Plastic tiles for garden paths: are they worth the candle?

Plastic paving slabs are becoming more and more popular. This is not surprising, because such a coating costs several times less, and in terms of service life and strength characteristics it is practically on the same level as more expensive clinker, stone, and concrete tiles. Plastic building materials are divided into 2 categories: modular coating made of polypropylene and polyethylene and polymer sand tiles.

Plastic

More often it is used only as a garden covering, but is also sometimes used indoors. Does not require special preparation before installation. There is only one limitation: it cannot be installed in barbecue areas, since plastic is flammable.

Polymer sand paving slabs

- the best option for creating a durable coating. This building material contains 75-90% pure sand and up to 25% polymers. Can be made from recycled plastic. These tiles are very light, do not generate dust during installation, and are quickly dismantled. The material also has increased resistance to high temperatures and frost.

How to choose plastic paving slabs

It all depends on your wishes and soil characteristics. For a complex, periodically “floating” base, a polymer-sand building material is more suitable. And if you just want to improve the paths in the garden, then the best solution would be to buy a modular covering. But it is important to consider that before installing the material you will need to prepare the base.

Polymer sand tiles are laid on:

• sand;
• concrete with a sand cushion using mortar;
• reinforced concrete;
• crushed stone

Also, some varieties of this plastic building material can be laid on flat ground when arranging garden paths. Regular sand, cement-sand mixture or cement mortar are used as grout.

With modular cover

everything is much simpler. The material does not require serious preparatory work. Before laying, the soil is simply leveled and debris is removed. If desired, the surface is covered with sand.

What is modular covering

Modern industry produces flooring for outdoors and indoors in the form of separate modules (slabs) of various sizes and shapes. The modules are shaped in such a way that they can be laid in a single sheet without gaps or cracks. This is a modular coating. It resembles a children's puzzle and its elements are equipped with the same T-shaped locks.

Modular plastic covering for the street Source modulnye-poly.ru

The shape of the slab can be square, rectangular or figured, and the texture can be cellular, smooth or corrugated. Most often these are lightweight perforated plastic plates with through holes, which can be located in the longitudinal or transverse direction.

Various materials are used to manufacture modules. Garden paths made of plastic are very popular, although modules made of rubber, polymers, concrete or decking can also be found in many garden areas.

Rubberized coating for a playground Source obyava.ua

The modular coating is characterized by the following properties:

• The thickness of the slab is 1.5 cm.
• Size – 50 x 50 or 30 x 30 mm.
• The principle of the “groove-tenon” connection, that is, the two parts of the lock need to be inserted into one another until it clicks. Therefore, it is not difficult to install and dismantle.
• The use of corners, plugs, and transition parts that help mount a track of any unusual shape with a large number of bends.
• The presence of perforations that prevents the accumulation of moisture.
• The surface is corrugated, which prevents slipping, although in winter there is still a risk of slipping and injury.

The slabs must be installed on a solid or loose base. Installation is carried out similarly to laying stone or concrete tiles. The method depends on what the path is intended for and how long the owner of the site expects its validity to last.

Garden parquet Source laminatepol.ru

The first method is recommended to create a durable track with a long service life. They operate according to the following scheme:

• Use a shovel to remove the top layer of soil.
• Clean out the resulting trench and level it.
• Compact the surface of the trench.
• Cover with screenings or crushed stone.
• Lay a layer of geotextile to prevent grass from growing.
• Fill it with sand on top and compact it.
• Start laying the modules. On sloped areas, it is recommended to start from the highest point. Docking is done using a rubber hammer.
• After installation is complete, compact the tiles.

During operation, it is necessary to monitor the level of the track. If the difference exceeds 5 mm, the clutch will be incomplete. Modular coating is not used on a sloping area, and the surface must be absolutely flat. If there is a difference in height, you will need to make steps.

Covering with steps Source www.pinterest.com

If you plan to create a temporary path or a small area in the garden for garden furniture, the modular covering is laid directly on the soil surface without pre-treatment of the surface. This is convenient so that the modules can be assembled or moved to another location if necessary.

Another advantage of modular coating is that if a track is damaged, it is enough to replace the damaged module with another without affecting the rest.

