The Brew Cabin

Dear Tony,
I've just completed a path using slabs and used a 10:1 bedding mix. One edge of the path is 'free/exposed'.
The mix was quite tacky with water and plasticiser added. Do you think this will provide adequate adhesion to the edge slabs once fully hardened, or is the mix too weak to provide a good bond. I don't want the edge slabs flipping up! If they prove to be loose would you recommend chipping away just the top of the bedding and relaying using a thin layer of wet stronger mortar?
Regards
Gary

I think that you've probably got sufficient adhesion to prevent lateral, movement of the flags. This free edge: is it completely open or is it backfilled with soil/garden/summat else?

If you have an exposed edge, that is, one where the edge of the flag and possibly the bedding, are open to view, then having the edge units bonded to the ebdding is a good idea, but if there's soil etc. there, covering the edge, then it's less critical.

If they do prove to be loose and moving, then the simplest remedy is, as you say, the scutch off the top 20mm or bedding and lay on new Class II mortar for certain adhesion.

Thanks for your quick reply Tony. The edge , including bedding is open to view. I'll see how they've bonded and remedy if necessary.
Regards
Gary

I uploaded a new page last week looking at a couple of strategies for laying flags to free edges. You might find it interesting.

I've had a read of your new web page. The edge slabs seem to have bonded okay so it appears the damp 10:1 mix with plasticiser has done the trick!
Thanks again
Gary

One trick I've learnt with coping stones is to get them really wet before laying them, they seem to stick to the bed much better that way, I guess they have more suction.

Doesn't stop the b*****s nicking them though:-(