight of the tile will be asked by 50%.

If you can position the vibrotole indoors, it is worth attaching it to the floor. It is not worth a welding, it is enough for long hardware, fixed by self-exchanging locknuts (they are only stronger from vibration).

This electronic potentiometer model is suitable for working in a standard 220 volt power grid.

To create the perfect vibration, you may need to select the rotation speed of the motor. Therefore, in the manufacture of vibrationtol, do not save on an electronic potentiometer. It will help you configure the device for optimal tile seal.

Let's start working:

1. Weld up the joints of the vibrationtol, following the proposed scheme. Be sure to control the correctness of the angles and the location of the glasses under the springs so that the tile lay strictly horizontally and does not "jumped" from the table when working.

   Corner clamp - the best device for proper welding of straight corners

2. Cut the metal sheet to the necessary sizes and breed to it around the perimeter a narrow strip or a corner so that the side is formed with a height of at least 5 cm.

   The wider the corner, the higher the side and the reliable table top

3. We breed the springs to the base and the countertop, placing them exactly in the center of the glasses.

   Springs are welded along the corners of the island, it remains to secure the tabletop

4. Place the electric motor under the table top, if necessary, weld a separate mount under it. On the motor shaft, fasten the ship with a displaced center.

   Motor mounting can be built from residual corners or pipes

5. Connect the potentiometer and output the wire with the switch to the table convenient to work and secure it on the leg.

   If the button does not fix it, it can slip from vibration

6. Hardly lock the table on the basis of the most convenient way (the choice depends on where the working device will be worth it). If the table does not shift during operation, it is not necessary to fix it.

   Tests of this vibrationtole showed: it is quite massive and does not shifts while working

After assembling the design, tests without tiles should be carried out and make sure the reliability of all connections. If necessary, correct the welds, adjust the speed of the electric motor, draw another adjustment.

Video: Vibrostol manufacture

Varieties for sidewalks

Forms for tiles should be distinguished primarily by design:

• open (essenti Frame without top and bottom) are designed to fill tiles right at the place of use;
• molds are suitable only for vibration.

There are also special metal forms for vibropressing, but they are only needed in production.

Variety of non-standard forms for paving slabs

If we talk about the design of sidewalk tiles, here manufacturers offer hundreds of various forms for the manufacture of beautiful tiles:

• geometric tile (squares, rectangles, five-, six-, octagons, circles);
• paving slaves (imitation of old masonry by cobblestones, small bricks, rounded cubes);
• patterned tile (Models "Lily", "Antique", "Rondo" and other with small detailed ornaments);
• fantasy forms (leaves, turtles, fish, lizards, puzzles, scales);
• tile with bas-relief (convex images of Greek heroes, dragons, snakes, characters of the Chinese epic, etc.).

Manufacturers offer forms for the manufacture of halves of tiles, which allows not to cut entire products when laying.

