Can paving slabs be laid directly on grass?
Individual paving slabs can be laid directly in grass. When laid directly in grass, they serve as stepping stones, whereas a continuous garden walkway requires a sub-base.
For stepping stones, it is sufficient to cut out a section of turf at the intended location to match the dimensions of the slab. The ground beneath is then levelled and compacted to provide a stable base before the paving slab is inserted. This creates a firm stepping surface that is easy to walk on, and the slab can be lifted again at any time.
Without a sub-base, the natural ground beneath the paving slabs shifts over time. The slabs may sink in places, leaving the walkway uneven.
For a garden walkway made from rubber tiles, the topsoil is first removed and a stable, level formation prepared. Plastic honeycomb grids are laid on the formation. These are also sold as gravel grids, grass grids or gravel honeycombs. The chambers of the honeycomb grids are filled flush to the top with chippings, and the rubber paving slabs are laid on top. This produces a level, water-permeable garden walkway.
Without a sub-base, the natural ground beneath the elastic paving slabs shifts over time.