I am going to try and install a new sandstone patio next week. It is about 40m2. I have looked at the installation guide on this site and it refers to a pavers maul. Is it really needed as I only intend on doing this the once? I have a hand held rubber mallet that I was going to use and didn't really want to lay out the extra £35 if I could get away with it. Do I stop being tight and buy the Maul or carry on regardless?
I hope that you can advise me on this and many thanks for looking at the post.
Regards
Steve
To maul or not to maul?
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bobhughes
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stix77
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Many Thanks for your reply Bob. This is the first time I would have layed a patio and if I need to purchase a Maul then so be it. I have managed to find a Maul at Wickes for £18 so not that much of an outlay really. I'm running to quite a tight budget and materials alone have taken that.
Thanks once again.
Thanks once again.
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Nigel Walker
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For laying Indian Sandstone, especially different sizes, a handheld rubber mallet will suffice.
I find you get better feel with a smaller mallet. Plus you dont actually need to whack them that hard to get them bedded.
As an amateur you will probably not be able to control a large maul that well
I only ever use a Large maul when laying 900 by 600 flags and road kerbs etc.
Most other types of flag ie 30mm - 40mm thick I only ever use a handheld mallet
Nigel
I find you get better feel with a smaller mallet. Plus you dont actually need to whack them that hard to get them bedded.
As an amateur you will probably not be able to control a large maul that well
I only ever use a Large maul when laying 900 by 600 flags and road kerbs etc.
Most other types of flag ie 30mm - 40mm thick I only ever use a handheld mallet
Nigel
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stix77
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That's great. The biggest flag I am laying is 560x560. Thanks for that, you've just saved me £18.
On a slightly different note, I just wanted to say that this website has been a real font of information for me and as this is the first patio I have laid it has given me a boost in my confidence. Many thanks!
Steve
On a slightly different note, I just wanted to say that this website has been a real font of information for me and as this is the first patio I have laid it has given me a boost in my confidence. Many thanks!
Steve
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lutonlagerlout
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yeah rubber mallet all the way ,i personally use a full wet bed under sandstone and this works for me, my top tip would be never hit the slab closer than 120 mm to the edges as this is when you get rockers
also try to get low when laying and touch the flags at the joints with your free hand,you can feel when they are flush
cheers tony
also try to get low when laying and touch the flags at the joints with your free hand,you can feel when they are flush
cheers tony
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stix77
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- Location: Cambs
Many thanks for the advice. I start the digging out today. Believe it or not I am quite looking forward to it.
Another question. The product I have bought is Stone Market Market Stone. On Stonemarkets installation guide they suggest you coat the back of the flag with neat wet cement and a PVA addative to assist with bonding. This is the only time I have heard of coating the back of the flag. Is it nessesary?
Hope you can help.
Steve
PS I shall put up another post to see what responses I get.
Another question. The product I have bought is Stone Market Market Stone. On Stonemarkets installation guide they suggest you coat the back of the flag with neat wet cement and a PVA addative to assist with bonding. This is the only time I have heard of coating the back of the flag. Is it nessesary?
Hope you can help.
Steve
PS I shall put up another post to see what responses I get.