Pathway Restoration Using Existing Materials
This pathway was one of many in a very old cottage in Sussex. The crazy paving effect is due to the fact that path is constructed using semi-walling sandstone, mined from a local sand pit where such materials were considered waste. Whilst relatively soft when new, as the sandstone becomes weathered and oxidised over the years, it is long-lasting under light foot traffic.
This area had become ragged, as the edges eroded, and with little in the way of mortar between the joints, uncomfortable to walk on. The garden was open to the public during the season, and was in danger of having to be closed off to the visitors. My brief was to take the area up and re-lay it using the same logic and pattern.
The ground under the pathway was very solid, indeed, the garden is situated over a sandstone outcrop, requiring no concrete or reinforced foundations. I excavated to an average depth of 150mm and took up an area of approximately three metres in front of me as I was working, resulting in very little disruption to the garden.
After completion, with the paving stones now firmly bedded.
Using a strong sharp sand and cement mortar mix (4:1) for the laying bed, and a 1:3 cement and sand pointing mix – all carefully batched – I laid and pointed as the worked progressed. Using a small trowel pressed flat to ensure full compaction of the mortar, with the surface of the stones slightly proud of the flat pointing, then lightly brushed off when dry.
Minimum import of materials and minimal export (old laying bed).
