Exclusive tiles, beautiful, spectacular and high quality are perfect option for arranging garden paths and creating other interesting elements landscape design... Due to its numerous advantages and advantages, making paving slabs at home can become not only a useful hobby for you, but also profitable and.
Benefits of home making paving slabs
The scope of application of high-quality paving slabs is currently very wide. Due to its attractive appearance, stylish design, ecological cleanliness, strength and many other positive characteristics, it can be used in the process of arrangement:
- places for rest;
- playgrounds;
- garden paths in suburban and personal plots;
- city \u200b\u200bsidewalks, etc.
Compared to traditional asphalt pavement, DIY paving slabs have numerous advantages.
Any area decorated with such tiles looks neat, attractive and aesthetic.
Of course, the production of paving slabs as a business has its undeniable advantages. This process is very interesting and does not require too large financial investments. This activity does not differ in particular complexity, therefore, even those people who are not well acquainted with the basics of construction are able to quickly master the technologies and the process of manufacturing paving slabs.
Subject to strict adherence to the technology, it is possible to achieve product quality assurance and produce such a material that can ideally withstand more than two hundred freezing and thawing cycles, and when the temperature rises, absolutely no harmful components can be emitted. Having familiarized yourself with the process of making paving slabs in the video, you can independently produce truly high-quality and reliable material.
Main production technologies
The very first thing to find out is what methods of making paving slabs exist at home. To date, two such methods are known:
- vibration pressing;
- vibration casting.
In the first case, rigid concrete mixtures with a very low liquid content are pressed. But the technology of manufacturing paving slabs by the method of vibration casting, on the contrary, implies the presence of a more liquid texture with the addition of special plasticizers.
Despite a certain difference in production process, both the first and second methods allow you to get very high quality and durable material, which is characterized by a low level of porosity and a flawless appearance of the front surface.
If you want to make tiles at home, it is recommended to add plasticizers to the concrete mix and use the vibration casting method. In this case, you will definitely need something like a vibrating table for the manufacture of paving slabs. The main essence of the process is that special electromechanical devices cause vibration, under the influence of which the concrete mixture, which is in special forms, is properly compacted.
From rubber and plastic bottles
Very interesting options are the manufacture of tiles from crumb rubber and plastic bottles... Both of these processes do not require significant financial costs.
The production of rubber paving slabs is carried out using a special volcanic press. As a result, various types of tiles can be obtained - hard, soft, multi-layer, single-layer.
Paving slabs made of plastic bottles, the production technology of which involves the use of an extruder, a heating-melting apparatus and a molding press, - the product is environmentally friendly, frost-resistant, durable, has excellent adhesion and anti-slip properties. During the manufacturing process, the polymer mixture is mixed with clean sand and dyes.
What is needed for production
To obtain a high-quality, durable and reliable material, it is necessary to have special equipment available, to use good raw materials in correct proportions, and also properly ensure the drying process in natural conditions.
So, from the equipment you will need:
- high-quality compulsory concrete mixer;
- vibrating table - purchased or made independently;
- various forms for tiles, differing in styles and sizes;
- ten-liter bucket;
- picking shovel;
- working rubber gloves.
Correctly selected components also play an important role here. For the production of paving slabs you will need:
- high-quality crushed stone of hard nonmetallic rocks of fraction from three to ten millimeters;
- cement of 500 or 400 brands, which does not contain any additives;
- high quality refined sand;
- plasticizing and modifying additives;
- pure water;
- dyes in powder form;
- special lubricant for molds.
Stages of the production process
The technology of making paving slabs with your own hands implies the implementation of all important milestones in a certain sequence:
- first of all, the forms for the tiles are prepared appropriately;
- then a high-quality concrete mixture is prepared;
- then on a special vibrating table the tiles are formed;
- after that, for two or three days, the material is kept in molds;
- the final stage is the process of stripping the finished tiles.
You can use forms made from different materials - polyurethane, silicone, galvanized metal or fiberglass. Before filling concrete mix they must be lubricated with a special compound. You can cook it yourself - for this you need to add 50 g of machine oil to one and a half liters of water and stir for a long time until the mass becomes homogeneous. Can also be used as a lubricant vegetable oil or traditional laundry soap thoroughly crushed and dissolved in water.
