Laying Indian limestone slabs

The current mix of sharp sand which is currently laid on should be a mix of 8/1 sharp sand to cement for a decent slab bedding. If you decide to use a hardcore layer, then all this generally does is provide a compact sub-base layer where you can blob each corner of the slab, and then cement it in place. Either way will work if done correctly so it is your call, but in my opinion I would use a bed of sharp sand mixed with cement because then the foundation covers the whole slab, meaning it's more sturdy and is subject to less movement as the ground is more compact. Hope this helps you out pal. Chris

All Indian sandstone should be laid a a full wet mortar mix with the back of the slab being brushed with either PVA or a cement wash. Slabs should never be laid on dabs as this allows water under the paving and when frost is around the water can freeze and pop the slabs loose. The other reason Indian sandstone should not be laid on dabs is that it can be a porous material and the marks of the dabs can come through the paving leaving a patchy look to the patio. The correct method for a patio should be at least a 150mm dig out followed by laying a geotextile membrane then type 1 sub base compacted to which the slabs are laid on a full wet mortar mix

I Agree with Patio & Drives slabs should always be laid on a full bed mix especially natural sandstone as these are calibrated to a certain thickness not like some which i have seen on a spot bed mix which i had to repair from other tradesman.

I agree with patios and drives the use of pva is the best way and a full bed of mortar,the problem with Indian stone is now very thin and if you us it on driveways it needs to be a strong mix.