Laying with metal rods

[mikegc]

Has anyone ever heard of using metal rods in your cement bed to help reduce movement and reduce cracking of mortar between paving (like reinforced concrete)?

Would this be recommended at all?

[London Stone Paving]

Depends upon the application really. Its fairly rare for it to be used on a domestic patio for example unless you have some extreme ground conditions on site. Could you give some more information about the project?

Steve

[mikegc]

It's a domentic slate patio, I will be using hardcore then cement.

It was recommended by a relative who has quite a bit of building experience, but never a patio (internal flooring mainly). I just wondered if it was a good idea.

[London Stone Paving]

Its overkill unless there are any specific site conditions like tree roots or certain soil types (not sure which ones but someone will be along soon who does know).
Compacted MOT type 1 will be a more than adequate base for a domestic patio

I would also advise that you do some research on the installation of slate. Slate has low porosity and sometimes it does not bond well to the mortar bed. You can overcome this by using a bond bridge. A bond bridge is SBR and cement mixed into a slurry with water. this needs to be painted on to the back of the slate paving.

Steve

[mikegc]

I had red about using an sbr, I guess it will be a good idea if I want the slates to stay in the same place! I've just not done it before!

[London Stone Paving]

Nothing to worry about. Take some time to read the main site. All the information is in there and if you have any further questions come back on here
Steve