Urgent help to avoid wasted weekend! - Wrong materials? fast reply appreciated

[go_jon]

Great site. Tony if you are reading this I also sent you a private message, and apologise - but am desperate for a quick response - hence pm as well as post.

Glad I found this site now, but its given me a dilemna - I may have the wrong sand after reading this site. Advice would be appreciated

Anyway - to the point - I have Sat- Monday off work

Ive dug down a 4-5' depth from existing patio across the area and laid down a membrane.

Ive filled this with limestone crusher type 1 (I think its 40mm down to dust)

I intend to wack this with a wacker plate first off.

Now.... I was advised to get 1.5 tonnes of sand - and 10 bags of cement and have this now. Unfortunately I read your notes on sand and you said do not use building sand.(mines building sand)

I think the intention was so that we could dry mix the sand and cement 4:1 and lay it down as the bed to come up level with the existing patio after wacking down.

the sand is loose on the drive.

is there a way I can use this to make a bed? or is this a sunk cost and also a problem in terms of moving this?

If you can reply soon that would be very much appreciated as I will no doubt struggle with ordering more if I must in time for the weekend.

I am hoping it isnt too much of a problem - can you advise me if its likely to be a serious problem and what the implications are?

Many thanks.

[alan ditchfield]

Dont use building sand as a bedding layer as it will only result in a poor job with a short life span, for the cost of sand it is just not worth it trust me.

[Tony McC]

I don't receive PMs any sooner than I see messages posted here - and I always give priority to posts made to the Brew Cabin over and above PMs and emails. I usually check in here at least once a day unless I have a good excuse, such as being away with my family, unwell, or in the pub.

As Alan has said, and as it says on the main website - don't use building sand. It's just wrong.