The production of paving slabs from plastic bottles is a solution to a number of problems. First, recycling. It used to accumulate in huge numbers and occupied kilometers of free space, and now it is useful. Secondly, this is the production of budget finishing materials: there is no shortage of plastic, the rest of the components are inexpensive. Thirdly, the technology allows you to create products of any shape and size - new opportunities for landscape design open up (sand-plastic paving slabs are outdoor). What attracts consumers to it, details of industrial and private production, features of paving slabs - this is what interests potential buyers.
Material advantages
Plastic tiles for a private house, landscaping near an office building or finishing a public area is not easy fashion trend... The reuse of raw materials is a current trend.
But she has a number of other advantages that distinguish this particular product favorably among concrete and ceramic counterparts:
- Availability. Finding it on sale will not be difficult and, recall, the cost of this building material quite acceptable.
- Wear resistance. The polymer, which underlies the product, perfectly withstands temperature extremes and heavy precipitation - it is resistant to moisture, and if liquid gets into the cracks between the plates, it does not blur the track. Plastic paving slabs are perfect for outdoor furnishings and private properties and public areas.
- Longevity. Capable of maintaining attractive appearance and durability for 50 years.
- Ease of repair. Damaged single products can be easily replaced with new ones if necessary.
- Ease of use. It seems that the surface of the tile is perfectly smooth (the consistency of the polymer contributes to this), but it does not slip: the sand particles (abrasive) prevent this, making it completely safe.
It - good decision and for the playground. Injuries on it are not uncommon, and anti-slip coating will help to significantly reduce their number.
Features of production
Unlike other outdoor finishing materials, plastic paving slabs are made as on manufacturing enterprises, and at home. This is very convenient if plastic container accumulated over several years, and you need to dispose of it. It is also a great option for those who like to do a lot with their own hands. To organize home production, you need only a small but well-ventilated room, raw materials and a few equipment for the production of plastic paving slabs:
- extrusion (melting) machine;
- molding press;
- forms.
As for materials, it is recommended to use hard polymers (those same plastic bottles) and soft polymers (plastic bags). The ratio of hard to soft plastic should be approximately 3: 2 - this will achieve best characteristics finished product... To this mixture is added pure river sand and a coloring pigment (preferably inorganic). It is not recommended to add rubber or polycarbonate to the mixture for paving slabs - this will make it neither stronger nor more elastic, but it will break the homogeneous structure.
Next, the mixture is prepared in the extrusion machine and poured into pre-prepared forms. After a few days, in natural conditions, the plastic paving slabs for summer cottages dry up and are ready for use.
You can not buy ready-made forms, but make them yourself. The result will be more interesting if you use different dyes and combine tiles of different colors.
Making molds yourself
It only seems difficult because plastic is rarely used in everyday life as a raw material. It actually takes several hours to make the mold.
Materials needed:
- wooden boards;
- screwdriver;
- saw (jigsaw);
- self-tapping screws;
- plastic;
- oil (machine oil is possible);
- oil brush.
Then - the template. They make it on paper, draw it on the ground. Or they don't do it at all - when asymmetric shapes are needed and you want to spend a minimum of time on production. Manufacturing plastic molds for paving slabs is as follows: wooden elements a frame is assembled, the inside of which is coated with oil (so that the form lags more easily). Plastic is poured into it in a uniform, not very thick layer. In the warm season, 50-80 minutes are enough for the mold to dry. The same framework can be used several times, but if you make more than one framework, the tile-making process will go faster.
The technology of manufacturing paving slabs from plastic bottles is environmentally friendly. However, it is recommended to use a respiratory protection mask and gloves when working.
Laying technology
How to make paving slabs from plastic bottles correctly is not of interest to everyone: many find it easier to buy ready-made products. But almost everyone is interested in how to properly lay such material. Subject to the right technology the coating will be resistant and durable.
If paving slabs from plastic bottles are laid with their own hands, they do it in different ways - the correct technique is determined by the conditions of further operation. The top layer of soil (15-20 cm thick) is removed from the surface of the site where the tiles are planned. Then they make a "pillow" - its composition depends on the intended use of the territory.