Table: Comparison of forms for paving slabs from different materials

Material for form	Properties of form
Metal	Metal forms are manufactured for vibropressing, in the form of a formwork for filling on site or in the form of a stamp for simulating tiles. Molds for vibrating metal are not produced.
Rubber	Rubber forms in our time are practically not performed, but if you manage to find old forms in the attic without cracks, you can safely use them. Such forms are perfectly different from concrete, so it is easy to get a challenging tile of a complex configuration. In this case, the rubber is rather dense, a thickness of 20 to 60 mm, the ends are practically not deformed under the pressure of concrete. The rubber form design can also be very detailed and original, it is a great way to distinguish between neighbors. If this treasure did not turn out in your bins, you can search for a second-hand ad network. Such products in good condition can do even cheaper than plastic analogs.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)	This polymer is used to make thin-walled forms (0.8 mm), so withstands up to 60 fill cycles. At the same time, the material keeps geometry well and perfectly reproduces the texture on the finished tile, so it is popular with those who produce tiles for their own sect. The price of forms from PVC is twice as smaller than their complete analogs of ABS plastic. If you plan to make less than 100 m 2 tiles, such forms may well be suitable for your purposes.
ABS plastic	ABS is a more dense polymer, moreover, the thickness of the forms made from it is 2 mm. Therefore, forms are characterized by geometrical stability, but at the same time quite mobile to move away from concrete without difficulty. ABS form make it possible to get a beautiful glossy tile with a clear pattern and are suitable for the manufacture of the most complex tiles. In addition, they are able to withstand more than 600 fill cycles and are suitable for the production of concrete products for sale. But when buying should be followed, so as not to choose falsification - a complete analogue of the form from secondary plastic or polyethylene. Look at shape: it should glitter and when you press fasten without forming cracks.
Granulated polystyrene	Another polymer capable of providing your tile is a clear shape and a beautiful glossy surface. One form is enough for a sequential casting of 100 tiles. Due to the special robers of rigidity, filled with a concrete mixture of a form of granulated polystyrene can be laid immediately after vibration in the stack. This greatly simplifies the manufacturing process and requires less area. In addition, in such forms, concrete is frozen after a day and the next day they can be used again. Concrete leaves so good that they do not need to wash, and the price pleases. It can be said that this is the perfect option for the rapid manufacture of the desired number of tiles during the vacation time. Manufacturers offer forms from primary and secondary polystyrene. The first is better departed from concrete, the second serve 4 times longer. Which of these qualities it is more important to solve you.
Sheet polystyrene	The advantages of forms are similar to products from granulated material. But the forms of proper quality are difficult to find, in the market the mass of fakes. Experts recommend buying forms with a thickness of 2 mm and only if there is a protective film.
Silicone	Silicone is soft and flexible, so the platform of finished products is not problems, and the preliminary lubricant is not needed at each fill. The material well reproduces a fine detailed texture, so the tile is decorative. Silicone forms are most often done for exclusive products to order, so the cost of each is very high. For mass consumers, there are mainly small molds with imitation of the texture of stone or brick. At the same time, the service life is minimal - only 50 cycles. In addition, to obtain tiles with perfect geometry, it is necessary to construct an additional formwork for the form so that the sides are not deformed under the pressure of the solution. In general, the use of silicone forms is justified only when you need very unusual non-standard and complex products that cannot be made in other forms. In this case, it is possible to make a form independently from the available two-phase compound.
Polyurethane	This polymer is similar to properties on silicone, but it is even more expensive. Experts recommend applying it in cases when you need to bed large square plates individual design . It is also suitable for making complex forms with your own hands and is able to withstand hundreds of fill cycles.

Gallery: Forms for paving slabs from different materials

How to make forms do it yourself

Homemade forms for sidewalk tiles are justified in two cases: either you want to save as much as possible, or you are going to create a completely exclusive design. In the first case, you should use fir-handed materials: wood, plastic trimming, unnecessary trays, molded plastic from packaging.

The process of manufacturing patterned paving slabs in self-made form

Consider the process of manufacturing a form based on the rubber rug.

To create such a form, you will need a sheet of plastic or any other smooth material and four shocks for sidewalls (you can take an unnecessary box from the old bedside table). The base of the base and sidewall will need to be sealed with construction silicone. It is desirable that the form size was accurately fitted under the rug parameters. The rug should be carefully fixed on the bottom of the same construction sealant. To check the correctness of the assembly, try pouring into the form of water, it will help to detect slots. Treat oil shape, and you can start the first fill.

Manufacturing tiles in homemade wooden form

Wooden formwork can serve as a basis for more complex forms. For example, such a rolling hexagon can be made from any bore-founded areas, you only need to fir the geometry and carefully check the dimensions. If you wish, you can build the shape divided into the cells in size with vibrationtole and pour and drying right on it.

The process of manufacturing a silicone form for paving

It will not work without formwork and the process of creating a silicone form. For the manufacture, it is desirable to have a sample of the desired tile or fill the formwork by stones of a suitable form, pebbles, tiles, etc. The bottom of the formwork is best filled with sculptural plasticine and already put the selected samples on it so that they do not move during the fill. After that, it follows strictly according to the instructions (each manufacturer its own) mix the components of the silicone compound and fill the formwork. Can be made in one formwork to several forms, or create different variants location or shape of stones.

By the same technology, self-made forms of plaster, polyurethane, injection molded plastic are manufactured.

The forms of any origin before use should be lubricated by the "emulsol" spinning oil or an emulsion of 1.5 liters of soap solution and 50 g of vegetable / mineral oil.

Video: Testing lubricants for forms

Materials for solutions

When making a solution, you will need:

• cement brand is not lower than M500 to ensure tile strength;
• sand (necessarily purified and carefully sinking) as a filler;
• small gravel or screening (filler, enhances the solution, makes the product as a textured);
• pure water room temperature without sediment;
• fiber fiber for reinforcing tiles, increase resistance to mechanical loads (instead of fiber, you can put a reinforcing mesh into each form);
• plasticizer with C-3 marking (makes a solution with a homogeneous, increases frost and water resistance, reduces cement consumption);
• dye for concrete mixes in the form of a powder or a finished solution (if you need a colored tile).

To give tile additional water-repellent properties and speed up the screwdriver, you can add liquid glass into the solution.

For tiles need fresh cement. Squeeze the powder in the fist: if everything has been poured, it will come up if I got together in a lump - too old.

