Advice for novice needed... - Advice needed

[alancash]

Putting down a 2 inch hardcore layer (compacted) for a 20sq m patio. I also have 2 tonnes of sand and cement for a semi-dry 6:1 layer on top of the hardcore. The questions I have are....

1) Should I plate compact the semi dry layer also? or just compact with long piece of wood?

2) Should I let the semi-dry layer cure for a day or can I lay the flags straight away?

3) Do I need to bed the flags with mortar on top of the semi-dry or I can simply lay them and point with mortar?

Bradstone old town paving for foot traffic only.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Alan.

[Rich H]

I'll dive in quick and save you from the wrath the gaffer reserves for those who post before reading the main site:

Everything you need to know http://www.pavingexpert.com/layflag1.htm

[alancash]

Well I have read the site over and over and I am unsure, thats why I ask the queston. It seems clearer as I read deep down into this forum as the question seems to be asked in various ways...

Please confirm this is correct.

1. lay hardcore and compact
2. lay 6:1 semi-dry and firm with wood
3. rough up the top layer of semi dry
4. lay flag
5. point

steps 2 to 5 all done in the same day as quick as possible.

[lutonlagerlout]

the semi dry ,as you call it is the bedding layer
If you are a DIYer you are best off using a wetter mix and laying the slabs/flags individually to a string line taut at the levels
when you have done a days flagging remove any unused bedding from the leading edges of the flags
LLL

[alancash]

Thanks LLL, I think you are right, will be easier and can be done over several days. I assume 50mm wetter 6:1 mix (mortar) will be sufficient to lay!