Is edging essential??

[Elric]

Hi - Andy here

I'm about to lay some small 40/40cm pavestones covering an area of 13.5 m2 in a straight forward rectangle.

I've read your section on edging and it seems to suggest that it may not be necessary for my project.

There's no walls, I'm simply placing a rectangle of paving suitable for occaisional walking on.

If my foundations are good would you say that with no edging it will last just as long?

If I require edging, would a boarder of cement do, or concrete?

Further, how long should it take for mortar to set (5/1 sand/cement) good enough to start walking on, 24 hours or more.

Regards, Andy

[Rich H]

Edging is not essential or even required for a patio. Just make sure the slabs are well haunched at the edges.

If your slabs are well consolidated, you should be able to (carefully) go on the paving straight away so that you can point it. Light foot traffic the next day should be ok, and then full use the day after that.