Help - black limestone - Key decisions

[W12Simon]

My first post and first patio (keen DIYer, no expert). I am laying about 40sqM of Black limestone from Prices Paving Ltd (5 sizes from 560 series). I have a sound sub base (rubble then aggregate whackered down) and plan to use dry 10:1 mix as per recommendations on this site. My key questions are; What type of joint (Butt, Close / buttered or unbuttered) and What best (easiest) jointing material (leaning to 3:1 'classic mix). The slabs are slightly wider on topside vs bottom. Any help advice to make this as easy as possible very very much appreciated.

Cheers

Simon

[London Stone Paving]

Hello Simon

Gaps should be 10-15mm

The black limestone could have a dimensional tolerance of up to +/- 5mm.

The Polymeric sweep in's might be a better bet for the pointing. They are a bit more expensive but are very user friendly and very quick to install

[Tony McC]

± 5mm? This is Price's Paving, so if it only ±5mm, you've done well! They are known for their keen prices rather than the quality of their stone.

Polymerics are, indeed, very very easy to use, but the long term performance isn't brilliant if you are using a power washer on a regular basis. If so, a proper resin slurry or your 3:1 cement mortar would be a better choice.

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