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Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2006 10:51 pm
by simon(Newcastle)
I'm laying a patio which will have light traffic, it measures 4m x 4m.
The proposed patio is on a lawn area with pretty stable soil!
Will a 50mm bed of sharp sand ALONE be ok to lay directly onto? Or should i add a sand/cement mix at 10:1? if so does the cement have to be mixed in thoroughly via a mixer or can i just rake it in?

Posted: Sat Apr 01, 2006 4:25 pm
by MatthewWakeman
Simon

It depends on the size and thickness of the slabs 600*600*50mm would be ok for just foot traffic but if you are going to use smaller slabs say Heritage 450*450*38mm then you should be using a full mortar bed say 8:1 especially if tou are going to point the slabs and not butt joint them.

regards

Matthew
drivewaycompany.co.uk

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2006 5:14 pm
by Tony McC
For DIYers laying patios, using a 10:1 mix of grit sand with cement, mixed to a moist (NOT wet) consistency is by far the simplest method. Using a sand bed is fine for professional contractors able to perfectly judge compaction, but the 10:1 mix is more "forgiving" for those with less experience.

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2006 10:25 pm
by simon(Newcastle)
the paving is riven 400x400 slabs where the thicknesses vary!!
Any views on what type of mix should i use to point these up?

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 5:50 pm
by Tony McC