Idiot's guide to mortar for patio

Discussion in 'Landscaping and Outdoors' started by Jase81, Jun 25, 2022.

  1. Jase81

    Jase81 Member

    So the base is down, about to order my Indian stone pavers.

    I've seen mortar suggestion of 4:1...but if a 'part' of sand and cement is a spade full, what's the best way to measure a 'part' of water?

    Or should I just lay on sharp sand?
     
  2. koolpc

    koolpc Super Member

    What is the point if you lay on sharp sand? You will get dirty. Sit on a chair or stand up for goodness sake! o_O
     
  3. Jase81

    Jase81 Member

    I've heard it's good for the back
     
    koolpc likes this.
  4. chesterw

    chesterw Well-Known Member

    No no, getting someone else to lay the pavers is good for your back
     
  5. candoabitofmoststuff

    candoabitofmoststuff Screwfix Select

    That means 4 parts sand ,1 part cement... not 4 parts sand/cement 1 part water!

    Have a look at www.pavingexpert.com

    All you need to know is there... and it has a forum!

    You wont need much water... and for pavers you can use a much weaker mix... 8:1 would probably be just fine!

    Cando
     
  6. Jase81

    Jase81 Member

    Yes, sorry, just didn't write it out fully. Ta!
     
  7. stevie22

    stevie22 Screwfix Select

    Personally I always use sharp sand for bedding slabs and 8 :1 is certainly strong enough.

    You need to be careful to keep the slabs clean especially when you point them.
     
  8. Jase81

    Jase81 Member

    So 8 parts sharp sand 1 part cement plus water?
     
  9. candoabitofmoststuff

    candoabitofmoststuff Screwfix Select

    Yes.
    And it want to be damp, rather than wet.
    Think about the dampness of the sand you used to make sandcastles with at the seaside... Well that's probably a little too wet!
    Cando
     
    Jase81 likes this.
  10. Jase81

    Jase81 Member

    Sounds like manual mixing in a barrow is best and just add water by judgement?
     
  11. Dot99

    Dot99 Active Member

    any opinions on the ready mixed Slablayer
     
  12. stevie22

    stevie22 Screwfix Select

    Never been tempted but looks expensive and if it goes off as quick as postcrete (which is vastly inferior to proper concrete) then I'd imagine it's a nightmare to use.
     
  13. candoabitofmoststuff

    candoabitofmoststuff Screwfix Select

    Yes. Add a little at a time. You'll be surprised at how easily "just enough" becomes "too much"
    Cando
     
    Jase81 likes this.
  14. Sneeze

    Sneeze Member

    If you're not using a mixer, Instead of a barrow, I really recommend buying a cheap workhorse paddle mixer and mixing in a XL flexitub. I've use a £30 Lidl mixer and it's still going strong after a few years. It's made life so much easier.
     
    Jase81 likes this.
  15. Jase81

    Jase81 Member

    I spoke to my merchant briefly when he dropped off some crush. He said to have a mix of grit and soft builders sand for the concrete. The soft sand he says gives added suction.

    I've found somewhere that does bulk bags of mixed with 70% soft and 30% grit.

    Is buying a mixed bag ok (will it be mixed enough)...and is the ratio the right way round or should it be predominantly grit?
     

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