How to knead the solution

1. Moisten the walls of the concrete mixtures, pour into the tank 2 l warm water And completely dissolve plasticizer in it.

   Liquid plasticizer is easier in operation, it dissolves quickly and without lumps

2. In a separate container, mix the dye with hot water In proportion 1: 3 and stir until complete dissolution.

   The higher the concentration of the pigment, the brighter it turns out the tile

3. When you make sure there is no lumps in both solutions, mix them and add sand to the concrete mixer, after 30 seconds - explorer, after 20 seconds after it is cement. Add water as needed until you use the specified volume.

   Calculate the volume of one portion so that your concrete mixer could wash it high quality

4. The ready mass should be homogeneous, without foreign inclusions and stay on the trough the slide is not slipping.

   With a solution of proper consistency, it is easy to work workshk any form

Table: optimal proportions of components for paving slabs

How to calm down, dry and make a platform

1. The finished solution is bottled by lubricated forms, it is possible directly on the vibrationtole.

   Rectangular molds are located on the table denser, which allows you to increase the party

2. After that, the vibration is launched, during which the mixture is constructed and it will be necessary to attach it. The batch of tiles without plasticizer keep 3 minutes on the vibrationtole, without it - 30 seconds, or before the appearance of white foam.

   Foam clearly visible on the forms, then the air has already come out of the solution

3. Further, you should bite filled with film filled and leave to dry on the rack for 2-3 days.

   OSP sheets + pipe trim \u003d temporary rack

4. The coil tile is easily removed from the form, it is enough to beat the ends and shake the product on a soft litter. But if it does not work, lower the form for a few seconds in hot water - the form will expand and the tile will slip out.

   Vertical warehousing prevents split tiles during storage

Video: Paving tile do it yourself

Laying of paving slabs with their own hands - step by step instructions

To put the paving slabs on their own it will be physically difficult, so it is worth inviting one or two assistants to work.

Necessary materials and tools

• trowel to work with a solution;
• pins for tile climb;
• manual traam;
• marking pegs and cord;
• water level;
• pipe / beam as a guide;
• lake or watering hose for sealing sand pillows;
• rake, broom;
• m500 brand cement;
• clean sophisticated sand.

Performance

1. Draw the track location plan and make marking on the ground with the help of pegs and cord. Note that for normal drainage it is necessary to make a slope of 5 mm per 1 m length.
2. Prepare the foundation of the track, removing the top layer of the Earth with the grass and compacting the remaining soil. It can be done by a manual tamper, but it is better to rent a special vibrator. The depth of the resulting trench should be 20-30 cm.

   Burgundy elements can be bought or drop independently from the same solution as the tile

3. Put geotextiles into the trench and form a cushion from the layer of rubble and sand over it. Failure a pillow.

   Methods for creating pillows under paving slabs

4. Over the pillow, put the tile in the direction from ourselves taking into account the position of the marking cord. The width of the seams is regulated by plastic crosses. If necessary, cut the tile on the fragments for a dense filling of the space between the borders. Align the position of the tile of the Cyans.

   The larger the tile, the longer there should be a level

5. Mix sand and cement in the proportion of 3: 1 and pour with a dry mixture of the seams between the tiles.

   If you do not have a similar tool, I will completely come down with a mop with an old foam roller

6. Remove the residues of the sand from the track and fill it with water from the watering can either pipe with a spray.

   Folk craftsmen manage to fall asleep seams with sand and moisturize them at the same time

7. Install borders if they were not mounted earlier.

   Determine profitability

   On average, it turns out that 1 m 2 homemade paving slabs costs 55% cheaper than purchased. And if you consider that the resource of forms is enough for 100-200 cycles, the following parties will be even more profitable. Of course, with the existing level of competition, it is no longer profitable to create a business for the production of sidewalk tiles, but it is worth making it for your own needs.

   Now you have all the necessary knowledge in order to be successfully made and put on your site beautiful and durable paving slabs.

For the device pedestrian tracks and paving driveways to the garage in the country or the household plot, a small amount of tiles is required. It can be performed independently, having minimal skills, necessary components and relatively inexpensive equipment. Observing the process technology and adhering to the requirements that determine the composition and proportion when mixing the solution for paving slabs, it is possible to achieve acceptable results even at home. And get rid of "serous" and make sidewalks brighter will allow the addition of various pigment dyes to the concrete mix.

Methods for making concrete tiles

The main differences in the production of paving slabs is the availability and simplicity of its manufacture. Two main technologies are widely used today:

• vibropressing based on the deadlines of concrete with low water content on special equipment;
• vibrolier, requiring adding plasticizers to the mixture.

