Once you’ve done that, you’ll be ready to lay your slabs. Finally, we come to the actual laying of the paving slabs. Your paving slabs need to be laid firmly, making sure they’re level with the surface around them, while also maintaining a 10-15mm gap between each slab. Once you have added the MOT Type 1, it's time to add the sharp or grit sand. Begin by pouring a layer of sand onto the MOT Type 1, and use a rake to spread it evenly across the surface. The sand should be around 50mm deep.

Sika Fast Fix Paving Jointing Compound My review of the Sika Fast Fix Paving Jointing Compound

However, it is important to note that laying paving slabs on sand is not considered a best practice in the industry. This is because sand is not as stable or secure as a full mortar bed, and can lead to uneven surfaces, instability, and potential damage to the slabs over time. Best patio grout overall: Sika FastFix All Weather Self-Setting Paving Jointing Compound, Buff, 15 kg – 20 sq.m Superb value for money – Sika is a choice for many professionals. If you have an ant problem this isn’t a bad shout. Most of the ranges reviewed in this article work but Sika Pave Fix Plus Buff make a point of advertising this specific compound as resistant to ants. It’s super annoying watching an army of ants pushing up sand from your patio and well worth dealing with the problem as soon as possible.Filling gaps between patio pavers is one of those jobs you can just keep putting off – but we all know it needs to be done.

How To Repoint A Patio | Create A Neat Finish | Checkatrade How To Repoint A Patio | Create A Neat Finish | Checkatrade

I’ve just spend a week cleaning drive, removing few oil spots, scrapping out every trace of plant growth, sanding, then I’ve sealed with 70lt of Everbuild Patio Sealer If you water too little, the job won’t last. That’s because once you add water, the cement additives will start to harden. If you add too little water, then only a small rim at the top of the sand will harden.Over time, the sand beneaththe slabs can become compacted and settle, or even gradually erode away causing the slabs to become unsteady and potentially break. This can create an uneven surface and make it difficult to use the patio safely. It will also allow weeds to grow between the slabs. This depends on the weather a little. If it’s hot and sunny, most polymeric sands will set up between 24 and 72 hours. Don’t forget that as well as the tools you need to hire, you’ll also need decent amounts of material like landscaping fabric, and hardcore materials too, like gravel. If you want the best results, then yes, you’ll still probably need sand to lay your paving slabs. Crucially though, it’s not enough on its own – you’ll need to use it as part of a concrete mix (otherwise known as mortar) that will help to secure your paving slabs in place and maximise their lifespan. MOT Type 1 sub base: A 100mm compacted layer of MOT Type 1 beneath the sand can help to improve drainage and prevent the sand from washing away over time.

Builders - What sand to use for filling patio gaps? Builders - What sand to use for filling patio gaps?

Here’s the guide that’ll ensure you get the job done properly. A guide to patio grout brushed in properly for a lasting job Once you have excavated the area, add a layer of MOT Type 1 to the bottom of the hole. This will help to improve drainage and prevent the sand from washing away over time. Lay in two courses of 50mm each and compact down between layers. Step 2: Add the Sand Now, on that note, one of the questions we often hear at Bridge Street Stone is: how can I lay my paving stones on sand? And to be honest, the simple answer is simply – don’t. It’s perfectly possible to lay your paving slabs on sand, and indeed many people do, but it’s not something we recommend here at Bridge Street Stone. Here’s why. Why shouldn’t I lay my patio on sand? For large patios or driveways, we recommend that you hire a cement mixer. A mainstay of a professional paver’s arsenal, a mixer allows you to make one huge batch of mortar in one go. And, as long as the mixer doesn’t stop turning, the mortar will not set before you’re done laying it. What you’ll need to make mortar with a cement mixer:

In this article, we will guide you through the steps of laying a patio on sand, and explain why this is not a good long-term solution. Tools and Materials However, the results were amazing and the patio looked great – so it’s always well worth the effort. 🙂