Backyard decorated with paths Source www.gardener.ru

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in landscaping work on sites.

Top 10. NeoComposite “8 bricks”

Rating (2021): 4.45

Easy coating repair The tiles can be quickly dismantled and replaced. Removing the material does not require the use of solvents or serious mechanical stress.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 100 rub.

• Type: reinforced tiles
• Maximum load: 5 t/m²
• Installation: on cement, sand base
• Dimensions: 330/330/30 mm

Aesthetic, durable and strong paving slabs made of plastic and sand. The material contains environmentally friendly components and high-quality dye that can withstand constant contact with sunlight. According to the manufacturer, the tiles can last almost half a century and not lose their strength during this time. The material is designed for use in harsh conditions: thanks to its optimal thickness, it can withstand the weight of heavy vehicles. However, if you do not follow the laying technology and do not prepare a concrete base with a CMS cushion, the tiles will spread.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Durability up to 50 years
• Capable of supporting the weight of a truck
• Retains its shape in hot and low temperatures (down to -55 ° C)

• Poor selection of shades

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH OTHER SPECIES

Rating on a 5-point scale, where 5 – Excellent, 4 – Good, 3 – Satisfactory, 2 – Bad, 1 – Disgusting.

Top 9. Europlast "Parquet"

Rating (2021): 4.49

Best price per piece This is the cheapest polymer sand tile in the selection. But at the same time it has high strength and is designed for a long service life.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 90 rub.

• Type: polymer sand tiles
• Maximum load: 3-4 t/m²
• Installation: screed, cement mortar
• Dimensions: 330/330/20 mm

Paving slabs from a manufacturer from Moscow. The material looks no worse than paving stones, and its strength is on par with concrete-based building materials. With the help of this tile, an even and beautiful coating is formed on almost any substrate. The front side of the material is resistant to mechanical stress and shock. In winter, the material behaves well: the surface is easily cleared of snow and remains non-slip. However, when choosing this tile, it is important to take into account that it cannot simply be laid on the ground. It will not hold, since there are no lugs on the back side. Even for garden paths, the base will first have to be covered with sand, and only then proceed with the installation of tiles.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Easy to install/dismantle
• Service life up to 30 years
• Adequate price for 1 m²

• Can only be laid on a prepared base

How are plastic tiles different from polymer tiles?

On the Internet, all tiles that contain polymers are often called plastic. Therefore, in this category you can see material made from 100% plastic and a mixture of polymers with natural ingredients, such as quartz, crushed wood, etc. But in terms of durability and beauty, the coatings are completely different.

Pure plastic looks simple, it has low frost resistance, after several winters it begins to burst, crumble, gradually fade, etc. Such tiles are used as a temporary covering so as not to carry dirt into the house, or in places near outbuildings where aesthetics are not so important.

Plastic tiles come in bright colors and unusual designs, but over the years they lose their spectacular appearance and begin to crack at the joints

The mixture of polymers and quartz sand is highly durable, thanks to the quartz additive, which will withstand frost and active traffic of people and vehicles. But in appearance, such tiles remain artificial, not imitating any other materials. Its monochromatic textured surface is perfect for paths near pools and ponds, where natural surfaces are threatened by high humidity. But not everyone chooses polymer sand tiles as the main tile leading from the gate to the central entrance to the house. If the house is covered with artificial material, for example, siding, then the covering will look harmonious. But against the background of wooden or stone buildings, such a path will lose in aesthetics.

By the ideal smoothness of the surface, you can immediately recognize that the coating is made of artificial components, but the path will not slip in any weather

The most luxurious look is decking - a decking board in which wood flour is mixed with polymer additives. Outwardly, it strongly resembles wooden planks, i.e. natural parquet, so the appearance of the path is solid and respectable. Calling decking plastic tiles can only be a stretch, since different manufacturers add crushed wood and polymers in different percentages. These components can be mixed in a 50:50 ratio, but the closest texture to natural wood is coatings with only 20% polymers. Accordingly, the installation requirements change. The more natural there is in the composition, the more it is afraid of moisture, which means it requires an appropriate base.