Tiles are laid on the "pillow" in the selected order, the cracks are covered with fine river sand, poured from a watering can - this is how the sand is compacted and its excess is removed from the tile surface. If the laying of plastic paving slabs (it does not matter, with your own hands or by the hands of a specialist) involves the use of sides, a deep concrete "cushion" is required for the sides so that the "ribs" are firmly entrenched in the ground.
Plastic paving slabs are a modern, beautiful and comfortable material. She has wonderful performance properties... It is made and laid on their own, or they turn to the masters - and just enjoy the excellent result.
For its manufacture, use:
- up to 75% well washed and calcined at high temperature sand of the middle fraction;
- up to 25% of crushed polymers, which are used as polyethylene, polystyrene or polypropylene, and, in most cases, already used;
- 1-2% inorganic dyes and astringents.
When making plastic tiles the technology of hot pressing is used, which allows to reduce its porosity and, thereby, increase its strength.
The base materials are heated to a predetermined temperature, placed in an extruder and thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained. After that, they are fed into molds in order to obtain finished piece products.
Produced types
Polymeric coating for sidewalks today is already produced at several enterprises, since the constantly growing demand has made its production sufficient profitable business. Modern manufacturer offers on the market building materials two types of piece plastic products for the device of garden paths.
The first version of the tile is made in the form of lattice squares 300x300 or 500x500 mm, while the shape of the lattice can be different. On the sides of the squares, grooves and protrusions are provided for fastening individual flat elements together into a single roadbed.
Paving slabs made of plastic in the form of lattice polymer squares do not exceed 20 mm in height and have a weight of no more than 1.5 kg. They are very easy to install, since the preparation of the base is reduced to simple alignment surface.
After that, the squares are connected together and laid directly on the ground. In addition, this material is one of the few types of coverings that grass can grow through, which allows for very original compositions.
Solid polymer sand materials can have the same geometric shape as traditional tiles or paving stones made of stone and concrete. They are quite massive and durable, but laying such plastic tiles will already require the preparation of a special base and.
Main advantages and disadvantages
On a number of technical and operational indicators, tiles made from a polymer mixture are superior to traditional road materials. Experts refer to the main advantages of these polymers:
- exceptional resistance to moisture;
- high frost resistance;
- long service life (at least 50 years);
- low cost;
- good strength and wear resistance;
- excellent environmental performance;
- a wide range of colors and shapes;
- resistance to the influence of aggressive substances;
- excellent anti-slip qualities;
- maintainability of the paved surface;
- uV resistance and color retention;
- ease of operation and cleaning.
At the same time, it is believed that plastic paving slabs have certain disadvantages:
- larger than stone materials, abrasion;
- increased coefficient of thermal expansion, which forces to leave 3-4 mm joints between the tiles;
- less strength than stone;
- the presence of curbs during installation is mandatory, since they are necessary to securely hold the edges of the track.
As you can see, the number positive sides significantly exceeds negative qualities... Therefore, when choosing a material for landscaping, it is recommended to consider the possibility of using polymer products too.
Installation of polymer sand cover
Laying plastic paving slabs on the surface is quite simple, and you can do it yourself. This will require the simplest construction tool, and:
- washed or river sand of coarse fraction;
- medium fraction crushed stone or gravel;
- cement grade PC400;
- plastic tiles or paving stones;
- concrete or plastic curbstone.
Two similar technologies are used for the construction of sidewalk coatings made of polymer materials. Laying on tamped sand and preparation of a cement-sand base. For both options, the following types of work are required:
- markup;
- removal of the top layer of soil to a depth of 25-30 cm;
- installation of a curbstone;
- to the bottom of the trench;
- filling and tamping a drainage layer 10-15 cm thick from gravel or crushed stone;
- laying geotextiles on the drainage layer;
- backfilling and tamping a layer of sand 5-15 cm thick.
Polymeric paving stones are usually placed on clean sand, since it has a higher thickness of individual piece products and a smaller surface area. Such a material, folded into a single coating, has great stability and does not require a particularly strong base.
Foundation diagram. On cement-sand mixture a thinner plastic paving slab is laid in order to have a solid base under relatively wide products. It will ensure the stability of the individual slabs even if weight pressure is applied to their edges.
