The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Thu Nov 01, 2007 12:10 pm**

Hi everyone,

First off, I'd like to say thank you for this superb site: the sheer amount of good info here is staggering.

I'm in the process of building a 10m2 patio on some built-up ground. I've laid 20cm of Type 1 and compacted it with a whacker and on top of that I've laid 5cm of sharp sand (also compacted) to a completly flat finish (with 1:80 fall). I had unfortunately based my plans on the advice from a DIY book and was going to spot bed my paving. Having found this site and read most of it, I realise the error of my ways and want to go about it properly with a 10:1 mix bedding.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to the easiest way of converting my existing 5cm deep sand bed to a 10:1 mix bed without digging it all up, mixing separately, and re-laying? I'm concerned about both disturbing the compacted Type 1 and also spoiling the nice even and level distribution of the sand. Am I living in cloud cuckoo land to think I could spread 4 bags of cement over the sand and then rake back and forth for a while to mix it up?

Many thanks for any help,
Matt.

Posted: **Thu Nov 01, 2007 5:22 pm**

What flags are you laying?
Imo rake it off and remix its not that hard to take it off mot with the underside of a rake

Posted: **Thu Nov 01, 2007 10:11 pm**

if its only a 10 mtr patio just lay on a full bed you should be fine no need to over complecate as long as the sharp sand is solid you should be ok .

Posted: **Thu Nov 01, 2007 10:20 pm**

What with no cement james?
And if its indian he will have trouble laying on a screed lol.

Posted: **Thu Nov 01, 2007 10:27 pm**

re read his post he said spot bed i recomended full bed of mortar lol

Posted: **Thu Nov 01, 2007 10:34 pm**

thought so mate gettin late isnt...how these DIY books get published is beyond me lol

Posted: **Thu Nov 01, 2007 10:36 pm**

know what you mean my ed erts

Posted: **Fri Nov 02, 2007 8:51 am**

The flags are cast concrete and should all be the same thickness.

So to clarify, you're saying I should bed the flags in a full layer of mortar ON TOP of the sand layer I've put down?

I've found so much other information on the web on how bad a method spot bedding is, so like you I can't believe the DIY books still encourage such bad practice! They even said how poor it was on telly the other night!

Many thanks,
Matt.

Posted: **Fri Nov 02, 2007 5:22 pm**

The sand layer isn't necessary (or helpful) at all. Full bedding layer of mortar per this:

http://www.pavingexpert.com/layflag1.htm

With cast slabs, you can either lay them individually or on a screed. If it is your first time you might find bedding them individually a little easier, but that's in my opinion; others may differ!

Posted: **Sat Nov 03, 2007 3:26 pm**

Raking the cement in wont give you a consistent mix. How would you dampen it? walking over a moist mix will send it off and you will struggle with it. dig it out and knock it up as you need it, far easier.

The Brew Cabin

Fixing my mistake!