The texture of the decking board is very similar to natural parquet, but it is much easier to install due to the large size of the tiles

Top 8. POLIMERSAD

Rating (2021): 4.50

Affordable plastic tiles for the garden The domestically produced material is universal, reliable, and quite inexpensive.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 85 rub.

• Type: garden cover
• Maximum load: 20 t/m²
• Installation: manual
• Dimensions: 250/250 mm

This inexpensive material can easily replace paving slabs when arranging paths in the garden and greenhouses. In terms of strength, it is not inferior to more expensive plastic coatings. The tiles are quickly and easily assembled by connecting locks and are available in 2 color variations: green and terracotta. The shades are easy to combine. True, the material can only be used for garden paths, since a lot of dirt will accumulate under it indoors due to the peculiarities of the pattern. Also, tiles cannot be laid in the barbecue area, like any other plastic building material. The coating has no critical flaws, except for rather weak locks. But this problem occurs with many modular plastic tiles.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Ideal for garden paths
• Does not change shape when heated in hot weather
• Installs quickly

• Limited scope
• Locks may break during installation

PHOTO GALLERY…MORE PHOTOS

Top 7. Tetto "Old Town"

Rating (2021): 4.51

Durable coating on difficult soil The tiles do not deform even on a “capricious” base. To form a durable coating, the material is laid on a reinforced concrete screed and DSP.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 150 rub.

• Type: polymer sand tiles
• Maximum load: 4 t/m²
• Installation: on mortar, concrete
• Dimensions: 320/320/20 mm

A building material that is ideal for forming a durable and non-fading coating. These impact-resistant paving slabs are not demanding in terms of location. It can be used for parking, pedestrian areas and not worry about durability. The material does not absorb moisture and is available for order in 10 shades. Resistant to temperature changes, heat and mechanical stress. And these tiles can be laid directly on top of vegetation without serious preparation of the base. Garden paths are still durable due to the presence of lugs on the back side. But you still have to tinker with the arrangement of the parking lot: a concrete foundation is required.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Inexpensive
• Beautiful colors
• High impact resistance

• Requires careful adherence to installation technology

ATTENTION - FAKES APPEARED!

There are no good polymer sand tiles at very low prices! A greatly reduced cost in 99 cases out of a hundred means savings on the quality of the product: the use of cheap, dangerous and even toxic plastics, lack of quality control, non-compliance with production technology, proportions of materials, reduced service life of the product, inability to obtain products of the same color and quality in the future, if suddenly you don’t have enough.

Polymer sand tiles should not crack when hitting a hard base. A good, high-quality polymer sand tile can be thrown with force against the asphalt and it will not crack. Pay attention to the geometry - the tile must be flat, at least its front part. Also pay attention to the uniformity of the mass and the variety of colors. There should be no strong odor coming from the tiles. Price can also tell about quality; cheap is not always good.

Top 6. Plasto Rip

Rating (2021): 4.53

Maximum flat surface This plastic tile has no flash. You can safely walk on the finished surface barefoot.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 900 rub.

  Read also:  Concrete fence - 95 photos of the best ideas for installing stylish and beautiful fences
• Type: garden decking
• Maximum load: 25 t/m²
• Installation: manual, without tools
• Dimensions: 400/400/18 mm

One of the best plastic tiles for garden paths and recreation areas in the country. It is easy to assemble, and you can also combine several shades at the same time: green, gray, brown, red, black. Sold in packs of 1 m², each containing 6 pieces. The surface of the material is characterized by high-quality processing, it is safe and does not require additional trimming. The tiles are laid on a flat, prepared base. Before you begin installation, you will have to remove roots, weeds, and grass. After such preparation, the coating can last for several decades.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Smooth plastic without nicks or flash
• You can combine several shades
• Does not release hazardous substances into the environment

• Before installation, the base must be leveled

Polymer sand border / Curb stone / Curb:

Color range of polymer sand products*

* Prices are for standard colors: Chocolate, Cherry, Brick. For khaki, gray, black, the price increase is 7%, for the green color the price increase is 10%, for the blue color the price increase is 15%. Variation in tone is allowed within the batch.

You can also purchase the following products:

Garden fences Drainage tray Drainage grid for tray

Related materials are also available for sale:

We ship to any region of the Russian Federation by transport companies.

