mortar for slabs

[amwc]

Hi

I remember reading somewhere that you should use a 1:4 cement:sand for slabs and paving but I cant find where I read it.

Is this right and why would you not use lime in the ground i.e. 1:1:4

Cheers

 

[RedHerring2]

lime in mortar is for improving elasticity while working.
You won't need that in the ground, if you want you could use it but it ought to be hydraulic.

I'd use a weaker mortar, perhaps 1:5 or even 6.

 

[noseall]

Use about 5:1 sharp sand and cement.

Solid bed not spots.

Form a mortar joint with the same mortar, teasing it up the edge of the laid slab before laying the next slab. Later on, strike it with a bar jointer then brush off the excess.

 

[r896neo]

dont use lime but do use plasticiser, its especially useful when laying slabs as the mortar responds better to being tapped down.

Personally i use plastering sand for laying and pointing as its handy not mixing up different gauges and i find it nice for working with.