Garden Retail Brochure

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Enhancing your outdoor living experience...

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Our personal taste influences the look and feel of every room within our homes; the environments we create are a reflection of our individuality.

Why shouldn’t the garden also reflect our own unique style?

Natural stone paving has been available for commercial use in gardens for many years, but has often been seen as a hard landscaping product, making it the choice of professional landscapers and builders, due to the varying thickness of the product.

The Strata range of Paving Designs has been created with DIY landscaping in mind and is either calibrated or sawn, giving it an even thickness making it much easier to handle. Squaring Off Kits are available for all Circle designs within the range, making these stunning patios easy to incorporate into any garden design.

To complete the overall look, newly paved gardens are complimented by the Strata range of Planters, Water Features and Benches. These products are available from many trusted retailers across the UK, however if a specific item is not locally stocked, simply select the item from the brochure and order for direct home delivery through the retailer. This service is offered throughout the UK and deliveries are made within 10 days.

WelcomeINTrODUCTION

Strata Natural Stone offers a range of bespoke Paving and Features that have been designed to help transform any outdoor space into an additional living area for the home.

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Our commitment to ethical trading...

Besides being a “Government of India” recognised company, Stone Age (Strata Stones’ parent company) has been accredited with ISO9001:2000 and we comply to SA8000 for ethical trading standards. Strata is the only natural stone company in India to achieve this approval, meeting all the demanding set of conditions stated under SA8000, a recognised international standard.

Stone Age makes regular contributions to a charitable foundation involved in providing education and medical treatment to the needy. The amount it donates is commensurate with the growth of the company. It has helped build infrastructure for a school close to its factory where more than 200 children from surrounding areas study free of cost.

In recognition of its charitable work the Government of rajasthan honoured the company with the highest State award during 2007.

EthicalINTrODUCTION

At Strata, ethical trading is not a means to gain more business but a deep rooted belief and the cornerstone of our culture.

In accordance with our corporate philosophy, the company has undergone a series of stringent audits and we adhere to a strict framework of policies and regulations.

Product RangeINTrODUCTION

ContentsWhitchurch Sandstone Collection06 random Patio Kits 08 Classic Circle 10 Celtic Cross Circle 11 Sidus Circle 12 Squaring Off Kit

Elegance Collection14 random Patio Kits 16 Mirage Circle 18 Arc Circle

Accessories Collection20 Stepping Stones 22 Edging

Planters and Water Features Collection 25 Planters 28 Water Features

34 Benches Collection

37 EASyJoint

38 Home Delivery Service

40 Installation Guide

42 General Information

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6 7

Random Patio KitsRandom Patio KitsWhITChUrCh SANDSTONE COllECTION WhITChUrCh SANDSTONE COllECTION

Black limeraj Camel MintColours

PackInformation

Pack Pack Pack PackA B C A B C A B C A B C

5.76m2 Pack

5.76m2 Pack

5.76m2 Pack

5.76m2 Pack

11.52m2 Pack

11.52m2 Pack

11.52m2 Pack

11.52m2 Pack

Add a contemporary twist or keep a more classical look, both are achievable in any garden with the paving available within the Whitchurch Collection. All paving in the Whitchurch Collection is calibrated with hand cut edges, keeping the natural riven surface while making it easier to lay with its regular thickness.

A 600x600mm. B 600x290mm. C 290x290mm. Patio packs in 2 sizes. Patio packs can be joined to cover larger areas.

Black lime MIntCamel

8 13 6 8 13 6 8 13 6 8 13 6

5.76m2 pack 11.52m2 pack

AB

CA

B

C

16 26 12 16 26 12 16 26 12 16 26 12

6 7

8 9

Whitchurch Classic CircleWhitchurch Classic CircleWhITChUrCh SANDSTONE COllECTION WhITChUrCh SANDSTONE COllECTION

Our Classic Circle comes complete with the Squaring Off Kit, making it versatile enough to incorporate into any patio area or as a stand-alone feature.