Do you want to buy Tetto polymer sand tiles?

Before you buy polymer sand tiles from ANOTHER MANUFACTURER, DO NOT BE LAZY TO COMPARE THE SAMPLES WITH OURS!!!!

Call us right now - HURRY TO BUY polymer sand tiles AT THE OLD PRICE, raw materials are becoming more expensive!!!

Top 5. Polysand "Puzzle"

Rating (2021): 4.54

Non-standard form factor Puzzle-shaped tiles are the best solution for creating a bright and beautiful coating. This non-standard option can become a real decoration of the garden and personal plot.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 300 rub.

• Type: polymer sand tiles
• Maximum load: 5-6 t/m²
• Installation: on mortar, sand base
• Dimensions: 600/400/40 mm

Paving slabs made of polymers and plastic with the addition of sand. Available to users in 11 color variations. This plastic-sand tile is suitable for arranging garden paths, country parking, and recreation areas. If the installation technology is followed, it can last for at least 20 years: during this time it will not lose either its original shade or strength. Building materials are sold individually. The tiles are easily cut and adjusted to the size of the area being developed. True, despite the original design and good strength, it is not very popular due to its rather high cost.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Many shades
• Does not deform after years of use
• Safe materials

• High cost of 1 tile

Working with specialists

It is important to remember that the cost of paths made of tiles in a country house or other materials is calculated in each case individually. The final cost will be influenced by various factors, which qualified craftsmen will tell you about. They will tell you what foundation is needed, how much materials need to be purchased, what work needs to be done, the timing of the processes, and so on. They can also offer combined options to create an original track.

Garden path Source th.aviarydecor.com

Top 4. HELEX HLZ

Rating (2021): 4.55

16 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, OZON

Original drawing The shade does not fade under the influence of UV rays. The pattern on the installed tiles changes from different viewing angles.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 1159 rub.

• Type: garden plastic covering
• Maximum load: 25 t/m²
• Installation: manual
• Dimensions: 400/400/18 mm

Inexpensive plastic tiles available in two shades: terracotta and green. The material is suitable for creating durable garden paths in the country, and can also be used as a base for a swimming pool. The coating is frost-resistant, does not change color during use and looks aesthetically pleasing. Among the advantages, users note the high strength of the tiles: they do not move apart or deform under the weight of the car. Installation of the material is extremely simple: prepare and level the base, lay the modules and connect them with locks on the sides. And if you want to prevent grass from sprouting, then users recommend laying agrotextiles under the tiles.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Supports vehicle weight
• No professional skills required for installation
• Universal to use
• Suitable for forming a base for a swimming pool

• There are only 6 pieces in the package
• Not suitable for soft ground
• Does not control grass and weed growth

Roll coating

Used as an alternative to tile covering, often used as a temporary option. It consists of a mixture of polymers and is sold in the form of rolls of different colors.

Rolled artificial turf Source www.indiamart.com

The rolls are easy to roll out and lay on any area, regardless of the presence of unevenness. Therefore, this is a convenient and inexpensive way to create a path for one season. It is advisable to lay the rolled tape on a substrate of crushed stone or gravel, especially for long-term use, since after rain it can sink into dirt.

At the end of the summer season, the roll is rolled up and sent to the barn until the beginning of next summer.

Anti-slip coating Source mo.tiu.ru

Top 3. LAATTA

Rating (2021): 4.60

11 reviews taken into account from resources: Petrovich.ru

Reliable coating Durable tiles are suitable for arranging parking lots near a private house and garden paths. The material is not inferior in strength and durability to concrete coating.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 129 rub.

