Placement advice for natural stone tiles in garden & terrace

Natural stone is a durable and timeless material. However, for beautiful and lasting results, correct placement is essential. Below are some guidelines and tips. 

1. Preparation of the substrate

  • Provide a stable foundation.
    • Remove loose soil to a frost-free depth.
    • Apply a layer of stabilized sand cement or crushed rubble foundation (depending on the load).
  • For terraces and garden paths, a stabilization layer of 10-15 cm recommended.
  • Always check that the substrate flat and well compacted is to avoid subsidence.

2. Drainage and slope

  • Lay the tiles with a slope of ±1.5 to 2% away from the house or pool so that rainwater can drain smoothly.
  • Avoid standing water: this can cause staining and frost damage.

3. Placement of tiles

  • Use a mortar bed (sand-cement) or a thin adhesive layer on a concrete slab, depending on the situation.
  • Provide a joint width of at least 3-5 mm.
  • Check the flatness and level during installation.

4. Joints

  • Fill the joints with a flexible, frost- and water-resistant grout.
  • Avoid hard cement joints that can crack with temperature changes.
  • Make sure the joints are tightly closed to prevent weed growth and water seepage.

5. Initial cleaning and protection

  • After installation, clean the floor with a suitable cleaning agent for natural stone (no acids or aggressive products).
  • If desired, apply a impregnating agent to that protects the stone from stains and contamination without losing its natural appearance.
  • Regular maintenance with water and a mild soap is sufficient.

6. Practical Tips

  • Work with calibrated tiles for smooth placement.
  • Always use frost-resistant Belgian natural stone for outdoors.
  • Avoid installation during rain or frost to ensure adhesion.
  • For heavy loads (e.g. driveway) are thicker tiles or cobblestones designated.
  • Work with the Levelit XL system to work neatly and very nicely where the tiles are always positioned correctly

🔨 Recommendation: For perfect results, we recommend having the installation performed by a experienced craftsman. If you do want to do it yourself, follow the above steps carefully and always use the right materials.