The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:35 pm**

I am going to be putting down an Indian Sandstone patio soon but before that I thought I would remove the ugly grey concrete steps in front of the patio doors and replace them with some of the sandstone flags.

I got some buff walling bricks and have started to build up the supporting tiers. Now I have allowed for the flags to have a 25mm overhang which means that the gaps in the flags will have nothing underneath so a bit difficult to put anything there to support mortar while it goes off.

I have got some Wickes Patio Grout in buff (hope it's not rubbish!) which is supposed to be like Romex I think. My intention is to lay the flags on a full mortar base and then use the grout for a more decorative finish.

Should I just forget about the gaps or is there a way to do this so it will look better?

Thanks in advance.

Posted: **Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:31 pm**

First of all, the Wickes Patio stuff is definitely rubbish and is nothing at all like Romex. It will provide a quick cosmetic job but a) it does not bond to anything, b) it is soft in the wet c) will break up even under the gentle caress of a yard brush d) will be replaced by something better within 2 years at the most.

Take it back or throw it away. It is worse than useless.

On the subject of the pointing of the overhang, you can either leave it as is or gaffer tap a flat piece of timber under the joint, point it as usual and then remove the timber once the muck has set. There's probably better ways but that's worked for me before.

Posted: **Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:30 pm**

Thanks for the reply. Looks like I will be taking it back then! I just happened to see it when I was in there picking up something else. What is their mortar dye like? I want point the blocks with a buff mortar and I got some of their dye but haven't tried it and won't botter if it's rubbish.

Thanks for the tip for filling the crack, I will give that a go.

Posted: **Mon Aug 18, 2008 8:28 pm**

Duck or gaffer tape is handy for these corbel joints when using one of the quality polymerics.

Posted: **Mon Aug 18, 2008 9:36 pm**

we clamp a piece of roofing battern on or two pieces in an L shape with those quick clamps, if the gaffa wont stick.

Posted: **Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:16 pm**

Thanks guys!

The Brew Cabin

Sandstone steps - How to fill joints at the edge?