2.4m Circle including Squaring Off Kit. (Hand cut Calibrated)

Only available with the Squaring Off Kit.

rajBlack lime Camel Mint

Centre

1

1st

8

2nd

16

A

4

B

4

C

4

D

4

E

4

Camel

Mint

Centre

A

B

C

D

E

1st 2nd

2.16

m

1.30

m

8 9

10 11

Sidus CircleCeltic Cross CircleWhITChUrCh SANDSTONE COllECTION WhITChUrCh SANDSTONE COllECTION

Both the Celtic Cross or Sidus Circle are striking in appearance and can be used in a contemporary or traditional garden. The two colours chosen for these products lift the appearance of the Cross or Star making it a perfect focal point.

MInt / Modak MInt / Modak

MInt

For details of optional Squaring Off Kit, please see next page.

Centre

1

1st A

4

1st B

4

1st C

4

2nd A

4

2nd B

4

2nd C

4

2nd D

4

For details of optional Squaring Off Kit, please see next page.

Centre

1

A

8

B

8

C

4

D

4

E

4

F

4

G h

4 4

2nd A

Centre 1st A

1st B

1st C2nd B

2nd C

2nd D

Centre

A

BC

F

DEh

G

2.40

m

1.52

m

2.40

m

1.43

m

10 11

12 13

Squaring Off KitSquaring Off KitWhITChUrCh SANDSTONE COllECTION WhITChUrCh SANDSTONE COllECTION

The Squaring Off Kit can be used with either the Celtic Cross or Sidus Circle. It has been designed to ensure the circular features can be easily integrated into a paved area, or equally could be used as a stand-alone feature.

A Squaring Off Kit is only available in Mint.

A

4

B

4

C

4

D

4

E

4

A

B

C

D

E

2.70

m

Mint / Modak

Mint / Modak

Mint

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For both circles, the Squaring Off Kit increases the overall diameter to 2.7m.

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Random Patio KitsRandom Patio KitsElEGANCE COllECTION ElEGANCE COllECTION

Add genuine style to any garden with our range of sawn paving, available in five unique colours. Some of these products have a honed finish which creates a smooth, contemporary look, while others have a light sandblasted texture. All sides are sawn for minimal jointing and have a subtle bevelled edge to accentuate each stunning piece.

This range has a regulated thickness to simplify laying when creating an individual, outdoor living space.

Available in random patio kits: 5.76m2 and 11.52m2.

Patio packs in 2 sizes. Patio packs can be joined to cover larger areas.

5.76m2 pack

AB

C

11.52m2 pack

AB

C

A 600x600mmB 600x300mmC 300x300mm

rufina

rufinaColour

PackInformation

Pack A B C

5.76m2 pack

11.52m2 pack

AzureColour

PackInformation

Pack A B C

5.76m2 pack

11.52m2 pack

PratoColour

PackInformation

Pack A B C

5.76m2 pack

11.52m2 pack

riminiColour

PackInformation

Pack A B C

5.76m2 pack

11.52m2 pack

VolterraColour

PackInformation

Pack A B C

5.76m2 pack

11.52m2 pack

8 13 6

16 26 12

8 13 6

16 26 12

8 13 6

16 26 12

8 13 6

16 26 12

8 13 6

16 26 12rimini

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16 17

Mirage Elegance CircleMirage Elegance CircleElEGANCE COllECTION ElEGANCE COllECTION

Available in three colours: Rimini, Rufina and Volterra, these luxurious features work to create a statement garden. Squaring Off Kits are available for all three colours and extend the 2.4m diameter circle to 2.7mx2.7m. This also enables customers to easily combine any of these circles into their patio area.

For further details of the contents of this kit, please see the Squaring Off Kit section on page 12.

rufinarimini Volterra

rimini

A

1

B

8

C

16

D

16

The Mirage design is the ultimate addition to the stunning Elegance range of contemporary paving.

A

B

C

D

2.4m

1.30

m

rufina

16 17

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Arc Elegance CircleArc Elegance CircleElEGANCE COllECTION ElEGANCE COllECTION

Strata’s Arc designs are a popular option for customers who are impressed by the appeal of the Elegance range.

rimini

A

B

C

A

1

B

8

C

16

rufinarimini Volterra

Available in three colours: Rimini, Rufina and Volterra, these attractive shades will ensure your garden stands out. Squaring Off Kits are available for all three colours and will extend the 2.4m diameter circle to 2.7mx2.7m. The kit means that these Circles can fit seamlessly into any patio area.

