Fixing my mistake!

[matt_claydon]

Hi everyone,

First off, I'd like to say thank you for this superb site: the sheer amount of good info here is staggering.

I'm in the process of building a 10m2 patio on some built-up ground. I've laid 20cm of Type 1 and compacted it with a whacker and on top of that I've laid 5cm of sharp sand (also compacted) to a completly flat finish (with 1:80 fall). I had unfortunately based my plans on the advice from a DIY book and was going to spot bed my paving. Having found this site and read most of it, I realise the error of my ways and want to go about it properly with a 10:1 mix bedding.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to the easiest way of converting my existing 5cm deep sand bed to a 10:1 mix bed without digging it all up, mixing separately, and re-laying? I'm concerned about both disturbing the compacted Type 1 and also spoiling the nice even and level distribution of the sand. Am I living in cloud cuckoo land to think I could spread 4 bags of cement over the sand and then rake back and forth for a while to mix it up?

Many thanks for any help,
Matt.

[DeckmanAdam]

What flags are you laying?
Imo rake it off and remix its not that hard to take it off mot with the underside of a rake

[James.Q]

if its only a 10 mtr patio just lay on a full bed you should be fine no need to over complecate as long as the sharp sand is solid you should be ok .

[DeckmanAdam]

What with no cement james?
And if its indian he will have trouble laying on a screed lol.

[James.Q]

re read his post he said spot bed i recomended full bed of mortar lol

[DeckmanAdam]

thought so mate gettin late isnt...how these DIY books get published is beyond me lol

[James.Q]

know what you mean my ed erts

[matt_claydon]

The flags are cast concrete and should all be the same thickness.

So to clarify, you're saying I should bed the flags in a full layer of mortar ON TOP of the sand layer I've put down?

I've found so much other information on the web on how bad a method spot bedding is, so like you I can't believe the DIY books still encourage such bad practice! They even said how poor it was on telly the other night!

Many thanks,
Matt.

[Rich H]

The sand layer isn't necessary (or helpful) at all. Full bedding layer of mortar per this:

http://www.pavingexpert.com/layflag1.htm

With cast slabs, you can either lay them individually or on a screed. If it is your first time you might find bedding them individually a little easier, but that's in my opinion; others may differ!

[seanandruby]

Raking the cement in wont give you a consistent mix. How would you dampen it? walking over a moist mix will send it off and you will struggle with it. dig it out and knock it up as you need it, far easier.