Paving sand cement/mix (sharp or soft sand) Post your questions and get answers regarding all areas of drives, pathways and patios

[smeagle]

can paving slabs be laid on soft sand 3 parts, cement 1 part. The last patio i did i used 3 parts sharp sand and 1 part cement, i have to say though its been down for about 5 years now and has not budged an inch its still perfectly level and no slabs are broken i was just wondering wether a soft sand cement mix would be a bit easier to work with than a sharp sand cement mix is

thanks for any advice given

[thedoctor2]

Sharp sand is preferable as it is more flexible, when mixed to a fairly dry consistency, than soft sand. Its also stronger and less prone to freeze-thaw action (see our project on this). As you say, for light traffic, soft sand will do the job but it is not ideal.