Bedding - grit or soft sand in mortar? - Sandstone patio

[Neal]

From reading Tony's book and going through many posts and pages on here it would appear that grit sand mortar should always be used as bedding for a sandstone patio.

"4:1 is ridiculously over-strength, and the use of building sand for bedding is a total nonsense." - a prevous quote from Tony himself regarding mortar mixes for bedding.

Why then are Marshall's insisting that a soft sand mortar should be used to lay their Haworth Moor sandstone flags despite me saying I have it on good authority that a grit sand mortar should be used?

Cheers,
Neal...

[Rich H]

Cos most of them do. They're wrong, Tony's right.

[Neal]

Cheers Rich. Any idea why they say that. I believe Bradstone say the same thing.

I guess I'll be trawling the estate to see if any parents want their kids sand pits topping up!!!

[msh paving]

The reason why they say that is because the clowns writing the bumph have never mixed up or laid a slab in there life,and the just assume that is the correct stuff
to many people watch one TV builder who stars in ground force and take his work as gospel,this is where alot of misguidence comes from ,it pays to listen to the tradesmen who do the job MSH

[Neal]

I've seen the episode where said DIY TV star gets two female DIY novices to lay a patio in their back garden. I'm happy to disregard his advice but you'd think Marshall's and Bradstone would be handing out the proper advice, after all they've got guarantees to uphold.

So, many thanks for confirming what I thought to start with. Sharp sand it is!

Cheers.

[henpecked]

Sharp tends to 'bridge' larger gaps than a soft sand mortar. Less chance of cracking and movement. Oh, dont forget to FEB it too, I found it helps with laying.

HP

[lutonlagerlout]

the grains in grit sand are larger and more angular,this makes it stronger,soft sand is round and small ===> weaker
LLL

[Neal]

Cheers for the responses lads. Much appreciated.