Traditionally stone paving has been laid on a wet mortar bed. This method is the correct way to lay natural or vitrified stone.
JOINTS – Most stone and tiles have a joint between the pieces which varies from 2mm to around 10mm.
WET MORTAR BED – 5 PARTS SAND / 1 PART CEMENT MIX TO A SLURRY CONSISTENCY.
PEDESTRIAN PAVING – Laying the product onto a wet mortar bed [5 parts Sand/ 1 part cement with waterproofing incorporated] over a compacted base preferably of crusher/cracker dust ensures that no weeds or ants will come up from below. It also eliminates movement which provides a secure structure for the grout to maintain its strength without cracking.
RECOMMENDED FOR PEDESTRIAN PAVING – 22mm STONE PAVING / 35-40 mm WET MORTAR BED / 70mm COMPACTED CRACKER DUST
DRIVEWAY – If the stone or tiles are to be laid onto a concrete slab, tile adhesive is normally used instead of a wet mortar bed. A slab is used for driveways where a paving stone or tile of 20mm thick is being used.
RECOMMENDED FOR DRIVEWAY – 22mm STONE PAVING / 35-40 mm WET MORTAR BED OR ADHESIVE/ 100mm REINFORCED CONCRETE SLAB
STONEMARKET FASTPOINT GROUT – After the installation of the pavers, Fastpoint Paving Grout is then applied, the area to be grouted is soaked with water and allowed to sit for 5 minutes then the Fastpoint grout is brushed into the joints and will set within 72 hours.
SEALING -If sealing is required, this should be done after 30 days to allow any moisture from the substrate and mortarbed to egress. If there is any efflorescence this will also have the chance to come out during this period prior to sealing.
A wet mortar bed installation will be more expensive initially but considering the cost and unsightliness of controlling weeds and ants for ever, it is a worthwhile investment to do it properly in the first place.
Country Earth have professional stone and tile layers that use this method every day.
DRY LAY – It is possible to lay stone dry on a compacted cracker dust base. If this is the method chosen by the client, it is necessary to butt the pieces together to minimise the joints. These can be grouted with a brush in material to fill the void. As there will be movement over time, maintenance of the joints will be required.
RECOMMENDED FOR DRY LAY – 22mm STONE PAVING / COMPACTED CRACKER DUST/GROUTED WITH BRUSHED IN MATERIAL SUCH AS CRACKER DUST