For further details of the contents of this kit, please see the Squaring Off Kit section on page 12.

2.4m

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Stepping StonesStepping StonesWhITChUrCh COllECTION ElEGANCE COllECTION

Stepping Stones (300x400) are a great way of creating interest within any garden, providing the perfect solution for pathways in lawn or gravelled areas, and are extremely simple to install.

Mint

raj

Stepping Stones are available in natural or sawn finishes, with two colours that compliment the paving in both the Whitchurch and Elegance collections.

ruffina

rimini

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EdgingEdgingWhITChUrCh COllECTION ElEGANCE COllECTION

Available in Natural finish. Size: 450x150x30mm Available in Sawn finish. Size: 450x150x30mm

rimini

rufina

Available in Sawn Finish. Size: 450x150x30mm

Available in Natural or Sawn finishes. Size: 450x150x30mm. Path Edgings are an ideal way to add definition to your garden by edging lawns, paths, borders or driveways.

Edging is available in Natural or Sawn finishes, with two colours that compliment the paving in both the Whitchurch and Elegance collections.

Available in Natural finish. Size: 450x150x30mm

Mint

raj

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Planters

Planters and Water Features Collection

PlANTErS AND WATEr FEATUrES COllECTION

APUS

Size: 40/60cm dia

QUADRA

Size: 40/60cm high

FIDELIA

Size: 60/80cm high

Planters and Water Features available from Strata are the ideal finishing touch to complete any garden design. The colours available can either be used to co-ordinate or contrast with the paving available in our Elegance and Whitchurch ranges.

The Planters can be used as a single piece or in a group of up to three in various size combinations to make the ultimate statement.

Bringing another element to a garden is simple. Transform a planter into a water feature by using the reservoir kit, or pick one of the already stunning Water Features available.

rainbow

rainbow

rainbow

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PlantersPlantersPlANTErS AND WATEr FEATUrES COllECTION PlANTErS AND WATEr FEATUrES COllECTION

HyDRUS

Size: 30/40/60cm dia

LACERTA

Size: 40/60cm highCAELUM

Size: 40/60/80cm high

PAVO


ELISA


CATInUS

Size: 40/60cm top dia

Beige

rainbow rainbow

rainbow

rainbow

rainbowrainbow Beige

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Water FeaturesWater FeaturesPlANTErS AND WATEr FEATUrES COllECTION PlANTErS AND WATEr FEATUrES COllECTION

ERIDAnUS

Size: 60/80cm high

SCUTELLA

Size: 40/60cm high

LAVOSize: Bowl 15cm high, 60cm dia Base 60cm high, 20x20cm width

LyRA


PyRAMIS

Size: 40/60cm highBULLA


rainbow

rainbow

rainbow

rainbow

rainbow

rainbow

28 29

30 31


HyDRUS


ELISA


APUS

Size: 40/60cm dia

CAELUM


ARDUUS CHISELED

Size: 40/60cm high

ARDUUS HOnED

Size: 40/60cm high

rainbow

rainbow

rainbow rainbow

rainbow rainbow

30 31

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Various pumps are available to suit the size of the feature. Please ask our sales department for details.

CATInUS

Size: 40/60cm top dia

PAVO


Water Features Reservoir Kit

LACERTA

Size: xxcm high

QUADRA

Size: xxcm high

rainbow

rainbowrainbow

rainbow

rainbow

FIDELIA

Size: 60/80cm high

Beige

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Benches CollectionBenches CollectionBENChES COllECTION BENChES COllECTION

Teakwood

BOÖTES

length(s): 150cm

DRACO

length(s): 120/150cm

Strata Benches provide an aesthetic feature that will last a lifetime. Using hard wearing stone, these stylish designs and vibrant colours make the perfect focal point in any garden design. Benches are supplied in three pieces making them simple to install.

All of the garden features are on the heavy side, so customers should ensure they are prepared when these items are delivered to their home.

