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Patio Mortar Bed Thickness Limit
Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.47 PM
I'm laying a patio. After digging too deep and having already bought and compacted 5 tonnes of hardcore type 1 for the sub-base, I don't know if I can bear to order/haul in another 1-2 tonnes to bring the sub-base up to the desired level. How thick can a mortar bed be with a very strong subbase underneath? I am looking to lay a 60-80mm mortar bed in some places to then lay my 18mm patio slabs on top of. Would 60-80mm be too thick?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
4 Answers
A. Rose, Gardner
Rating: 5 out of 5
Hi Ross,
No problems with a thick mortar bed; concrete has very good compressional stability. However, with a wet bed, bear in mind you'll be using a lot more mix (expensive) and similarly very thick beds can be a hassle to lay on and finish. If it were me, I would bite the bullet and put some more MOT down. This will save you time, money and hassle in the future.
All the best
Dan
Answered12 May 2022
15
S chilton Limited
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
60 is probably about the most but you could add concreting fibres to it to give it more strength in your thicker areas
Answered13 May 2022
1
Anonymous user
60mm
Answered12 May 2022
0
C.S Services
Rating: 5 out of 5
The thickness of the bed would not be an issue but if your slabs are 18mm thick I assume you are laying sandstone.
In any case if you final product is only 18 mm thick you will need to fully bed the slab.
If it was me I would be buying more Type 1 stone and bring up the sublayer.
This will give you a stronger flater area to lay on and save you money.
The sand and cement mix will be a lot more expensive .
You will find trying to level your slab on up to 80 mm harder as the slabs will move around on the morter base as you try to lay them.
Hope this helps.
Good luck
Regards
Richard
Answered2 June 2022
0