The Brew Cabin

First of all I would like to thank everyone for their help.10 weeks ago I was a totally ignorant of block paving procedure and had foolishly promised the missus that I could lay one (especially if it was going to save ME money).It was only then that I realised what I had taken on.If it hadn't been for this site and the help from the brew cabin crew I think I would have given up and called the contracters in!!!Anyway phase 1 (!) is finished and it looks good (10 weeks ago I would have viewed anyone sad who got satisfaction out of a patio, but hey call me sad!).Her indoors is well pleased but is now lining me up to lay a path!!!!!
One final thing the patio which is about 18 m sq is layed with marshalls clay brick multi and they do look good but after a recent heavy downpour the rain has brought some of the sand out.Will this always occur or will the joint sand harden up over time. I am reluctant to use a sealant as I wouldn't want to change the colourof the blocks too much.But if a sealant is the only way, what have people used for clay brick pavers that leave the original colour as unchanged as possible?

Sad??? How on earth can laying paving be considered sad?? It is the most enjoya....well, it's the second most enjoyable experience in the world! ;)

The sand jointing will, eventually, bind itself together, but, if you do find you're still losing a lot, then a sand stabilising compound, summat like Keybond from Marshalls, will help enormously, but have no effect on the appearance of the pavers themselves. :)