How to Install Archatrak Porcelain Cobblestone Tiles

Cobblestone Tile Installation

Although the intrinsic strength of Archatrak cobblestone 8″ x 8″ and 8″ x 12″ tiles allows them to support vehicular traffic, their relatively small size and 3/4″ thickness can give rise to some instability or movement if laid directly on a sand/gravel base.  Hence for driveways, parking areas and other areas subject to light vehicular traffic, cobblestone tiles should normally be laid with mortar over a reinforced concrete base, followed by grouting, as described here.

For patios and other spaces subject to infrequent vehicular traffic, the tiles can also be laid over the interlocking panel system supplied by UltraBaseSystems. The basic installation method is shown in the video and also described in outline below although, the pavers shown are concrete and not porcelain.

The basic benefit of the UltraBase System is that the high psi strength and structural integrity of the UltraBaseSystems interlocking panels requires minimal ground excavation to be undertaken but nevertheless a structurally sound base capable of supporting the weight of vehicles is created. It also enables the pavers to maintain planarity – less likely to become misaligned or uneven in height due to movement in the sub-base.

Installation Guidelines

01
Remove any grass or organic matter down to root level. Use a plate compactor to compact the ground, then level with a screed board.
02
Lay a strong geosynthetic stabilization fabric over the area to act as a sub-base between the ground and the panels.
03
Lay UltraBaseSystems panels cell side upwards over the fabric
04
Fill the cells with crushed rock and top with a thin leveling course of sand. Brush the sand into the cells.
05
Lay a lightweight geotextile fabric over the sand to prevent sand wash through.
06
Place the cobblestones over the fabric using sand spacers with a flat base as shown in the Over Sand or Gravel Beds installation page.
07
Install a plastic or aluminum paver edge around the perimeter and secure with spikes.
08
Fill the gaps between the pavers with sand.

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