RE Post on briken Granite patio

BJLower · 01-28-2009, 06:32 PM

I didn't quite write the first one up correctly. Which I know from the number of posts concerning how slippery wet granite and marble will be.

I've laid flagstone before. The challenge I have with laying (I keep getting more colors) Granite and Marble is that I'm going to have to lay it in small pieces to keep it from being trying to walk on wet ice. I think between the small pieces and raising the mortar a tad above the Granite and Marble should make it safe to walk on.

What I need to find out is if they make a really strong mortar to hold the pieces together that won't crack if I lay it on a bed of sugar sand. The Granite breaks with a nice rough edge, but the Marble breaks fairly clean. I'm going to have to see if a diamond blade in a grinder will rough it up enough to hold. If it won't then I'll just use all Granite.

I'm sure they must make a type of mortar that will hold these pieces together, but I'm having trouble finding it.

yesitsconcrete · 01-29-2009, 07:19 AM

this is odd,,, why would polished granite be less slippery if the pcs were smaller ? ? ?

if you've laid flag before, lay granite/marble the same,,, if you can raise the mortar ABOVE elevation, you'll be the 1st mason who ever did it to my knowledge,,, granite cuts easier than marble because it has a grain while marble does not - you just either don't know how to cut it OR are doing it incorrectly,,, i used to work in granite sheds so do have some experience w/pitching, bullnosing, & cutting.

who uses sugar sand for a base ? ? ? we pick a ' crusher run ' ( gabc, item 4, run of crush ) screed'd & compacted w/mason sand swept into the jnts - ny OR ga,,, mortar can only be so strong or it'll eventually crk,,, it actually needs more flexibility than excessive strength - these 2 qualities are poles apart.

if you want diamond saw'd edges, do it - we do ! its GRAVITY that holds the pieces down - mortar just keeps 'em from sliding around OR allowing grass to grow

stop tryin' to get 5gal into 4gal buckets,,, even i can't do that so i KNOW you'll have trouble ! ! !

harleysilo · 01-29-2009, 05:03 PM

sometimes other peoples trash really is trash. Think of another project to use your free stone on, it's not suited for this purpose, it will devalue your property.

Bud Cline · 02-01-2009, 01:18 AM

Quote:

this is odd,,, why would polished granite be less slippery if the pcs were smaller ? ? ?

BECAUSE...the grout joints occur with more frequency and are closer together thereby producing a greater opportunity for friction with the feet when walked on.

Quote:

who uses sugar sand for a base ? ? ?

NO KIDDIN'. Crushed sand or sharp sand should be used. I don't know what "sugar sand" is, but if you (BJ) are calling the white silica-sand sugar sand, then silica sand would be a bad idea.

Why do you keep starting a new thread with your every thought? Stay with one thread per topic so we know what the heck you are talking about.

yesitsconcrete · 02-01-2009, 06:23 AM

bud, sugar sand's just a very fine sand found in different parts of the country,,, only time i ever worried about it was conc ' green ' diamond sawing 'cause it'd cause premature segment undercutting thereby greatly reducing blade life.

Bud Cline · 02-01-2009, 11:58 AM

Got It!! Thanks. First I have heard of "sugar sand". I was in Sugarland Texas one time tho. Stayed at a Holiday Inn.

yesitsconcrete · 02-02-2009, 07:55 AM

ps, bud, on the slipperiness of smaller pcs 'cause of closer grout lines, we're in agreement,,, i was referring to the coefficient of skid only

Bud Cline · 02-03-2009, 12:39 AM

Yow the COF (coefficient of friction) should be a serious concern but it seems not too many people even know what it is or have ever heard of it. Polished granite is THE WORST under wet feet.

yesitsconcrete · 02-03-2009, 01:28 AM

its late - go to bed ! ! !