Replacing all slabs - Prep of the base for simple replacement

Patio flagstones (slabs), concrete flags, stone flags including yorkstone and imported flagstones.
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Drpete
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Joined: Sat Apr 18, 2009 11:44 pm
Location: Cheshire

Post: # 36839Post Drpete

Im planning to take up some concrete slabs in the back garden and replace with stone slabs - york look-alikes. Will I need to redo the base? Or will the existing base probably be ok? - Its cinder or clinker I think, but there is some plant life and worms/ ants etc.
Id be grateful for advice.
Peterchad

lutonlagerlout
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Location: bedfordshire

Post: # 36841Post lutonlagerlout

you wont know till you see it
if its fairly weed free and has settled as far as its going to you might be ok
but thats as a DIYer i would dig it out and put a new sub base in
extra cost of course
LLL :)
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Tony McC
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Post: # 36853Post Tony McC

In Cheshire, it's most likely to be boiler ash, and there was a time when all paving was laid over a bed of this stuff because it was plentiful, cheap and compacts really well.

Rake out any weeds or organic matter and you should be able to re-use it.
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Drpete
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Apr 18, 2009 11:44 pm
Location: Cheshire

Post: # 36871Post Drpete

Yep that fits - bioler ash. Thanks for both answers. If it looks ok Ill put a 2in or so layer of sharp sand over and lay into this, would a weed killer help too?
Peterchad

Tony McC
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Post: # 36881Post Tony McC

Be easier for DIYer to use a mortar mix, summat like 10:1 with a bit of moisture in it. See the Bedding Mixes page for further guidance.
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