Dry Laying

Dry installation is a method in which pavers can be placed directly on the ground, without using screeds, mortars or glues.
THE BENEFITS OF DRY INSTALLATION
- Easy installation and removal;
- Trouble-free water drainage with no modification of substrate.
INTENDED USES
Ideal where building is not possible or for permanent pavings. Used for pedestrian traffic only.

Walkways and pathways

Beach resorts

Exhibitions and events

Gardens and Patios

Gazebos
FIND OUT ABOUT DRY INSTALLATION FOR EVERY TYPE OF TERRAIN
01.
DRY LAYING ON SAND OR ON DRAINAGE GRAVEL
01.
DRY LAYING ON SAND OR ON DRAINAGE GRAVEL
DRY LAYING ON SAND

DRY LAYING ON DRAINAGE GRAVEL

1. Prepare a substrate about 8” to 10” (20 – 25 cm) wider than the perimeter of the paved area. The paved area must remain at a distance from any buildings.
2. Compact the substrate.
3. Lay a geotextile membrane on top to stabilize it and limit the removal of material from the gaps between the pavers and minimise the occurrence of weeds or insects.
4. Fill the dug area to a depth of 6”-8”(15 – 20 cm) with mixed gravel and crushed rock. Compact the layer.
5. Always insert an edge restraint, fixing it suitably to the substrate in accordance with the manufacturer’s indications based on the type of material used for the substrate.
6. Second 3/8” – 3/4” (1-2 cm) layer of sand or a2” (5 cm) layer of 3/8” (1 cm) open-graded aggregate.The layer should be wetted and well compacted.The layer of sand should be wetted, well compacted and levelled with a 2° pitch.
7. Lay the pavers over the top of the sand using 3/16” (0,45 cm) spacers between the pavers.Check the levels from time to time.
8. The joint between slabs may be left open orfilled with sand.
The indications and illustrations 8A – 8B – 8C are combined with the operations for the joint filled by sand:
8A. Sweeping and compacting of the tile sand.
8B. Blowing of the tile sand.
8C. Shower and rinse simultaneously, so as to eliminate any sand residue.











The stratigraphic sequences illustrated are to be considered purely indicative and their sole purpose is to show the type of application to be used to obtain a perfectly laid floor.We strongly recommend reference be made to the work managment regulations in force in the destination country. For any futher information or suggestions please contact the Kronos ceramiche technical department.
02.
DRY LAYING ON A CONCRETE PLATFORM
02.
DRY LAYING ON A CONCRETE PLATFORM

1. Make sure that there are no substantial / structural cracks in the concrete surface that would compromise its stability.It is advisable to make sure that the upper surface has roughly a 1° to 2° slope.
2. Make a series of drainage holes (about ½” {1,25 cm}) creating a grid of roughly 24”x24” (60×60 cm)
3. Install an edge restraint of a suitable height, fixing it to the substrate.
4. Cover the concrete surface with a geotextile membrane to limit the washing away of the layer of sand.
5. Spread a 3/8” to 3/4” (1 e 2 cm) thick layer of sand, wet it and compact it.
6. Always use Kronos plastic spacers for the 3/16” (0,45 cm) joints between the pavers, inserting T-shaped spacers around the edges.






With the illustrations we show a cross-section of a typical installation. In practice, all considerations must be reviewed by a qualified and experienced professional, taking into account the specific nature of the site and the regulations in force at the site. The thickness of the various draining layers must be determined based on the ground conditions and the specific features of the site.
03.
LAYING “STEPPING-STONE” STYLE, DIRECTLY ON LAWN
03.
LAYING “STEPPING-STONE” STYLE, DIRECTLY ON LAWN

1. Lay the pavers out on the ground to establish the number of steps needed for the garden path, making sure the slabs are placed at equal distance from each other.
2. Mark the perimeter of each slab with a spade and then remove the slabs.
3. Remove the turf up to a depth of 8” (20 cm).
4. Fill the dug area with 3/4” (2 cm) open-graded aggregate (Thickness around 7” {18 cm}).Compact and level the bedding.
5. Cover with a 3/8”-3/4” (1-2 cm) layer of 3/8” (1 cm) open-graded aggregate. Level and compact the layer, providing a 2° pitch.
6. Lay the slabs so there is a fall of about 1/5” (0.5 cm) between the slab and the ground.
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With the illustrations we show a cross-section of a typical installation. In practice, all considerations must be reviewed by a qualified and experienced professional, taking into account the specific nature of the site and the regulations in force at the site. The thickness of the various draining layers must be determined based on the ground conditions and the specific features of the site.
04.
LAYING WITH PEDESTALS FIXED TO A CONCRETE PLATFORM
04.
LAYING WITH PEDESTALS FIXED TO A CONCRETE PLATFORM

1. Verify that the concrete surface is stable and flat, with a 2° degree slope.
2. Make sure that the plastic pedestal supports are installed on all four corners of the installed pavers.
3.When laying pavers over existing concrete, fixed-height support pads (1/2” to 1” high {1,25 e 2,5 cm}) with built-in spacer tabs should always be used to offset any slight unevenness in the concrete slab or deck and to provide accurate spacing between the pavers.
4.Although rubber support pads generally provide sufficient friction to prevent the pavers from moving, it is always recommended that the area to be paved should be surrounded by low retaining walls to restrict any lateral movement of the pavers.
5. Alternatively, fix or glue the edge supports to the substrate.
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With the illustrations we show a cross-section of a typical installation. In practice, all considerations must be reviewed by a qualified and experienced professional, taking into account the specific nature of the site and the regulations in force at the site. The thickness of the various draining layers must be determined based on the ground conditions and the specific features of the site.
GENERAL INDICATION

Substrate
- Level the substrate and compact it carefully before proceeding with installation consisting of resting the slabs on the substrate.
- It is advisable to lay a geotextile membrane on top of the substrate to stabilise it and limit any washing away along the gaps/joints between the pavers, as well as to minimise the growth of weeds and nesting of insects in the joints.
- In the case of a sandy substrate, before compacting it, make sure that the moisture content of the sand is sufficient to guarantee optimum compaction.

SPACERS BETWEEN PAVERS
When laying porcelain pavers directly onto the substrate, they must never be butt-jointed, as this would drastically increase the risk of chipping caused by micro-movements while the pavers are settling into place.
Always use Kronos plastic spacers for the 3/16” (0,45 cm) joints, available with X and T-shapes.
DO NOT USE A PLATE COMPACTOR AFTER LAYING
To avoid any risk of chipping the material, never use a metal plate compactor once the porcelain stoneware paver slabs have been laid: we recommend use of a rubber roller compactor.

Edge restraints
When laying pavers on draining sand or gravel, always use an edge restraint system to hold the substrate material used and prevent any washing away of sand or gravel, therefore keeping the paver slabs in place. Different types of restraint systems can be used:
- invisible edging, lower than the combined thickness of the slab plus the base; this must be suitably fixed to the ground.
- visible edging, with a strip of concrete, stone, porcelain stoneware or other material.
SLOPES AND DISTANCES FROM BUILDINGS
In order to prevent water from collecting and to facilitate drainage, the surface must always have the appropriate slope, with the gradient established on a job to job basis based on the specific features of the site (indicatively, 2 degree slope).
It is advisable to leave a suitable drainage gap between the paved areas and any building wall.