ARA

length(s): 150cm Silver Grey

rainbow

rainbow

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Easy JointBenches CollectionBENChES COllECTION STrATA NATUrAl STONE

Chocolate

CORVUS

length(s): 120/150cm

rainbow

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A revolution in the world of paving jointing methods

Extensively used throughout Northern Europe, EASYJoint brings a whole new dimension to paving jointing in the UK. This is a totally unique product with numerous advantages over the alternatives on the market.

The all weather jointing compound

A revolution in the world of paving

jointing methods

Extensively used throughout Northern Europe, EASYJoint brings a whole new dimension to paving jointing in the UK. This is a totally unique product with numerous advantages over the alternatives on the market.

Can be applied in wet or dry

conditions

Workable at low temperatures*

Ready mixed for ease of use

No specialist tools required

Unused product can be stored for

later use

Pressure washer resistant

Water permeable

Suitable for natural stone, concrete paving, cobbles, sets and virtually all other outdoor paving surfaces with joints in excess of 3mm wide and 25mm deep

Up to 3 tonne loading capability

Environmentally friendly including packaging - cement free

Rain or Shine - it goes in fine!

No longer do you have to wait for a break in the weather. EASYJoint is so versatile that it can be applied in virtually any weather condition imaginable. So, no matter if it is scorching hot, or a wet and cold winters day, you can get on with the job. And what's more, you don't have to protect your work from rain or frost after you've applied it!

Choice of four colours, Sand, Stone Grey, Basalt

and Terracotta

• Can be applied in wet or dry conditions

• Workable at low temperatures*

• ready mixed for ease of use

• No specialist tools required

• Unused product can be stored for later use

• Pressure washer resistant

• Water permeable

• Suitable for natural stone, concrete paving, cobbles, sets and virtually all other outdoor paving surfaces with joints in excess of 3mm wide and 25mm deep

• Up to 3 tonne loading capability

• Environmentally friendly including packaging - cement free.

Choice of four colours, Sand, Stone Grey, Basalt and Terracotta. Wet Dry no Weeds 3 Tonnes no Staining

EASYJoint

Rain or Shine - it goes in fine!

No longer do you have to wait for a break in the weather. EASYJoint is so versatile that it can be applied in virtually any weather condition imaginable. So, no matter if it is scorching hot, or a wet and cold winters day, you can get on with the job. And what’s more, you don’t have to protect your work from rain or frost after you’ve applied it!

The all weather jointing compound

Coverage Table1 x 12.5Kg Tub of EASYJoint will cover approximately the following areas*

Paving Size Joint Size(mm) (mm) 30x5600 x 600 13.5m2

600 x 450 11.5m2

450 x 450 10.0m2

600 x 300 9.0m2

450 x 300 8.0m2

300 x 300 7.0m2

450 x 225 7.0m2

225 x 225 5.0m2

Paving Size Joint Size(mm) (mm) 30x8600 x 600 8.5m2

600 x 450 7.0m2

450 x 450 6.0m2

600 x 300 5.5m2

450 x 300 5.0m2

300 x 300 4.0m2

450 x 225 4.0m2

225 x 225 3.0m2

* Note: this is a guide. Because accuracy of gap width and depth cannot be uniformly guaranteed, the above table is only a reasonable estimate of the amount of material required.

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Home DeliveryHome DeliverySTrATA NATUrAl STONE STrATA NATUrAl STONE

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To take away the problem of how to transport your new garden products, we are pleased to offer our Direct Home Delivery Service.

All products within the Strata natural stone, Garden Retail brochure are available for home delivery.

There are limitations on certain products:

• Stepping Stones & Edgings are only available in full pallet quantities of 80 pieces.

• EASYJoint is only available when ordered with a Patio Kit for home delivery.

• Water Feature Reservoir Kits are only available when ordered with one of our Garden Features on the Home Delivery Service.

Delivery is to kerb-side and is made using a manually operated pallet truck.

Deliveries are made Monday-Friday, between 8.00am and 5.00pm.

Saturday deliveries are possible at an additional cost.

For more information on the delivery service please see terms below.

Ordering is easy, select the items you require, fill out an order form supplied by your stockist (pictured right), ensure all fields are filled in correctly. Place your order with the stockist, delivery will be booked in, delivery received within 10 days.