• Type: polymer sand tiles
• Maximum load: 4.5 t/m²
• Installation: on cement mortar, sand, concrete
• Dimensions: 330/330/38 mm

One of the best materials that deserves the attention of a summer resident. Paving slabs are made of sand and plastic, polymers, and are easily mounted on a flat base. It is used for arranging coverings in dachas, vegetable gardens, and personal plots in private homes. The manufacturer produces tiles in gray and red-brown colors. The material is unpretentious in work, it is laid on hardened concrete, granite screenings, cement-sand mixture, special glue. To arrange a parking lot, the manufacturer recommends using a concrete base, and ordinary sand is also suitable for paths in the garden. Frosts do not affect the tiles in any way. According to reviews, it does not absorb water and can easily withstand even the harshest winters. But in summer, when heated, the material expands, so when laying it is better to leave thermal gaps of 3-5 mm.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Does not collapse under the influence of frost
• Easy to clean
• Resistant to mechanical stress
• Can be installed on verandas and other enclosed spaces

• Strong plastic smell in some specimens
• Not suitable for arranging barbecue areas

See also:

• 20 best gardening products from AliExpress

Concrete covering

Concrete slabs for garden paths come in different models and shapes, although many gardeners often make them themselves. These are highly durable and practical elements with increased wear resistance.

During production, various pigments are added to the solution, so the garden path can be made of any desired color or even a picturesque mosaic of different colors can be created.

Concrete slabs are laid on sandy soil, so clay soil will need to be prepared first:

• Remove the top layer from the marked garden path, remove all roots and plants.
• Pour crushed stone in a layer of 10 cm, then sand 5-8 cm.
• Carefully compact each layer.
• Lay the tiles, press down firmly on top, and tap with a rubber hammer.

The finished path is covered with sand on top so that all the cracks are filled, and water is poured on top. You can lay concrete modules on cement-sand mortar. It is advisable to make borders along the edges.

Concrete modules of different sizes Source concrestonellc.com

Concrete slabs laid with large gaps that are seeded with lawn grass look very nice.

Design solution Source www.constructionandlandscape.com

Top 2. ERFOLG Home & Garden

Rating (2021): 4.70

15 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market

Optimal price-quality ratio The material is sold at an affordable price and has good strength characteristics. This tile is also versatile and easy to install.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 938 rub.

• Type: modular tiles
• Maximum load: 80 t/m²
• Installation: manual
• Dimensions: 330/330/16 mm

Easy to install plastic tiles with heavy-duty locks. It is assembled as simply as possible: like a construction kit. Judging by the reviews, after fastening, nothing hangs loose anywhere, the material fits tightly, without gaps. The tiles are intended for garden paths in the country, for arranging areas around the pool, and for forming a durable coating in greenhouses. It can also be used on loggias and balconies. The package contains 9 pieces: enough material for almost 1 m². The tiles do not lose their strength when exposed to frost and do not require special care. Users also praise it for its low thermal conductivity - even in very hot weather it is comfortable to walk on barefoot. The only point: after installation, you need to cut off the flash from the surface of the tile, otherwise there is a risk of injuring your feet.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Strong locks
• Suitable for installation on uneven surfaces
• Forms a coating designed to withstand heavy loads

• There is a flash

See also:

• 10 best Russian-made walk-behind tractors

Tree

Decking can be made of natural wood, varnished on top. This coating has the following properties:

• it is environmentally friendly
• harmless to humans;
• looks great on a site with a log house or wooden house;
• easy to clean;
• easy to install;
• absorbs heat;
• repels moisture, so the surface does not slip.

Such a path must be promptly painted, varnished in order to protect the surface from atmospheric factors, and treated with bug repellents. The bottom of the track should not come into contact with the ground, so it is installed on a substrate. The most popular types of wood for decking are pine, larch, and teak.

Flooring for the gazebo Source wp-decking.ru

Disadvantages of use

laying polymer sand tiles

The disadvantage of polymer sand slabs is their ability to expand under the influence of elevated temperatures. A path paved with a violation of the technological process (gaps between elements is no more than 5 mm) may become deformed in hot summers. Polymer sand blocks are more expensive than their concrete counterparts and require a more complex installation process. The production process is carried out using expensive equipment.

Specifications

Standard characteristics of polymer sand products may vary depending on the manufacturing method. According to the standards, the density of the blocks reaches 1600-1800 kg/m², the abrasion parameters are 0.05-0.1 g/cm², the volume of water absorption should not exceed 0.15%. The bending and compressive strength of blocks from different companies is 17-25 MPa. Frost resistance of products is at least 300-500 cycles. The shelf life reaches 50 years. The material does not deform at temperatures of -70…+250°C. Blocks can be plain or with a combination of different shades.