Any builders on the forum?

[springbok]

Need some help :)

I am building a step with recycled engineering bricks,and a half slab.

My question is, what's the ratio of sand and cement please :)

I am laying the engineering bricks onto concrete outside my back door.

Thank you :D

[springbok]

[Baccy Man]

4 parts sand 1 part cement.

[Pesky Wabbit]

Cement : sand ratios.

Engineering                                  1:3
Commons and facing bricks          1:4,   1:5
Concrete blocks                            1:6,   1:7
Thermalite blocks & soft bricks      1:10  1:12

[Hyacinth]

You don't sound as though you need much and a couple of years ago when I needed only a small amount, I bought a bag of ready mixed stuff from Wickes. Price-wise,  buying the components was cheaper, of course, but it was a one-off job I was doing and this was more convenient for me.

[Need a Leek]

3 in 1 is good. for about a fiver you can get a bag of cement and a bag of building sand from Wickes...More than enough for what you need however there is always a use for it elsewhere...patching pots etc...my advice is stay away from the pre mix stuff.

Cheers
Tony

[kimbobill]

just make sure the bricks, slab and the path are cleaned with a wire brush so that theres something to key too. and give them a brush with PVA glue, it will soak into the surfaces and help it bond. personally I would go with  4:1

[Flunky]

Try to get sulphate resistant cement, generally used in earthy/damp situations. In a previous life, we used to use it for rendering below the damp course.

http://www.pioneercement.com/cement.html

Regards

F.

[springbok]

Thank you everyone :)  All was helpful.

My ex husband is a mason, he also gave me a tip.  A dot of fairy liquid in the mix helps it too.

He recommended the 3:1 ratio as the step will get a lot of wear.

And thanks for reminding me to make sure the area is spotless before I start work.. I usually jump in without thinking :D :D