Loose patio slabs

[garrymum]

Hi

I have a few loose / rocking patio slabs in my garden and also on the steps leading up to the house. I suspect they are just laid on sand and the sand has sunk.

I was thinking of lifting and re-seating on a morta mix. What is the best ratio of sand and cement for sitting the slabs on and also for re-pointing the morta joints?

Also, is it just cement I need and sharp sand (or is it some other type of sand I need?)

Thank you

 

[Tozzy]

This should help you:

http://uktv.co.uk/gardens/stepbystep/aid/83

I'm studying this as I have to lay a patio for someone in a few weeks so should help .

 

[WabbitPoo]

er, I'd ignore the advice on that page, if I was you. The 5-spot method is doomed to failure - honest.

There's loads of posts in here on laying slabs. In brief, OP, you can use a 4-1 mix of building sand and cement for your mortar (note correct spelling!) or a 3-1-1 building sand-sharp snad-cement mix for even more stability. Just make sure what the mortar goes down onto aint gonna move either.

 

[Thermo]

amen to that!

 

[Tozzy]

The 5-spot method is doomed to failure - honest.

Yea, you're absolutely right! I read it in the wiki not so long ago, but forgot the term. Sorry, should have mentioned it to 'garrymum' .