Laying a patio, have you used this. . .

[J_N30]

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.j...icationsProductType=aggregates&isSearch=false

My slabs are 450x450 so thinking this stuff may be a good idea but has anybody had any dealing with it?

I dont want to use it if its going to be rubbish!

The slabs are going to be sandwiched between stone edging and railway sleepers.

 

[r896neo]

Better job to use one with cement in it.

 

[Richard C]

Very expensive way of doing it, just bed them on a weak mix of sharp sand & cement.

 

[J_N30]

Very expensive way of doing it, just bed them on a weak mix of sharp sand & cement.[/quote

I was looking into this and have read that a 4 part grit sand to 1 part cement is ok but how much water should i add.

 

[Richard C]

4:1 is far too strong for bedding pavers, 8/9:1 is adequate. Use sharp/course grit sand not soft building sand. How much water you add depends if the sand is dry or wet; you want the mix to be fairly dry/stiff or the pavers will be all over the place.

 

[r896neo]

4/5:1 for natural stone though and i lay them on mortar pretty wet similar to bricklaying type as i find it easier to get a full supported bed.

 

[J_N30]

One side of the paths going to be sleepers 2 courses high. The other is my drive way.

Should the sleepers go in before or after the slabs?

 

[r896neo]

before as you need to dig for the post holes and concrete etc and you don't want to be disturbing your nicely compacted sub-base

 

[J_N30]

I've been advised by someone to use the 5 spot laying method for my path as its easier to get them level. what's people's opinions on this? I know paving expert don't recommend this but after some more views.

 

[r896neo]

It is popular among diyers because as you have heard it is easier to get them level but no professional would do it because it can go wrong and frankly it's a mediocre job. The extra mortar required will not really cost much so why not just do it properly and relax knowing it will be solid for years to come rather than hoping that we don't get a few more winters like last years and it'll be all over the place.

Have a search through old threads to see about spot bedding