The dark side cuddapah black limestone - A few rediculously silly questions

[ah250]

Hi, i've just taken delivery of some CUDDAPAH BLACK LIMESTONE slabs (400sq) for an external patio/path job...natural top/sawn edges.

The ground is a mixture of compacted gravel/mud/hardcore/ etc...probably sounds wrse than it is...very firm...and i wish to raise paving level i.e. not lay slabs level with existing ground.

I intend to lay on cement bed 4:1 (firm enough to support slabs under self weight)...50mm min

What joint gaps should i use with this stone.

As the slabs are black i'm pretty worried about getting cement stain on them during laying/pointing.. any thoughts?

Did think about laying first, let set, apply some sort of stone sealant (again suggestions please?), then point afterwards...Is this ever worth it???

Will this sort of stone actually be effected by cement stain???

Helpppppppp (and thanks)

[Tony McC]

Do me a favour and have a read of the main website, particularly the Laying Stone Paving pages.

Trust me: it saves no end of unpleasantness. :laugh:

[lee]

heya peeps, bizzarly enough, i have just returned home (Sunday eve) from work after giving some Kotah Black sandstone Slabs a pressure wash off.... The pointing was always cleaned, wiped etc but once dried there was some small smear marks where the sponge was used.... we are quite particular with our work and still this happens! To answer your question, spend plenty of time pointing in Black slabs as they do and will stain! If you get the oppertunity, use a sealant previous to pointing, it makes Life easier if you have to wipe with a sponge! Note! sometimes the sealant will make these black beauties shine, however...not everyone likes shiny!

Not sure what colour slabs we are on about? Watch Big Brother on Channel 4, they have used Kotah Black Sandstone slabs for the outdoor terrace, with white pointing.... coincidently, We also did this to a terrace 1 year ago! :O