PK wrote:
:: Phil L wrote:
:::
::: When you come to relay the flags, rake the sand base level and
::: sprinkle in a few shovel fulls of cement,[1] you don't need to
::: mix water with it, there's enough in the sand.
::: Rake it in to mix it up a bit and lay the flags directly onto
::: the bed, do'nt use 'blobs' of sand/cement as this just leaves
::: voids underneth each flag, moreover, this blobbing is no good
::: IMV (I lay drives for a living) as the rain will simply wash
::: the sand from underneath the solid blobs leaving each flag
::: rocking...simply lay them on a dry sand/cement mix and the
::: overall effect will be a semi-solid bed with flags on top.
::: You will still get colonies of ants taking up residence but
::: they will be much smaller nests and will be unable to make much
::: of a dent on the foundation.
::
::
:: Agree with all that, but there is a common misconception about the
:: "5-spot" method of laying slabs.
::
:: As you recommend, the full bed dry sand/cement method is by far
:: the best, but can be difficult for the amateur as the bed need to
:: be evenly compacted and levelling the slabs can be a real bind.
:: Too much or too little bedding and you have to lift the slab out
:: again. It is a far more skilled job than it might look.
::
You are indeed correct - I never thought that it may be more than a little
tricky for 'beginners'.

:: The "5-spot method" is easier for the amateur as the blobs can be
:: set high and the slabs gently tapped down to the correct level.
:: BUT, and it is and important BUT, we are not talking airy fairy
:: fist sized blobs, but big spade sized blobs that effectively meet
:: in the centre of the slab as it is levelled down. the net effect
:: is a nearly-full bed of wet mortar.
::
:: All professionals I know use the dry or semi dry method.
::
:: pk

I agree, but he will need a *lot* of sand and cement mixing to do it this
way, which adds expense and time to the job...it may work out cheaper just
to get someone in to do it, although for such a project, my prices would
work out at approximately £20 per square metre...he may find someone cheaper
locally.