Slate Pavers & Removing Grass

Design

• Creating a design for your slate surface before you break ground forces you to think the project through from start to finish, ensuring you'll get the results you want. Consider the purpose of the surface and surrounding landscape features as you consider different patterns for the slate. Slate pavers are in uniform blocks so they can fit together in a number of patterns. If your landscape features geometric shapes, consider a parquet pattern to add balance.

Preparation

• Slate pavers typically lay over a base of gravel and sand or concrete and mortar. You remove grass within the building site and compact the soil to force out moisture and air pockets. Remove grass by cutting through the ground with a square-tipped shovel or spade and sliding it beneath the roots. Place the slices of grass into a wheelbarrow and transfer them to a bare area in your yard. Re-plant the grass by first turning the soil and mixing it with compost. Water the grass generously to encourage root systems to develop in the new area.

Installation

• The quality of your foundation determines the amount of maintenance you'll need to do. Pouring a 3-inch layer of concrete aggregate over the site facilitates drainage and keeps the slate pavers from sinking into the ground. Your foundation will also prevent weeds and grass from growing between the pavers and protect the surface from frost heave damage. Once you build the foundation you can install the slate pavers directly on a sand bedding or mortar. Adjust the pavers until they are level with each other to avoid an uneven surface that will be difficult to fix.

Maintenance

• Covering a slate paver surface with sealant prevents erosion and fading and makes the surface easier to clean. While grass is not likely to grow beneath a concrete or gravel foundation, it may encroach along the edge of the surface over time. You can install concrete curbing or dig out the grass and lay gravel edging to block grass from growing over the sides.