To ensure delivery arrives without delay please check that:

a. Your road has access for a large vehicle

b. Road/street is flat and level

c. Road/street is tarmac or concrete

d. Drop-kerb is present outside your Property

e. Driveway is flat, level, concrete, tarmac or block paved. (we cannot guarantee delivery onto drive)

Please be aware that these products are on the heavy side, please take precautions when lifting or manoeuvring.

HOME DElIVERY TERMS & CONDITIONS

Deliveries are made to UK mainland only.

Products listed as available for home delivery are supplied on a single pallet/crate.

Deliveries are made to nearest kerb-side or hard-standing by a tail lift lorry and manually operated pallet truck.

Kerb-side delivery is to the kerb, we cannot guarantee delivery can be made onto your drive.

We accept no liability for damage to the lorry or property caused by the vehicle leaving the road, any agreement made with the driver is done so at your own risk.

Delivery can only be made to a flat, level hard-standing. We are unable to deliver to homes situated on a steep incline, gravel drives or lawn areas.

Should the driver deem it unsafe or unsuitable to off-load, we reserve the right to deliver to another location, in agreement with the customer, for collection at their own cost.

Any damages must be reported within 48 hours of the delivery being made.

Delivery will be made within 10 days from receipt of order, we are unable to specify delivery times.

Where possible, customers will be contacted in advance to arrange suitable date for delivery.

All orders must be signed for upon delivery.

All products are supplied on non-returnable pallets/crates.

Saturday delivery surcharges are an additional £15 per pallet.

A delivery surcharge of £20 will apply to the following postcodes; Dundee & Perth-DD, PH1-18, Scottish Highlands-AB10-56, IV1-39 & 52-54, KW1-14, PH19-41, PA21-33 & 35-40.

Delivery is

normally made

within 10 working days.

A call will be made to

book a delivery

date

Home Delivery ServiceSTrATA NATUrAl STONE

Name:

Address:

Postcode: Postcode

Telephone

Mobile:

Work:

At least 2 contact numbers must be given.

Product Code Quantity Cost

Delivery Total

DELIVERIES ARE TO UK MAINLAND ONLY.

Products listed as available for home delivery are supplied on a single pallet/crate.

Delivery is made to nearest Kerbside or hard-standing by tail lift lorry and manually operated pallet truck,

Kerbside delivery is to the Kerb, we cannot guarantee delivery can be made onto your drive.

We accept no liability for damage to lorry or property caused by delivery vehicle leaving the road, any agreement made

with the driver is done so at your own risk.

Delivery can only be made to a flat, level hard-standing. We are unable to deliver onto roads with a steep incline,

gravel drives or lawn areas.

Should the driver deem it unsafe or unsuitable to offload, we reserve the right to deliver to another location, as agreed with the

customer, for collection at their own cost.

Any damages must be reported with 48 hrs of delivery being made

Delivery will be made within 10 days from receipt of order. We are unable to specify delivery times.

Where possible, customers will be contacted in advance to arrane a suitable date for delivery.

All orders must be signed for upon delivery.

All products are supplied on Non-returnable pallets/crates.

Please be aware that all products are of a heavy nature and care should be taken when moving your items purchased.

An additional Delivery surcharge of £20 will apply to the following postcodes: Dundee & Perth- DD, PH1-18,

Scottish Highlands -AB10-56, IV1-39 & 52-54, KW1-14, PH19-41, PA21-33 &35-40.

A signature must be obtained from the customer in agreement to the Terms & Conditions listed above

Signed Date

email: [email protected]

Home Delivery Order Form

0845 5678 701Please fax order to:

Terms & Conditions

Product Description

Any Special Delivery requirements

Stockist details

X X

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Installation GuideInstallation GuideSTrATA NATUrAl STONE STrATA NATUrAl STONE

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Strata flagstones are ideal for patios, paths and courtyards and we have provided this installation guidance to help ensure you get many years of trouble-free service.

Installation tips such as this can never be comprehensive for every project and we urge you to seek professional on-site advice for any specific issues not covered in this brief guide.

WhICh WAY UP?There seems to be some confusion about the way you lay natural stone. Please see the diagram as detailed below...

