reclaimed carzy paving project

[compo15]

New gal on forum: I think I'm now in the right place!!!

I know this question must have been asked a million times - but since I'd not considered it at the beginning of my project, which is now almost at its concluding stage and next step is to conclude it ...

I've decided to revamp my garden (grass one part and crazy pave the other). I've laid an mot 1 base, laid the sharp sand and have now laid the stones in the pattern I desire. The problem is I'm not sure how to finish it - should I put down dry mortar and compact it in then point it? Also, because the crazy paving is reclaimed it has accumulated dirt. Would it adhere to the mortar/pointing?

Any advice/suggestions?

Compo15

 

[WabbitPoo]

I am afraid I wouldn't attempt crazy paving on a sand bed - the pieces are too small to stay in place for too long (IMHO). Did you really compact the sand well before laying the stones on it?

I am not sure I know what you mean by "putting down dry mortar". If you mean, brushing dry mortar mix between the pieces of slab, then I can't recommend that either, sorry. A semi-wet mortar mix pressed between slablets is the only way to go, IMHO.

Did you retain the edge pieces of your paving with haunched mortar or concrete?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I'm surprised the regulars on this section haven't scolded you for not laying your slabs on a wet bed of mortar yet tbh.

 

[WabbitPoo]

I didn't scold her, you'll notice. Sounds like she's already done it, so what's the point!

 

[compo15]

I am afraid I wouldn't attempt crazy paving on a sand bed - the pieces are too small to stay in place for too long (IMHO). Did you really compact the sand well before laying the stones on it?

I am not sure I know what you mean by "putting down dry mortar". If you mean, brushing dry mortar mix between the pieces of slab, then I can't recommend that either, sorry. A semi-wet mortar mix pressed between slablets is the only way to go, IMHO.

Did you retain the edge pieces of your paving with haunched mortar or concrete?

Thanks for the reply. And, thank you for scolding me only mildly. I was too busy praising myself for accomplishing a project I hadn't the slightest knowledge of and only thought of searching for the solution to its finishing at this point, when almost all the paving is laid - DIYnot is very apt in this case!!

I got a compacting machine to compact the sand.

I am feeling a little disheartened (it's quite a big area of work, by my standard) as I conclude that, to do the job properly I would need to pick up the paving and do it.

I'm not familiar with haunched mortar. What's the difference between mortar and concrete?

So, how do I go about the mammoth task of correcting the "little" mistake? Any idea? And, please remember, I'm no expert, so please make it simple for me!

And I will research my subject before I commence any other DIY jobs in the future.

 

[WabbitPoo]

I assumed the pieces of paving are quite small, which tend to move quite easily (side to side) or di in to the sand bed (up and down). That said, you have it down now, so onwards.

The edges need to be retained in some way, hence the need for some haunching. Mortar or concrete will do it.

Fill the gaps between the slablets with a damp mix of mortar, pressed well in and smoothed off with a smooth tool of the requisite width.

What stage are you at now?

 

[Thermo]

dont know where my post went! All is not lost, how big an area is it and what type of paving is it?

 

[WabbitPoo]

what type of paving is it?

Crazy


If the slablets are muddy then you need to have cleaned them before trying to use mortar with them.

 

[Thermo]

i know that, i meant broken slabs or york stone you baffon! go put an ice cream tub on your soffit!

 

[WabbitPoo]

if only it was that simple!