Last minute pointer - Laying slabs tmrw

[deegan1979]

Hi guys been busy backfilling the garden, in my inexperience I removed way too much so have spent the last few weeks re filling with 10 tonnes of type 1. Least I'll have good drainage.
Anyway am starting the lay tmrw, undecided on the wet mix for the super soft rainbow sandstone, 5-1 or 6-1 sharp sand cement?
I will be using an sbr slurry primer on the back of the slabs, should I dampen the backs before applying the slurry?
Also would it be wise do dampen the edges of the slabs to stop too much of the bedding mortar being absorbed into the stone?
Tops are sealed but worry about cement being absorbed in the sides and working it's way up although they are 40mm thick.
Any pointers welcome.
Also will make the mix simular to brick mortar maybe a tad stiffer?

[lutonlagerlout]

make it a tad wetter than bricklaying mortar mate

furrow the edges back form the slab you just laid. as you go to lay the next one.

if you go low ,dont be afraid to lift and relay

any spillages of mortar wash immediately with clean water

dont walk on it till monday

take your time and use a string line and rubber mallet

drink plenty of water

use sunblock

stand back and visually assess every 15 minutes

try not to have an audience,distractions cause mistakes

dont listen to the neighbour who says "I have been doing this for 30 years " if he was any good he would be doing yours

get some photos up as you go

stick some beers in the fridge for saturday night

LLL

[deegan1979]

Mate what a reply ..... Thanks for that.
Encountered a snag tho, my type 1 that is to be under the astroturf needs to come up another inch to be at the right level for the sand and turf to end up level with the patio. I'm guessing doing this after laying the slabs and wacker plating it down is going to vibrate my new patio loose?
Bit gutted

[lutonlagerlout]

preparation is the key to success!
just be careful
LLL

[deegan1979]

I'm going to lay the slabs as planned then raise the type 1 next to it in a week or so.
Will only use a small wacker and will keep it a foot from the edge of the patio, will tamp the foot closest by hand just to be sure

[lemoncurd1702]

You may find type 1 a bit large to raise an inch, maybe using 20mm down or smaller will be far easier to profile to correct levels.

Don't worry about using the wacker. Once your paving has set wacking up to them shouldn't be a problem. Work' your way towards the edge just in case.i

[deegan1979]

curd appreciate the advice.
I'm up, tools at the ready, dogs walked and about to boot the Mrs and dogs out for the day.
Can any of u advise me if I should dampen the slabs before applying the primer slurry? Should I wet the edges of slabs to prevent too much cement drawing in?
And am I ok to haunch the free edge with a 4-1 sharp sand cement mix instead of concrete for very light walking on

[seanandruby]

First thing... have you put some cans in the fridge for when you finish :;): ? Just paint it on the bottom of the dry flag. Avoid getting any on the face, it sticks like the proverbial. Be no need to haunch with bond bridge.

[deegan1979]

Thanks Sean
Yep I've got some apple martini and umbrellas in the fridge for after..... not!
Dog I walked, just setting out now.
Should be fun...
Sean 5-1 or 6-1 best mate?

[seanandruby]

Sorry i did't get back to you this morning...busy day. i expect you went for the 6/1 that is ok as you could quite easily go up to 10/1 for a patio but 6/1 is good. hope it went ok and by now your admiring it with your martini :laugh:

[deegan1979]

Well was an event full day.
Started off slow and not go8ng so well.
The sbr slurry went out of the window.
Applied to backs of slabs in all forms of thickness from paste to paint on however I tried the stone dried it in under a minute and I couldn't get it on fast enough.
On the while not too bad, mix was 5-1 and almost luke brick mortar, at first was hard to get them.down and level.but soon realised best way was to get them.down.to.level.quick.
Nackered. Got 4 cuts to do tmrw and 3 thirds of.slabs that go under the fence
Then all done. Shattered, sore, maybe a little tipsy, the beer at the end of the lay has gone straight to.my head.
Will post uo pictures tmrw when.finished chaps

[deegan1979]

Guys should i be covering this up overnight??

[rab1]

only if you fall asleep after a few martinis :;):

[deegan1979]

Anyways last few slabs today then going to pick up.some weatherpoint 365 tmrw, a good friend of mine.swears by his pointing gun and mortar instead of a brush in.
What's people thoughts?

[deegan1979]

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