GETTING rEADY TO lAY YOUr PATIO

You will need:• Spade and/or shovel • Wheelbarrow • lump hammer • rubber mallet • Brick and/or pointing trowel• Spirit level • Sweeping brush • String lines • Wooden pegs or steel pins for • Fastening line• 2.4 - 3.6m long timber straightedge • Cement mixer • Protective gloves • Protective eyewear.

DrAINAGEFlagstones need to be laid to falls to ensure that any water on the surface will drain away properly. We recommend a fall of 1:60, which is equivalent to 17mm per linear meter. This is sufficient to drain the pavingwithout it being noticeably sloped.

PrEPArATIONThe area to be paved needs to be cleared of all vegetation and topsoil, to a depth of at least 65mm. remember: paving should always be laid at least 150mm lower than the Damp Proof Course (DPC) of any adjacent building.

Use taut string lines as guides to both alignment and surface level. These can be fastened to pegs knocked intothe ground or nails fixed into masonry. Use string lines at the edges of the pavement and then use a long timber straightedge to span from the flags to the string lines to check for level.

MIxING MOrTArThe flags need to be laid onto a full mortar bed. This means the bed underneath each piece extends beneath the entire flagstone, with no gaps or voids. Some less experienced installers lay flags onto ‘spots’ or ‘dabs’ of mortar, which we cannot recommend as these spots do not offer full support to the flags and often cause problems in the months ahead.

The mortar should be a mix of 4 parts sharp sand with one part cement, mixed to a consistency that is moist but not overly wet. Wet mortar can be messy. light coloured flagstones, and those formed from granite are often prone to discolouration when laid onto mortars made using strongly-coloured sand, such as the orangey sands common in SE England. For these flagstones, we recommend that the laying mortar should be prepared using 6 parts neutral coloured sand (often sold as “Silver Sand”) and 1 part white cement. This will minimise any risk of discolouration whilst ensuring your new paving is properly bedded and fully supported.

The mortar bed should be 35mm to 60mm thick. Where the mortar would be thicker than this, or where levels need to be built-up, this should be done using crushed stone such as Type 1 which is readily available at mostBuilders Merchants. Aim to have a reasonably consistent bed thickness throughout.

It’s best to use a powered mixer to prepare the mortar. These can be hired locally for around £30 per week, if necessary. They make light work of the mixing and allow you to save your energy for laying the flags, rather than mixing sand and cement. Mix only as much bedding mortar as will be used in 30-60 minutes. Mortar starts to harden as soon as it is mixed and, in warm weather, it may become ‘stiff’ and unworkable in as little as 20 minutes.

Be sure to wear protective eyewear and gloves when mixing mortar. Cement is strongly alkaline when wet, so dust or mortar splashes can damage your eyes and your skin. Wear long sleeved clothing and wash any splashes with clean water immediately. You should wear protective gloves at all times, as they will help protect your hands from abrasion while handling tools and flagstones.

CUTTING If your patio involves a lot of cutting we would advise that you hire a powered cutting tool with a diamond tipped blade (any hire shop will advise you of the machine and blade you will need if you advise them of what you are intending to cut). Please take care and also make sure that your hire shop issues you will full instructions and relevant safety equipment, including goggles.

SElECTIONWe recommend that whenever laying natural stone you should mix your paving from 3-4 different packs (where possible) as you lay your patio. This will allow the colours to blend and help to improve any shade variations that may occur between packs, giving your patio a more natural look.

lAYING ThE FlAGS Using a brick or pointing trowel, spread the mortar over an area approximately 100mm longer and wider than the flag to be laid. ripple the surface of the bed with the point of the trowel so that there will be some ‘give’ once the flag is placed onto the mortar.

lift the flag into position and carefully lower it onto the bed.With larger flags (600x600mm or larger) it is best to have an assistant helping to lift and lower the flag. Once in position, the flag should be 5-10mm high, and should then be tapped down to the correct level using the rubber mallet.

Don’t hit the flagstone at the corners or in the exact centre.This can break the flagstone and, even if it doesn’t, it usually results in uneven laying. Aim for the points that are located roughly halfway between the centre and the corners, and use a succession of light but firm taps rather than heavy blows. Tap down one edge once or twice and then tap the opposite edge, alternating as required until the flag is at the correct level. If the flag is not going down on the bed, you may need to lift it out and remove some of the bedding mortar. Take care not to allow the bedding mortar to stain the flagstone edges when lifting it from the bed. Similarly, if the flag goes down too far, you may need to add mortar to the bed to achieve the correct level.