Given the simultaneous strength and ductility, the preparation of the heavier concrete base usually not required. The decision about its construction is taken only by the presence of heaving and unstable soils on the site. In these cases, the sand leveling layer is replaced with a reinforced concrete monolith.
The cement-sand mixture is prepared from cement grade PC400 and washed sand of the middle fraction in a ratio of 1: 5. It is advisable to mix it in a concrete mixer to obtain the required quality level.
The order of laying material on the track is as follows:
- put about a meter row of paving slabs made of plastic or paving stones along the curb, leveling the height of the tiles with a rubber hammer;
- lay out one row across the path or sidewalk, while checking the presence of the necessary slopes with the building level;
- fill the area indicated by these rows with tiles or paving stones;
- then lay the material, filling such small areas.
It should be remembered that when using a mixture of sand with cement, only dry material is placed in the base, therefore it is not recommended to immediately fill the entire track with the mixture.
After finishing the laying, all existing joints must be filled with dry clean sand. To do this, the material is poured onto the surface and scattered over it with a soft brush, thereby filling all the voids.
Every homeowner goes to great lengths to ensure that his or her area looks good. Many try to do all the arrangement on it with their own hands. This brings not only moral satisfaction, but also cost savings.
A convincing example is a tile made from plastic bottles that can be made at home. At the same time, in this way, the problem of utilization of used raw materials is also solved. You will learn how to make such a tile yourself from this article.
Why is it profitable to do it
There are several reasons prompting the owners to start arranging the sidewalk on a site from such unusual material... And, perhaps, the most important of them is the low cost of the manufactured material. There are no problems with raw materials, I mean plastic bottles, today. On the contrary, almost every homeowner has to deal with the issue of their disposal.
And, of course, an important role is played by the fact that making tiles from plastic does not require expensive equipment and special equipment. All that is needed for this is at every courtyard.
The production technology is quite simple and everyone can do it, there would be only desire and patience. And how to make paving slabs yourself from plastic bottles will be discussed below. This tile has high level wear resistance. It is easily dismantled and does not require large costs to restore it in case of damage to individual sections.
Component elements
To get paving slabs from plastic, only three main components are enough:
- Sand;
- Polymer;
- Dye.
During manufacturing, all the constituent parts are mixed, then heated and pressed under high pressure. As a result of mixing, the color of the tiles is uniform.
Advantages of the plastic bottle track
The polymer sandy coating is particularly durable. It is much more durable compared to concrete tileswhich cracks easily, especially during the cold season. Snow does not linger on a plastic product, because of the high heat resistance, ice does not form on the surface of the material. The material has good adhesion to the shoes, so there is practically no slip.
We watch the video, everything is very simple:
By many characteristics this cover significantly surpasses vibratory plates and other analogues.
The tile made from plastic bottles has a number of features that distinguish it favorably from the cement version. In particular, these are:
- High bending strength;
- Low specific gravity;
- Significant operational period;
- Impact resistance;
- Low rate of water absorption;
- Frost resistance;
- Easy care;
- Without special efforts lends itself to sawing and drilling.
In addition, the material does not lose its original appearance over the years, since it is highly resistant to direct sunlight.
Paving slabs from ordinary bottles
Coating production requires the following equipment:
- Extruder;
- Melting apparatus;
- Forming press.
Although the manufacturing process is environmentally friendly, it should nevertheless take place in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
The production technology is not complicated and consists of following points... First, the plastic containers are placed in the extruder. They are finely crushed, the formed small pieces are heated with constant stirring.
At the next stage, the resulting mixture enters the melting apparatus. Wet sand and dye are also added there. As a result of mixing and heating to a certain temperature, a viscous mass is obtained at the outlet, which is quickly poured into pre-prepared forms. Then it is rammed pressing equipment... At the end of the process, the finished tiles are allowed to cool down.
The resulting polymer sandy product is almost no different in shape from ordinary concrete or cement tiles, since the same molds are used in their production for casting.
Plastic tiles can be different color, any shape, texture and vary in size.
Main material characteristics
In many of them, the material compares favorably with similar products. First of all, it should be noted that it is an ecologically completely clean product. During its operation, no emissions of carcinogenic substances hazardous to human health are observed.
