Installation Guide: Mortar-Set Concrete Pavers
Professional Guidelines for Installing Stone Creek Pavers
This guide is intended to assist professionals, installers, and homeowners with the proper installation of mortar-set concrete pavers by Stone Creek Pavers. Whether you're new to installing concrete pavers or have years of experience, we strongly recommend reviewing this guide before receiving or installing your product.
⚠️ This does not cover every installation scenario. If questions arise during any phase, please contact our office for support before proceeding.
Paver Storage Before Installation
Store pavers in a covered, dry area prior to installation and sealing.
Remove any plastic shipping covers during storage.
Avoid exposing unsealed pavers to rain or moisture, which may lead to efflorescence or streaking.
Do not pressure wash or use acid-based cleaners, as these can permanently damage the paver surface.
Surface Preparation Requirements
Concrete Substrates
Light broom-finished concrete is ideal.
Smooth troweled concrete must be mechanically abraded to enhance mortar bond.
Surfaces must be clean, dry, and free from oils, sealers, dust, or other bond-inhibiting materials.
Repair any cracks or spalls prior to installation. Consult a qualified contractor for crack suppression and waterproofing if needed.
Wood Substrates
Do not bond tiles directly to wood. Use a concrete backer board over the wood surface.
Use waterproofing membranes in moisture-prone areas (kitchens, baths, laundry, mudrooms).
For 5/8" and 1" pavers over wood, apply a crack suppression membrane.
Confirm your subfloor can support the additional weight of concrete pavers and mortar.
Mortar Bed Application
Use either thin-set mortar or standard bed mortar applied with a ½" square-notched trowel.
Mortar consistency should hold its ridges with minimal slumping.
Always mix mortar in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Installing Concrete Pavers
Cutting:
Use a wet saw for clean edges. Rinse cut pieces with clean water.Prepping Tile Surface:
Mist the bonding side of the paver lightly with water and blot dry—ensure no standing water remains.Back-Buttering:
Apply a skim coat of mortar to the back of each tile to ensure at least 95% surface coverage.Placement:
Set the tile into the mortar bed and move it 1/8"–1/4" perpendicular to the mortar grooves to eliminate voids. Work in small areas to prevent the mortar from drying prematurely.
Grouting Joints
Standard grout joint width: ½ inch (other sizes acceptable).
Use:
Non-sanded grout for joints up to 1/8"
Sanded grout for joints over 1/8"
Apply grout using a grout bag — avoid trowel-floating, which may cause haze on the tile surface.
Fill joints completely and smooth with a damp sponge or joint tool.
Clean surrounding areas with a damp sponge and clean water during and immediately after grouting.
⚠️ Never allow mortar or grout to dry on the paver surface. Protect the surface during curing from any stains or residue.
Cleaning Before Sealing
Wait until mortar and grout are fully cured (per manufacturer guidance).
Clean the tile using clean water, sponge, and optionally a soft bristle brush.
Let tiles dry completely—typically 24–48 hours—before applying any sealer.
Sealing Concrete Pavers
We recommend Armor SX5000 Concrete Sealer:
Apply using a hand-pump garden sprayer (15–25 psi) or a power roller with 1" nap.
Ensure sealer takes at least 1 minute to absorb—apply more if it penetrates too quickly.
After 5–10 minutes, blot excess with a clean cloth. Never allow sealer to dry on the surface.
Sealer will be dry to the touch within 1–2 hours, with full water-repellent properties developing in 72 hours.
✅ Foundation Armor SX5000 Concrete Sealer - Matte
The Armor SX5000 is a professional-grade solvent-based silane siloxane sealer designed for use on unsealed concrete, brick, paver, bluestone, flagstone, slate, natural stone, and masonry.
REDUCES WATER ABSROPTION BY UP TO 95%
WON’T CHANGE THE LOOK OR COLOR
LONG LASTING PROTECTION — can last for up to 7-10 years.
READY TO USE: One gallon covers up to 175-225 square feet per gallon.
Installation Tips & Best Practices
✅ Do:
Test grout and cleaning products in a discreet area first.
Use clean water and soft tools for surface cleaning.
Work in small sections to ensure clean, efficient installation.
Always use a grout bag for joint application.
❌ Don’t:
Don’t use acid-based cleaners, metal brushes, or pressure washers.
Don’t apply tape directly to the tile surface—adhesive can stain pavers.
Don’t allow mortar or grout to dry on the surface before cleaning.
Extreme Client Considerations
Refer to your local building code for best practices related to freeze/thaw cycles or extreme temperature regions.
Final Note: Test Before Full Installation
Before committing to a full installation:
Test grout color on scrap pieces or in an inconspicuous area.
Monitor reactions between grout pigments and tile.
Evaluate any cleaners on test sections to prevent unwanted color change.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you’re unsure about any part of the installation process, please contact our team before proceeding.
We’re here to ensure your Stone Creek Pavers are installed beautifully and correctly.