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Driveways & Paving

Indian stone paving - questions to ask prior to hiring

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.36 PM

I’m struggling to find a tradesperson able to install an Indian stone patio. Can someone help advise what questions I should ask to give me assurance before hiring? I have recently hired someone and it seems they didn’t really know what they were doing. They were using the dot and dab method and I’m convinced they weren’t using using the correct materials as each slab could be lifted easily by hand after 3 days. I really should’ve listened to the alarm bells during day 1 when I was asked for part payment up front rather than on completion.... I found it very difficult to question a ‘professional’ as this is definitely not my area of expertise. I also need steps building from the house to the patio which will cover the air bricks. The steps come from two different doorways that have 30mm difference in distance from floor level. Any guidance on questions I should be asking on process/materials beforehand would be appreciated. **Edit** can I also ask if the patio should be laid before the steps are built or vice versa? Thanks!

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5 Answers

Outdoor Build

Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Hull
All Indian sandstone should be laid on a full wet mortar bed ((sharp sand and cement))also slurry primer to back of paver air bricks should never be covered air brick must be rebuilt into step and a duct fitted from old air brick to new air brick in step
Answered5 October 2020
3

Robs Building Services

No reviews yet

Scunthorpe
I would laythe slabs on a sand cement screed on a solid bed this prevents them wobbling and prevents movement and cracking of joints if pointed with sand cement Steps can be installed 1st so achieve a neater finish ref to the air bricks could be ducted with a piece of 100mm pipe with a new air brick placed within the front of the step
Answered5 October 2020
1

GW Paving

No reviews yet

Sheffield
Definitely not for and Dan should use full bed method on 6-1 sand cement ratio steps no bother to a tradesman
Answered5 October 2020
0

K Harrison Fencing Limited

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Nottingham
In all the years I’ve been laying patio slabs I’ve never put them on fit and dabs all slabs should be laid on solid full beds underneath to prevent them from cracking/breaking when walking on them
Answered5 October 2020
0

Da Vinci Landscaping and Reinstatement Services

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Bradford
Well one thing's for sure, they should be on a full bed of cement! I also use sbr with all my paying and rinse the paving down in advance to clear all dust. Your right to question the installation method, this is something you should ask. I would advise you to get settled up with the landscaper, if he really is one!? Ask for proof of costs and labour charges and question it if your unsure.
Answered5 October 2020
0