Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:40 pm
Hi, complete novice here and in desperate need of advice. I have searched your archives but my basic lack of knowledge in this arena confuses me further.
Background information: My patio area is made up of very heavy flagstones (I think that’s what they are) 600x600 mm with manufactured cut outs (?) 9 in each flag. They resemble a shape of a four-leaf clover and are 70 mm deep as is the flag. What are these flags called? The previous tenants had a camomile lawn with wild herbs etc growing out of these holes. Due to neglect it is now a mixture of grass & weeds with the odd primrose. The flags are over 20 years old and have had cars parked on them during party times. There is no evidence of sinking or movement. The area is 13x12 flags. I have lifted an area of 4x5 flags. Removed the sods/earth from each hole. The root systems found underneath each flag were minimal. There is no evidence of mortar/cement used just course sand.
My intentions are:
1. Re-level and compact the base.
2. Lay down driveway fabric (maintain stability of flags).
3. Level sand on top of the fabric as advised by the fabric manufacture.
4. Relay the flag stones. They did sit tight next to each other with minimal weed growth between the joints but only in some places. So I’m thinking of not doing anything about the joints unless advised otherwise.
5. Fill in the clover-style holes for a smooth surface. The purpose of this is to prevent garden furniture legs sinking in the holes.
My Question, at long last, is what do I use to do job no.5?
I have read & heard about cracking, moisture (confusing). I have no wish to destroy the existing flags. Numerous advice has been given from store professionals to fellow DIY hijacked for information in said stores. The advice has never been consistent some recommend mortar, cement, slabit and even grouting! I would like a coloured or fixed pebbled finish to uplift the dreary grey of the flags but that is secondary to keeping the flags whole. Help! What would you recommend and how would I go about it?
Looking forward to your response, Sonja.
PS Should the recommendation be that I don’t do this then I would appreciate an idea of how much each of my flags would cost as I would have to sell them to purchase new ones (low income mum with only enthusiasm and determination to complete this job). Thanks.
Background information: My patio area is made up of very heavy flagstones (I think that’s what they are) 600x600 mm with manufactured cut outs (?) 9 in each flag. They resemble a shape of a four-leaf clover and are 70 mm deep as is the flag. What are these flags called? The previous tenants had a camomile lawn with wild herbs etc growing out of these holes. Due to neglect it is now a mixture of grass & weeds with the odd primrose. The flags are over 20 years old and have had cars parked on them during party times. There is no evidence of sinking or movement. The area is 13x12 flags. I have lifted an area of 4x5 flags. Removed the sods/earth from each hole. The root systems found underneath each flag were minimal. There is no evidence of mortar/cement used just course sand.
My intentions are:
1. Re-level and compact the base.
2. Lay down driveway fabric (maintain stability of flags).
3. Level sand on top of the fabric as advised by the fabric manufacture.
4. Relay the flag stones. They did sit tight next to each other with minimal weed growth between the joints but only in some places. So I’m thinking of not doing anything about the joints unless advised otherwise.
5. Fill in the clover-style holes for a smooth surface. The purpose of this is to prevent garden furniture legs sinking in the holes.
My Question, at long last, is what do I use to do job no.5?
I have read & heard about cracking, moisture (confusing). I have no wish to destroy the existing flags. Numerous advice has been given from store professionals to fellow DIY hijacked for information in said stores. The advice has never been consistent some recommend mortar, cement, slabit and even grouting! I would like a coloured or fixed pebbled finish to uplift the dreary grey of the flags but that is secondary to keeping the flags whole. Help! What would you recommend and how would I go about it?
Looking forward to your response, Sonja.
PS Should the recommendation be that I don’t do this then I would appreciate an idea of how much each of my flags would cost as I would have to sell them to purchase new ones (low income mum with only enthusiasm and determination to complete this job). Thanks.
