Lay new stone?

Author
Discussion

Cogcog

Original Poster:

11,801 posts

238 months

Monday 1st July
quotequote all
My courtyard was put in by the builders; dot and dab spots with tumbled indian stone. 15 years on I have wobbly bits, cracked bits and almost no pointing (was repointed with the sweep-in stuff but it didnt last). I have strung it out so far by sweeping kiln and sharp sand into the joints for a 'med beach cafe' feel. But I am wondering now if I should suck it up and get the lot relaid with a proper base, decent stone and 2-pack pointing.

I think there is 200 sq meters, and based on having the patio done in the garden to a good standard in 2021 I think it is a £20k investment to do the courtyard.

Question: will I get my money back when I sell (in about 5 years? House is 4/5 bed worth about £1m.





spikeyhead

17,579 posts

200 months

Monday 1st July
quotequote all
I'd be surprised if you got your money back.

I'd lift the wobbly slabs and throw some more sand cement dry mix in to stop them wobbling.

For grout, a dry mix of sand and cement brushed then pushed down into the cracks will last far longer than the brush in stuff. Buy decent knee pads before starting that job.

snotrag

14,730 posts

214 months

Monday 1st July
quotequote all
Not in a million years will you get a 'return' on fixing it.

Just lift the wobbly ones and point it properly with sand and cement. It looks nice as is!

Snow and Rocks

2,061 posts

30 months

Monday 1st July
quotequote all
Is that really a £20k job to relay the existing stone?

The materials aren't especially expensive and although it's labour intensive, it's surely not that bad.

Edit - I think I've misunderstood and £20k is to replace everything with new.

PositronicRay

27,232 posts

186 months

Tuesday 2nd July
quotequote all
Top tip (from someone on here) refix wobbly slabs with squirty builders foam. Worked a treat on some steps.

Byker28i

62,922 posts

220 months

Tuesday 2nd July
quotequote all
PositronicRay said:
Top tip (from someone on here) refix wobbly slabs with squirty builders foam. Worked a treat on some steps.
That won't work for long surely

PositronicRay

27,232 posts

186 months

Tuesday 2nd July
quotequote all
Byker28i said:
PositronicRay said:
Top tip (from someone on here) refix wobbly slabs with squirty builders foam. Worked a treat on some steps.
That won't work for long surely
Refixed these a couple of yrs ago, grouted with some sweep in stuff, still rock solid. I get on okay wi5h the sweep in grout, what it needs is solid slabs and (what they don't tell you on the packet) is force it into the gaps and tamp it down. Hose pipe works well.



Edited by PositronicRay on Tuesday 2nd July 16:07