Use the spirit level and/or the straightedge to check the flag is falling in the right direction and is at the correct level.Be certain that the flag is correct before moving on to prepare a bed for the next flag. remember to allow for jointing. Many flagstones are laid with a 10-15mm wide joint that can be filled with mortar or a resin-based jointing material once the bed mortar has hardened (usually 24-48 hours). With some random layouts, you may find that some joints need to be 8-12mm wide while others are more like 15-18mm wide. This is nothing to worry about, but should be borne in mind when laying the flags. You may find that you need to adjust the width of some joints as the laying proceeds.There should be no significant ‘lips’ between adjacent flagstones. They should be roughly (± 2mm) level with each other. At free edges of the paving (ie: where the flagstones would lie against grass or flower beds, etc.) you may wish to bring the mortar bedding up the edge of the flagstones to prevent them moving sideways.

JOINTING Traditionally, flagstones were pointed with a cement mortar. This would be made using a 3:1 mix of building sand (softer and less coarse than the sand used for the bed mortar) with cement, but as mentioned previously, when working with light-coloured sandstones and granites, it’s often better to use silver sand with white cement.

The jointing mortar is mixed to a stiffer consistency than bed mortar, and then pushed into the joint from the blade of a trowel using a small pointing trowel, packing it into the joint before smoothing off with the pointing trowel or a special ‘pointing iron’ that gives a flat or semi-round profile. This takes a great deal of care to ensure the mortar does not stain the edges of the flagstones and it can be very time consuming or those not familiar with it.

Nowadays, many contractors use resin-based or polymeric mortars to joint flagstones. These are simply brushed into the joints, and any surplus swept off the surface. The resin is completely transparent, so cannot permanently stain the flagstones. Occasionally, a slightly shiny film or residue may be left behind on the flagstone surface, but this should weather away in a few days. These resin or polymeric mortars are more expensive than a sand/cement mortar, but they are very easy to use, very quick, and they avoid any risk of staining, even with light-coloured and/or granite flagstones, so may be worth considering.

COlOUr ENhANCErS AND SEAlANTSSome homeowners prefer the look of their paving when it is damp or wet, as the moisture tends to bring out the natural colour of the stone. This effect can be achieved permanently by using a good quality colour enhancer. It’s worth noting that different types of stone look better with different colour enhancers, so try to choose a product that is specific to your material rather than a ‘jack-of-all-trades’. Always test the colour enhancer on a surplus flagstone or sett or in a discreet corner before applying it to the whole pavement. Allow it to dry and leave it for a few days as the character can often change as the product cures.

While colour enhancer can improve the looks of the stone, sealants can both enhance the colour and protect the paving from accidental staining or colonisation by algae and lichens. There is a great deal of variety with sealants, both in terms of the type of chemicals used to manufacture them, and in their finished appearance.

It’s vitally important to appreciate that sealants should only ever be applied to paving that is bone dry. The presence of any moisture on the pavement surface or within the jointing can seriously affect the way in which the sealant cures, and in some cases, will result in an unattractive milky-white discolouration which can only be corrected by chemically stripping the sealant. Consequently, sealing should only be undertaken during the warmer, drier summer months. If the paving was laid during winter or spring, it may be a good idea to have it cleaned prior to sealing, but be sure to allow at least two days for it to thoroughly dry before applying the sealant in accordance with the Manufacturer’s instructions

Strata Stones cannot accept any responsibility for any mortar staining, cutting or problems during the laying of their sandstone and limestone.

Correct Way

Incorrect Way

Weed Protection Membrane Selected Natural Sandstone 35mm - 60mm Mortar Bed

laying your patio...

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General InformationSTrATA NATUrAl STONE

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MAINTENANCE AND ClEANING OF STrATA STONES PAVINGAll paving benefits from simple maintenance and cleaning. Detritus will accumulate on the surface and weeds may settle into this and start to grow. Weeds do NOT grow through properly-laid paving: they grow onto poorly maintained paving.

