Laying a patio

Apr 12, 2016 3 Replies
A

I have been given two basic recommendations for laying a patio (circular nature stone, with curving path of stone paviors laid in stretcher bond):


  1. Lay on compacted soil, 100 mm compacted hardcore, followed by 50 mm of 5:1 sand and cement mix, and then jointed with mortar mix.


  1. Similar, but use ballast rather than sand for the natural stone to create a concrete bed rather than a sand/cement.



Any comments on which is the better approach?



Andrew.


Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
C

I have used 3" of 8:1 sand and cement mix directly on top of a clay soil. Still flat after >30 years. Only problem is the ants excavate some of the sand and the odd slab needs resetting every 15 years.

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

See

formatting link
As a general rule of thumb, if you follow his advice it will be built like a brick s*it-house. If you are happy with a lower quality finish, you can afford to skimp.

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
N

Beat me to it! Laid indian sandstone last year on top of *very* well compacted earth, minimum 50 mm ballast, then up to 50 mm of 5:1. Used a plate compactor on the ballast.

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required