Sunken Patio

[r896neo]

Sorry to change the goal posts at this late stage but for others that may read this in the future really the above discussion is a poor way to lay a flag.

Forget two layers, either lay them on pure sharp sand (not recommended as its very hard to get properly level and best left to pros) Or lay it on a mortar of 6: sharp sand to :1 part cement. Use a wet mix rippled with a trowel and then lay the flag and tap it down level.

 

[NotebookNewport]

head spinning...
if its not completely level - is there a levelling compound?

 

[NotebookNewport]

to go on top after I repair the bad ones?

 

[Doggit]

Interesting Neo, I haven't seen it done that way before, but I can see the idea behind it. One thing I forgot to check Notebook; are the slabs at the edge, or in the middle. Either method will work, so go with what you feel is best, because as Neo says, the sharp sand on it's own is difficult, hence you add the dabs of wet cement so that you can level the slab, and then it'll hold.

But if you're not working at the edge of the patio, then you'll have difficulty lifting the slab to add or remove the amount of cement you need.

 

[r896neo]

This is not personal i just want to dispell what is a very commonly held myth that spot bedding is correct.

I have been laying paving for 15 years and only once have I seen it laid how you described. Its more work levelling two different materials and much more likely to give problems with differential settlement.

I have lost count of the amount of failed spot bedded patios put down by cowboys I have relaid. They start rocking and the pointing never lasts. It was put about by tv gardening shows and is bad practise. Check out this video as a guide to proper flag bedding.

Full bed on a wet mix.

 

[Doggit]

Link Missing Neo, and no I knew you weren't being personal, not your style. Yes, I've learnt the garden show way, and it's worked so far (thankfully) but I can now see the drawbacks, so I'll happily try it you're way next time. Lucky for Notebook that you stepped in.

 

[NotebookNewport]

its at the side with a drop of about 6 inches and 3 inches to a fence, so no problem.
I plan to cover it with plastic click together tile like things from ikea, so after my attempt, is there an easy way of getting it perfect? Levelling compound?

 

[r896neo]

Sorry here is the link.

No need for self levelling compound just use a long straight edge or a stringline to get it all flat and right the first time.

 

[NotebookNewport]

ok cheers - might be brave and re-do the whole lot
cheers

 

[Doggit]

As you have a drop on the side, that's possibly what's caused the problem; the earth's slid down the slope a little, and then from under the slabs. In that case, Neos method woud be much more sensible to use.

 

[NotebookNewport]

Thanks to everyone for all your time and reasonable discussion - it makes a change - great forum

 

[r896neo]

If you need help just shout. Paving expert is a great resource for general guides and advice. Paving can be daunting at first but is actually very straighforward if you have the right information and plan well. 90% of jobs not done well are because someone couldn't be bothered and cut corners with bedding amount or cuts or setting out the falls accurately etc.

 

[NotebookNewport]

ok guys - here is what I did.
chiselled out bits of loose concrete and dug out dry mix that didn't go off 20 years ago.
levelled with sharp sand
bought pre mixed mortar
placed waves of it on area
wet it and stone
placed stones on top
been a month or two and looks ok for now
thanks everyone