The tile is able to withstand repeated freezing without losing its properties. The material, despite its considerable strength, is quite ductile. It is highly resistant to aggressive acids and other chemically active substances.
The substance of the product does not soften as a result of heating by the sun's rays. Its surface does not slip, as it has good adhesion to the sole of the shoe.
Another positive quality coatings - maintainability. The damaged element can be easily replaced with another one. The material does not fade in the sun and is preserved in its original form. Availability of various colors contributes to the fact that the tiles can be used to solve any design project... It is used in the beautification of a wide variety of landscapes.
DIY plastic bottle tiles do not interfere with the flow of water into the soil. No puddles form on its surface, which means that in winter time there will be no ice on the sidewalk.
When manufacturing the material, the ratio of the raw materials used is as follows:
- Sand - 94 parts;
- Plastic - 5 parts;
- Color pigment - 1 part.
What polymer raw materials can be used
Having decided to make tiles at home, you should worry about the presence of not only sand, but also plastic in sufficient quantities. If in your household used plastic containers missing is not a problem. Polymer waste can be found in the area, especially in natural landfills. In extreme cases, it can be purchased, and not for a lot of money, at points of reception of recyclable materials.
Watching the video different kinds tracks:
Plastic waste does not need to be sorted and cleaned. Under influence high temperatures when melted, the paper or food debris will burn and will not affect the quality of the finished product.
The production of paving slabs, both industrial and independent, from plastic bottles allows the use of any polymer material... Including the old plastic wrap or packages. It is desirable that half of the composition of the raw materials are rigid polymers, such as:
- Polypropylene;
- Polystyrene.
The cost of such waste is approximately 3 thousand rubles.
In the manufacture of tiles, the moisture content of the sand should be within 10%, and the content of clay and other impurities should not exceed 20 percent.
Nowadays, you can buy a dye of any color. It is inexpensive, the cost of a kilogram of the substance is about 90 rubles. You can do without it, but the products will turn out boring gray shade... Such tiles look stylish on garden paths will no longer be.
It should be noted that the material is durable. It has high strength and abrasion resistance. Painted tiles are externally beautiful and may have different shape... And most importantly, everyone can do it independently at home.
To save color, layer-by-layer casting is sometimes used. In this case, a colorless layer is laid on the colored layer, which in turn is covered again with a colored one. The thickness of each layer is 1-2 centimeters.
Defective tiles or debris left after cutting can be reused by crushing them. Experts advise that the molds be treated with a special compound before pouring, which will prevent the solution from sticking to the walls.
Polymer sand tiles are a good alternative to traditional concrete paving stones. Due to its high performance characteristics, the product easily copes with the tasks assigned to it. The finished elements are characterized by low weight, high strength and durability, a large selection of colors and shapes. In this regard, many entrepreneurs decide to build their business on the manufacture of this sidewalk covering. The article will describe polymer sand tiles and their production. We will also describe the manufacture of polymer tiles at home.
Characteristics and advantages of polymer tiles
Polymer-sandy sidewalk products have the following composition:
- the main volume (3/4) is occupied by quartz sand;
- a quarter of the composition is high-pressure plastics;
- pigments.
Due to this composition, polymer raw materials are resistant to external influences and at the same time plastic, which facilitates the formation of the future product. The advantages of this material include the following:
- Such sidewalk tiles will last up to thirty years.
- A special production technology makes it possible to manufacture a product that is resistant to temperature extremes and its extreme indicators (withstands up to minus 70 ° C). The plastic in the tile increases the moisture resistance of the product. Thanks to the sandy components, the pavement is resistant to aggressive liquids and oils. The tile can withstand significant loads.
- During the manufacturing process, the product is given the desired color and shape, which guarantees a wide range of products. There is also a choice of surface options (matte, structured, glossy).
- Recycling of PVC waste (plastic bottles, boxes, bags) solves the problem of their disposal.
- Light weight, strength and low abrasion.
- The product does not emit toxic fumes when exposed to sunlight.
- Maintainability and easy installation.
- The coating does not accumulate dirt and is easy to clean.
- The possibility of making at home.
- Extensive scope of use (as coatings for sidewalks and areas in private households and in public places).
