The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Mon Aug 03, 2015 12:33 pm**

Hi,

we've recently had 50sqm of Stonemarket Nordus Schwartz slate paving laid. It was build up slightly to form 3 levels (only 15 cm rise to each one).

This has meant the top level (nearest the house) is higher than the old flags were. The builder has left a 20cm gap between the edge of the slate and the house.

The intention is to fill this channel with some nice white pebbles.

My question is can I fill this channel with pebbles to the top? because if I do, that will put the pebbles against the 2 rows of DPC. Photo is below to help.

Thanks for any advice.

Also, on using the patio we've noticed it does scratch quite easily. I guess that's the downside of a blue/black slate? - is there any way to protect the slate from some scratches? - they aren't deep, just from chairs etc, but do show quite white when first done.

Cheers,
Chris

Posted: **Mon Aug 03, 2015 3:52 pm**

Hello Chris

You can fill up to the top with pebbles if desired

Unfortunately there is not a lot you can do with the scratches, they are going to show up against the dark colour of the stone.

On the + side they will weather out.

Steve

Posted: **Tue Aug 04, 2015 1:16 pm**

Thanks Steve. My OCD will just have to get on with it!:)

Posted: **Tue Aug 04, 2015 2:25 pm**

I suffer myself from it.

Posted: **Fri Aug 07, 2015 12:03 pm**

This garden project has certainly intensified it!!

I did email Stonemarket about how to care for the Nordus slate (for minor scratches / general cleaning etc).... they suggested this company who offer a range of products and know the Stonemarket ranges.

The whole patio does need a good clean to get rid of some of the residues etc from the fitting.

Do you think it's worth getting any of these products? - or is good old soap and water just as good for cleaning?
https://www.extensive.co.uk/search.....bmit=Go

thanks,

Posted: **Fri Aug 07, 2015 8:22 pm**

Stone market have definitely pointed you in the right direction. I know extensive very well. There range of products is....extensive (pun intended

) and their knowledge is unsurpassed.

I would definitely try a bit of hot soapy water and a deck brush first though. Slate often comes with a fine film of sediment on the surface and when you combine this with cement and other dust from installation it can leave the slate looking a bit chalky in places.

You will definitely find with slate that the colour gets richer once it's settled down.

Steve

Posted: **Sun Aug 09, 2015 11:18 am**

Thanks again for the reply Steve, really helpful. I'll get the soap and water out first and also check out Extensive.

Posted: **Sun Aug 09, 2015 11:24 am**

The polar white edging pebbles look great, really pleased....

It was a late finish putting them down!

Posted: **Tue Aug 11, 2015 7:13 am**

Very tidy, I would be happy with that. Nice contrast between the slate and the pebbles

Steve

Posted: **Tue Aug 11, 2015 11:19 am**

cheers Steve. It certainly encouraged the OCD! and as a bonus the fence, which was looking quite "ginger", now looks better!:D

Next for the topsoil and turf on the garden / raised bed part.

The Brew Cabin

Pebbles against dpc