In the first case, tiled forms of semi-humid concrete solution are filling, followed by its seal using stationary vibration presses. The process of vibropressing sidewalks from concrete is maximally automated, which affects its high performance.

In the matrix, located on the bed, lay ready concrete mix. Being in working mode, Puinson begins to put pressure on concrete while moving the press until the mass acquires the required density. After that, the punch together with the matrix rises, and the molded products remain on the bed.

Vibrolic technology provides a sealing mixture on a constantly functioning vibrationtole. The solution in this case is placed in rubber or plastic forms of various configurations, carefully tracking the correctness of their filling. The excess concrete mix is \u200b\u200bcut, and after the vibration treatment of products, the form is transferred to a warm place for drying for two days, after which the finished tiles are removed.

This method is used by homemade masters with independent manufacture of sidewalks of concrete, the quality of which depends largely on which the proportions of water relative to the concrete were used when mixing the mortar mass, and whether the technology was observed when performing work.

Both making concrete tiles make it possible to obtain products with low porosity and high density.

In the case of the manufacture of colored tiles, a two-layer fill of the concrete mixture is used. The color composition is used as the lower layer, after the murmur of which, on top poured the main concrete mixture to the full depth of the form.

Comparison of paving slabs made by different technologies

Products created by vibration, aesthetic, have a smooth and slippery surface. On urban streets, such tiles are not recommended, since in the winter under the thin layer of ice they can "assist" to obtain injuries when falling. In addition, the joint impact of moisture and frost can destroy the litter paving slabs from concrete.

But for private territories, where the cleaning pedestrian tracks are strictly monitored, and sometimes even the heating systems are laid, the laying of independently manufactured tiles is quite acceptable. The main thing is not to give to fall on their surface of the land.

It is possible to increase the frost resistance of products performed by the vibrolying method using plasticizers and modifiers. But they are quite expensive and increase the cost of finished concrete tiles.

The method of vibratoryropressing provides a rough surface of the products and sufficient frost resistance, so they are widely used during the pavement of pedestrian tracks. The manufacturing technology provides in the solution a low indicator of water proportion in relation to cement, so finished products are different:

• low water absorption coefficient;
• high strength;
• clear geometric shapes;
• abrasion resistance;
• the possibility of additional grinding and applying anti-slip strips;
• ability to maintain the original color;
• minimal involvement of manual labor;
• great performance.

At the same time, the dignity is also the paving slabs from concrete produced by the method of vibrolying. It:

• the possibility of manufacturing products in private household conditions;
• use of available equipment and materials;
• presentable view;
• the probability of producing a large range of tiles in small quantities in a short period of time.

Paving tiles independent production

It is possible to make concrete tiles with your own hands only by vibration. In this case, expensive equipment will not be required, additional production areas, and there is no need for household products.

But the room, nevertheless, you will have to think. Full suitable option It will be a spacious barn or an empty garage. The main thing is that the electrical wiring is supplied to them, good lighting and heating in the winter period are organized.

A prerequisite is a dry microclimate inside the structure so that cement and plasticizers can be stored under the required conditions.

Another point to pay attention to. For sand, granite dropout and slag should be isolated a separate place on the area adjacent to the room. It is recommended to build a temporary canopy over it.

Materials and equipment

The composition of the concrete mix for the manufacture of tiles includes:

• cement;
• dye (if necessary);
• sand filler or GROTSEV;
• required plasticizer;
• water;
• fibrovolok.

It should be purchased and prepared:

• concrete mixer of a small volume;
• vibrostol (can be done independently);
• forms - rubber or plastic;
• lubrication for forms;
• racks - durable and reliable.

Need to stock:

• workshop;
• shovel;
• durable 10-12 liter bucket.

And you should not forget about rubber gloves that will not allow the cement "Danger" the skin of the hands.

Preparation for the process

First of all, you should lubricate the shape purified from preliminary beds with a purchased lubrication. Allowed by I. independent manufacture Suspension in the proportion of 3 parts of water and 1 part of the engine oil (spent).

The next stage of work is the preparation of a liquid mixture of plasticizer and dye. In dry cement-sand mixture It is not allowed to throw them, so the components should be dissolved with warm water (for 1l take a plasticizer and 60g dye). This volume is enough for 40 liters of concrete mix.

Preparation of mixes

In the concrete mixer, components fall asleep at the rate of 1 part of the cement into 2 parts of the filler (usually a bucket is taken in one part). Ingredients are first mixed dry, and then fiber-fiber (2 large handstone) and water mixed in proportion 1 to 4 with a previously prepared plasticizer with a pigment are added to them.

After a thorough mixing, the mixture is folded along the forms and turns on the vibrationtol for the mass seal. The further vibration process is described above.