Material used
The production of polymer tiles requires the following raw materials:
- used as a binder crushed polymers, they occupy a quarter of the volume (usually polystyrene, polypropylene and LDPE are used);
- sand acts as the main filler (it accounts for 75% of the total volume), well-sifted medium-sized sand is chosen (it must be washed and heated to high temperatures;
- inorganic pigments (to obtain red, orange or brown tiles, iron oxide is used, to obtain a green coating, chromium oxide is used, titanium dioxide allows to obtain white tiles).
In order to reduce the cost of purchasing raw materials, the practice of making tiles from plastic bottles and other PVC products, for example, boxes or even film (but in the latter case, not more than half of the volume of all polymers). Since the polymer is neutral chemical composition, nitric acid acts as a solvent. To obtain a homogeneous mixture, the plastic is melted at a temperature of 180 ° C and high pressure... The melting process is called extrusion.
Necessary equipment
The production of paving slabs from plastic bottles is impossible without the use of special equipment:
- plastic crushing machine;
- libra;
- melting apparatus;
- press forms;
- press;
- extruder;
- listing equipment for the production of polymer sand tiles, it is worth mentioning devices for cooling products;
- loaders will be needed to move the finished product.
For the production of plastic tiles at home, a molding press, a melting apparatus and an extruder are sufficient. If the production will be established on an industrial scale, then one cannot do without a forming unit, a thermo-screw mixing machine and a polymer crusher.
Important! When making tiles for own needs a drill with a mixer nozzle is used to mix the components.
Also, for the production of tiles from plastic bottles, you will need molds for pouring the mixture. They are bought on the Internet. There are molds made of plastic, rubber and fiberglass. Rubber molds are the most durable (withstand up to 500 cycles), but also expensive. Fiberglass products suitable for large tiles, but need additional lubrication. The most commonly used forms of ABS plastic.
Advice! Don't forget to buy curbstone molds.
Tile making technology at home
The production of polymer-sand tiles is carried out in several ways:
- The method of hot pressing a polymer mixture.
- Vibration casting using plasticizers.
Vibration casting makes it possible to obtain products with low porosity. Hot pressing is used to produce tiles with excellent technical and operational characteristics... At the factory, for the production of polymer sandy coatings, the technology of vibration casting and hot pressing is used simultaneously.
Tiles for own needs are produced directly on the street or in well-ventilated rooms.
The manufacturing sequence is as follows:
- Plastic bottles are put into an extruder to grind raw materials. Old plastic boxes are sometimes used instead of bottles.
- Then the heated mixture is poured into a melting apparatus. Moistened sand and dyes are also added there. As a result of mixing and simultaneous heating, a mixture of a viscous consistency is obtained.
- This composition is poured into molds and pressed on special equipment.
- The finished products are cooled.
Covering technology
Do-it-yourself polymer sand tiles are laid quite simply. Laying is performed on one of two types of base:
- crushed stone;
- sandy.
When laying on a sandy base, work is carried out in the following sequence:
- In the place where the tiles are supposed to be laid, the soil is removed to a height of 150-200 mm.
- The soil is leveled and the slope is created for the drainage of sedimentary waters. The surface is rammed.
- On the sides of the path or platform, ditches are made for laying curb stones. The bottom of the ditches is compacted.
- Then sand is poured into the prepared curb ditches to a height of 50 mm. The sand is moistened with water and rammed.
- Strictly along the line of the curb, pegs are driven into the ground and the cord is pulled.
- The bottom of the grooves is poured cement mortar and install curbs.
- Geotextile strips are laid on the compacted base of the paths with an overlap of up to 20 cm. The edges of the strips are connected with tape.
- Next, sand is poured in several layers, followed by wetting with water. Also remember to tamp each layer.
- Lay on the sand reinforcement mesh with a cell size of 5 by 5 cm. On top of the mesh, backfill is made from a dry mixture of sand and cement (observe the proportion of 3 to 1). The filling is slightly wetted with water.
- Now they start laying the tiles. The elements are laid out on the sand at a distance of 3-5 millimeters from each other. Use a rubber mallet for leveling.
- Seams between the sidewalk elements are filled with sand.
If desired, it can be compared to the cost of laying paving slabs.