Laying paving stone

[Frederick Williams]

What should paving stones be laid on? Just sand or a mixture of sand and cement? If the latter, in what proportions?

[Rob Graham]

In my case I made sure the substrate was really firm (is yours?). Then I put the flags on top of 10:1 sand/cement. The only reason for the cement, really, was to stop the sand wandering, especially at the edges, because there was no strength in that mix. But it's been fine for 10 years or more, and with vehicles over it.

Rob Graham

[Rob Graham]

In my case I made sure the substrate was really firm (is yours?). Then I put the flags on top of 10:1 sand/cement. The only reason for the cement, really, was to stop the sand wandering, especially at the edges, because there was no strength in that mix. But it's been fine for 10 years or more, and with vehicles over it.

Rob Graham

[DIY]

The recommended method is about 5 parts of sand to 1 of cement, providing the ground under the slabs is nice and firm. The mortar mix should not be too wet otherwise the slabs will float and be difficult to fix level or sloping.

[Davey]

If it's not on here, it's not worth knowing:

[Frederick Williams]

Thanks for the replies.