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
4 parts sand 1 part cement.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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