Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:36 pm
Hi fella's. Finished my patio and path about a month ago so have uploaded some pics. To summarise, my wife and I laid about 55m2 of Raj Green indian sandstone flags and setts. We took our time (both retired) and are very pleased with the overall result bearing in mind it was my first time laying paving of this type and scale. I'd like to thank sincerely Tony McC for this excellent and informative site as well as providing the layout drawing (modified by me in a couple of places) and you guys for giving me guidance and assurances when required (previous topics "Patio one brick below dpc", "Hollow sound" and "Riven sandstone patio and path").
I mixed the jointing mortar myself using 3:1 building sand:50/50 white/Portand cement, buff pigment with a good dollop of SBR. Whilst it's turned out to be as hard as nails and consistent in colour, it was a balls-aching job. I could only manage about 10-12m2 a day (mainly due to boredom) so it took me 5 days. Every joint was filled full depth, compacted with a pointing trowel and finished off with a jointing tool. I used nearly 300 kg of mortar. With the benefit of hindsight, if ever doing it again (although extremely unlikely), I'd opt for Easipoint mortar. I reckon I'd have needed about 9 or 10 bags - a lot more expensive but obviously much quicker.
The remainder of the garden will be sorted in the new year. Next project after Christmas, a complete head to toe strip out and refitting of our en-suite bathroom.
In the spring and summer I've also got to sort out 130m2 of block paving at the front and side of the house so I'll be back on this site for advice. It was laid about 20 years ago by the original builder using sand on top of hoggin (not Type 1). It's sunk in a few places causing water to pond when it rains. I'll most likely repair the offending patches as I don't have the dosh to replace it completely. From reading other posts I guess I'd be looking at about £10-12k plus VAT for removal and replacement for a proper job.
Once again, many thanks for all your help.
I mixed the jointing mortar myself using 3:1 building sand:50/50 white/Portand cement, buff pigment with a good dollop of SBR. Whilst it's turned out to be as hard as nails and consistent in colour, it was a balls-aching job. I could only manage about 10-12m2 a day (mainly due to boredom) so it took me 5 days. Every joint was filled full depth, compacted with a pointing trowel and finished off with a jointing tool. I used nearly 300 kg of mortar. With the benefit of hindsight, if ever doing it again (although extremely unlikely), I'd opt for Easipoint mortar. I reckon I'd have needed about 9 or 10 bags - a lot more expensive but obviously much quicker.
The remainder of the garden will be sorted in the new year. Next project after Christmas, a complete head to toe strip out and refitting of our en-suite bathroom.
In the spring and summer I've also got to sort out 130m2 of block paving at the front and side of the house so I'll be back on this site for advice. It was laid about 20 years ago by the original builder using sand on top of hoggin (not Type 1). It's sunk in a few places causing water to pond when it rains. I'll most likely repair the offending patches as I don't have the dosh to replace it completely. From reading other posts I guess I'd be looking at about £10-12k plus VAT for removal and replacement for a proper job.
Once again, many thanks for all your help.
