How to create a calade?

Creating a Stone Calade: Combining Tradition and Craftsmanship

The creation of a pebble or stone calade, a paved sloping street, embodies the authenticity and charm of the south of France, requiring a skilled combination of technique and art. This paving method, similar to the laying of antique cobblestones, is a subtle blend of technical skills and developed artistic sensitivity.

Choosing the Pebbles:

The first step in creating a calade is choosing the pebbles to be laid, which can be selected based on size and color depending on the desired result. For whole pebbles, we recommend pebbles ranging from 60 to 80 mm, and from 120 to 200 mm for split or cleaved pebbles.

The variation in colors and shades allows for the creation of patterns and mosaics to create unique layouts.

Preparing the Surface:

Just like laying antique cobblestones, the first step in creating a stone calade is preparing the surface. The pebbles are laid on lean mortar, with a base of 0/4 sand and cement to ensure the stability of the ground and provide a solid foundation for the upcoming pebbles.

Arranging the Pebbles:

The true essence of the calade lies in how the pebbles are arranged. Each pebble is carefully selected and placed based on its shape, size, and color. This step requires a high degree of artistic skill, as the placement of each pebble contributes to the overall harmony of the calade. Artisans must be sensitive to how the pebbles integrate with each other. You can arrange the pebbles in a classic manner for a more homogeneous surface or vary the sizes and colors to create more artistic patterns.

Laying on Lean Mortar:

The pebbles are then laid on lean mortar, a mixture of 0/4 sand and cement. This mortar ensures a strong bond between the pebbles and the prepared sand base. This step requires careful attention to ensure that each pebble is properly set in the mortar, guaranteeing the durability and stability of the calade.

Creating the Liquid Joints:

Once the pebbles are arranged, they need to be fixed using mortar joints. These joints consist of a mixture of finer 0/2 sand and cement, creating a strong connection between the pebbles while providing some flexibility to absorb movement and pressure.

Creating a calade is an artisanal technique that requires craftsmanship to carefully choose the placement of each pebble based on its shape and color, ensuring a beautiful harmony.