Mortar

ted1

Started putting down porcelain tiles today. Having never mixed mortar I’m questioning if I mixed it right. I didn’t have it to wet. How wet should it be ?
I’m using 5 shovels sand to 1 shovel cement



For the slurry. I’m using 1 part SBR, 1part water, 4 parts cement. Does that sound right ?

The Continental Op

Personally I'd err on the side of a dry mix for that job. 5:1 is fine

Looks good so far btw.

SteelyDanJalapeno

How's this going Ted? Starting something similar here

The Continental Op

btw even if you use a dry mix it will go off in time and be no weaker than a wet mix.

ted1

SteelyDanJalapeno wrote: »

How's this going Ted? Starting something similar here

Getting there. Just need to finish up some of the edges that require awkward cuts. And then tidy up where it meets the grass

karlitob

ted1 wrote: »

Getting there. Just need to finish up some of the edges that require awkward cuts. And then tidy up where it meets the grass

How are you planning to do that? Have you drains that act as a border or are you putting in a border?

Looks great by the way.

Lantus

Are you priming the slabs? Mortar won't stick to porcelain. You need a good propriety product and mix and paint on. 5 to 1 is ok. I usually go a little stronger just because.

Edit, just saw you did. Follow the instructions for binder. Mine was one to one.

I would add water to mortar. Helps it get well mixed and set and bind to the slab. Sponge everything as you go.

The Continental Op

Lantus wrote: »

Are you priming the slabs? Mortar won't stick to porcelain. You need a good propriety product and mix and paint on. 5 to 1 is ok. I usually go a little stronger just because.

I don't think those flags aren't moving anywhere even if they are not stuck down.

Lantus

The Continental Op wrote: »

I don't think those flags aren't moving anywhere even if they are not stuck down.

Yeah. It depends. I have mine out back on pedestals 160mm high. Ones out front are belt and braces 300mm hardcore and 35mm 3 to 1 mortar. But I drive my car over them. No worries. I think you will be ok.

Lantus

Inspiration for anyone interested. Use the rotational head to self level.

10-10-20

I dunno. Spans effectively.
Are they not hollow sounding and lacking in that reassuring thud when you walk on them?
And how do you stop the local Rattus-maximus from setting up a brothel under the slabs?

The Continental Op

The rodent problem also crossed my mind with that setup.

SteM

Lantus wrote: »

Inspiration for anyone interested. Use the rotational head to self level.

I was looking that these pedestals before but couldn't find a local source at the time. Mind me asking where you picked them up from?

10-10-20

10-10-20 wrote: »

I dunno. Spans effectively.

Looks like the slabs have a slot so are designed for this.

SteM

BrownFinger wrote: »

Looks like the slabs have a slot so are designed for this.

They're tabs on the pedestal that hold the slabs in place.

The Continental Op

SteM wrote: »

They're tabs on the pedestal that hold the slabs in place.

Which leads to another issue you can't really point it because the gap is so small and there is nothing below to stop any that you can get in from falling out.

Those adjustable pads are a great idea for decking but I'm not so sure for flagstones?

SteM

The Continental Op wrote: »

Which leads to another issue you can't really point it because the gap is so small and there is nothing below to stop any that you can get in from falling out.

Those adjustable pads are a great idea for decking but I'm not so sure for flagstones?

Lantus has obviously used them so he'll know for sure but my understanding is that you don't point the slabs.

Not pointing the slabs would be great for keeping the patio surface dry I would imagine.

SteM

SteM wrote: »

They're tabs on the pedestal that hold the slabs in place.

Ah yes.
At least you wouldn't get weeds between them

Lantus

The Continental Op wrote: »

The rodent problem also crossed my mind with that setup.

In my case it's a solid border of concrete and wood which specifically is in place to prevent. The entire garden perimeter also has a concrete edge to prevent fogging under fences. The base is a foot of compacted hardcore. No issues in 3 years so far and neighbours have deck and known issue. Good design from the outset is needed. But it was just a few hours to lay the entire thing.