SWEEPINGregular sweeping with a broom will remove most of the usual litter and garden debris that finds its way onto all pavements. Occasionally, it can be beneficial to hose down the paving, adding a dash of basic detergent if required to help remove any surface stains. For sensitive paving such as limestone’s, many cleaning specialists prefer to use a mild baby shampoo in place of standard detergent as they believe this runs less risk of damaging the natural colouring of the stone. Scrubbing with soapy water and a stiff brush will help shift any awkward stains, but don’t be tempted to use anything overly abrasive, such as steel wool or wire brushes as these can leave marks on the surface of your paving.

POWEr WAShErSPower washers can help clean heavily soiled paving but they should be used sparingly and with great care. They can damage the surface of the stone and/or the jointing if not handled correctly. If a power washer is to be used, we would strongly recommend the use of a ‘rotary cleaning head’ rather than the more usual ‘lance’ as these are less damaging to the paving while still being very effective against dirt. When power washing is used, it should be limited to one, and a maximum of two sessions per year. Patios and driveways that are power washed on a regular weekly or fortnightly basis tend to develop structural problems such as failed jointing, settlement and excessive surface wear of the paving.

AWKWArD STAINSFor heavy staining, such as oil drips, autumnal fruits, bird droppings, etc., if basic cleaning using hot, soapy water does not work, we would recommend that you seek specialist advice from a surface cleaning professional. Many of the ‘patio cleaners ‘sold in DIY store or Builders’ Merchants are based on strong acids that can irreparably damage certain types of stone or adversely affect the natural colouring. Always test any cleaning product on a surplus flagstone or sett or in a discreet corner before applying it to the paving.

EFFlOrESCENCEEfflorescence is a problem more commonly associated with concrete paving, as the characteristic white powdery deposit originates in the calcium carbonate of the concrete, but it can also affect natural stone paving when it is laid on mortar or concrete. While the appearance of efflorescence can detract from the looks of a new pavement, it is important to understand that, no matter how bad it may seem, it is temporary, that it will pass with time, and that it is not actually damaging the stone.

There are efflorescence removers that can be used to wash away the worst of any deposit, but they are removers, not cures, and it is quite likely that a new deposit will appear within a few days, although it may not be as heavy as the original deposit. Simple washing with warm soapy water will usually achieve the same, and at a much lower cost!

STrATA STONES SIzING/DIMENSION POlICY All dimensions given are nominal and subject to manufacturing tolerances. The quoted dimensions of our paving ranges are those normally attained when the slabs are arranged correctly spaced.

PrODUCT COlOUr VArIATIONTonal and colour variations are evident in all Strata products and whilst the colours reproduced in this brochure are as accurate as photographic and printing processes allow, it is essential that your choice is made from actual materials at your local stockist. This is particularly important when choosing Natural Stone products where considerable variation occurs.

When using several packs, products from all the packs should be blended throughout the project to produce an acceptable overall natural appearance.

HEALTH AnD SAFETy

MANUAl hANDlINGMost of our products are heavy. Some are very heavy. Appropriate handling precautions include wearing protective gloves and footwear and obtaining assistance when moving items weighing over 20kg.

NOTEIn the unfortunate but unlikely event of products reaching you in less than satisfactory condition, please notify the retailer immediately.

WArrANTIESIn an unlikely event of our products reaching you in a less than satisfactory condition, please notify your supplier within 2 hours from time of delivery, they will be happy to assist you and advise you of replacements etc.

Please note that if any products are knowingly laid with any defects apparent prior to laying then we reserve the right not to replace the product and will not accept any responsibility for costs incurred for relaying or rectifying the problem.

OThEr INFOrMATIONIf you should have any further questions, concerns or want to learn about any common problems found when a product has been incorrectly fitted or sealed, please visit www.pavingexpert.com

All you need to know...

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STRATA STONES lTD, Vista Business Centre, 50 Salisbury Road, Hounslow, Middlesex TW4 6JQ

t: 0845 5678 700 f: 0845 5678 701 e: [email protected]

Strata Stones ltd. is a trade Company and does not sell directly to the end user. Strata products are available from our extensive distribution network all over the U.K.

www.stratastones.co.uk

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