This PPOT gang is incredible! Here a total stranger (with vociferous political leanings contra to the majority here
) gets the support of a quality one usually expects only from family and the closest of friends! I hope I'll eventually be presented with the opportunity to respond in kind to you guys.
So,uh....more questions and clarification
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trekkor
The setting mortar is a premixed 'Masons Mix' or you can make your own.
1 part cement, 3 parts sand and 1/2 part lime. I use 2qts of liquid acrylic ( Hydroment multi purpose) per 150#'s of dry mix.
Does "Mason's Mix" contain acrylic or is that your custom mix just for the grout to increase its imperviousness to water, give a nicer finish?
This is a great material for grouting.
"Mason's Mix and your acrylic mix? Or just the latter?
Use a sponge to 'tool' the joints and wash the stone.
Rinse the sponge regularly. take care not to wash excessively or you will end up with an exposed aggregate like appearance.
Is an exposed aggregate appearance always undesireable? Or can that appearance be used purposely?
If you want to use a colored grout after the entire patio is complete, you might want to acid wash the surface first with a mild dilution.
I'd wait a few days after that and pre-seal so the grout releases out of the clefting in the stone.
A few days later, re-seal.
I'm unclear about sealing. I've been under the impression that sealing wasn't necessary. What is the sealant? Is it brushed on, being careful to avoid getting any on the flagstones?
Put your mortar on the slab.
Spread how thick on the slab (I know you said butter the stones with 1" of morter)?
Imbed the stone into it and tap into place with the mallet like was mentioned. Have a level handy to lay them flat in relationship with the adjoining pieces.
The mortar will squeeze up between the stone. Add mortar with a pointing trowel, let set for 10-15 minutes so it can set up a bit before you wash it
Wash it?
if you grout with the setting mortar.
Ah so! The setting morter can be used as the grout,
Sort your stone by thickness.
I'd start on one side with the thickest first, using slightly less mortar, then move across your slab.
I'm not comprehending the above. The flagstones I'm buying vary slightly in thickness, but not much - pretty close to 1" consistently. Don't understand what you mean by "start on one side with the thickest first". I'm planning to fit and lay all the stones dry over the entire slab, then setting them. Seems this will involve selecting stones sequentally based on how they best fit to adjacent stones rather than based on their thickness - I'm sure I'm a bit thick myself on grasping what you're saying.
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