Is cement a must?

[simon(Newcastle)]

I'm laying a patio which will have light traffic, it measures 4m x 4m.
The proposed patio is on a lawn area with pretty stable soil!
Will a 50mm bed of sharp sand ALONE be ok to lay directly onto? Or should i add a sand/cement mix at 10:1? if so does the cement have to be mixed in thoroughly via a mixer or can i just rake it in?

[MatthewWakeman]

Simon

It depends on the size and thickness of the slabs 600*600*50mm would be ok for just foot traffic but if you are going to use smaller slabs say Heritage 450*450*38mm then you should be using a full mortar bed say 8:1 especially if tou are going to point the slabs and not butt joint them.

regards

Matthew
drivewaycompany.co.uk

[Tony McC]

For DIYers laying patios, using a 10:1 mix of grit sand with cement, mixed to a moist (NOT wet) consistency is by far the simplest method. Using a sand bed is fine for professional contractors able to perfectly judge compaction, but the 10:1 mix is more "forgiving" for those with less experience.

[simon(Newcastle)]

the paving is riven 400x400 slabs where the thicknesses vary!!
Any views on what type of mix should i use to point these up?

[Tony McC]

See the Pointing Case Study